Latest Business News
Trump Tariffs Collect Record $236 Billion in Revenue
U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced $236 billion in tariff revenue from January through mid-December under President Trump's policies, the highest since 1935. Effective tariff rates peaked at nearly 17% in April, transforming U.S. trade norms and targeting evasion schemes.
The policies have raised tens of billions for the Treasury while impacting global supply chains.
Trump Tariffs Slash U.S. Trade Deficit from Record High
President Trump's 2025 tariffs reduced the U.S. trade deficit significantly, with imports from China dropping nearly 25% year-to-date. Tariffs hit nearly every country, shifting imports toward Mexico, Vietnam, and Taiwan while causing market volatility.
The effective U.S. tariff rate remains far higher than early 2025 levels.
Gold Surges to All-Time High Above $4,530 per Ounce
Spot gold rose as much as 1.2% to over $4,530 an ounce, driven by geopolitical tensions, U.S. dollar weakness, and thin year-end liquidity. Gold has gained around 70% in 2025, its best performance since 1979, supported by central bank buys and Fed rate cuts.
Trump's trade policies and debt concerns further boosted investor demand.
Silver Smashes Records Crossing $75 per Ounce
Spot silver climbed 5% to above $75 an ounce for a fifth session, up over 150% in 2025 amid safe-haven demand. The rally follows supply issues from an October short squeeze and potential U.S. tariffs on critical minerals.
Weaker dollar and expected 2026 rate cuts amplify gains.
Platinum Joins Precious Metals Rally to Historic Highs
Platinum jumped to all-time highs alongside gold and silver, fueled by escalating geopolitical risks including U.S. actions in Venezuela and Nigeria. Year-end thin liquidity exaggerated price swings in precious metals.
Lower Fed rates and debasement trade concerns support non-yielding assets.
Japan's Defense Budget Hits Record 9 Trillion Yen for 2026
Japan's draft fiscal 2026 defense budget reached 9.04 trillion yen ($58 billion), exceeding prior records to fund buildup plans through 2027. Funds include 100.1 billion yen for the 'Shield' coastal defense system with aerial and underwater vehicles.
1.1 billion yen allocated for long-endurance drones against airspace violations.
Zelensky to Meet Trump on Ukraine Security Guarantees
Ukrainian President Zelensky plans a Sunday meeting with Trump in Florida to discuss security guarantees, territorial issues, and Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. A 20-point peace plan is 90% ready with drafted guarantee documents.
The talks aim to address Ukraine's ongoing security needs.
Russia and U.S. Agree to Continue Economic Dialogue
Kremlin confirmed a phone conversation between Russian and U.S. officials, agreeing to ongoing dialogue after analyzing U.S. documents. The call involved Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov and White House officials, directed by Putin.
It follows economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev's U.S. visit.
Green Hydrogen Projects Stall Mid-Decade Despite Growth
Progress in green hydrogen is stalling halfway through a pivotal decade, with only 3 million tonnes from projects operating or under construction out of 100 million tonnes total market. IEA downgraded 2030 capacity estimate by 25% to 37 million tonnes.
Higher interest rates hinder financing for up-front heavy clean energy.
Renewables Face Headwinds from Sticky Long-Term Rates
Higher long-term interest rates and steeper yield curves make renewables less competitive against fossil fuels despite falling central bank rates. Trump's policies push Fed toward accommodation, but bond rates remain elevated.
This deters investments in clean power and grid networks.
India's Coal Generation Falls but Expansion Planned
India's fossil generation expected to drop 5% in 2025 due to strong hydro, solar, and wind output, worst in over a decade. However, government plans to increase coal fleet by nearly 50% by 2035.
Renewables boom must accelerate to counter new fossil plants.