Global Markets Eye Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, Yen Weakness, and US Critical Minerals Push

Pharmaceuticals - Novo Nordisk is set to receive FDA approval for the high-dose version of its weight-loss drug, Wegovy, expected in Q1 2026, indicating strong international demand following positive early signs from the UK launch [1] Currency Markets - The Japanese Yen has declined 0.6% against the US Dollar, trading at 156.67, with the USD/JPY exchange rate rising to 156.4610, a 0.44% increase from the previous session, driven by currency market volatility and differing monetary policies [2] US Policy - US Senators are advocating for a $70 billion funding initiative to support critical minerals, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign sources for essential materials like gallium, cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, which are vital for technology, defense, and electric vehicles [3] Global Energy - The Kremlin acknowledges India's efforts to diversify its oil supplies, highlighting the changing dynamics in global energy markets as India seeks to broaden its energy import sources beyond discounted Russian oil [4] Eurozone Economy - Italy's January Consumer Price Index (CPI) EU Harmonized year-over-year preliminary reading is at 1.0%, above the estimated 0.8% but down from 1.2% the previous month, indicating signs of moderation in inflation [5]