Currency volatility will keep fading into the new year, traders say, with the policy paths of major central banks looking clearly defined for the foreseeable future https://t.co/k3m3IdvinE ...

Corporate Moves: Acquisitions, Succession, and IPOs - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) announced a definitive agreement to acquire Halda Therapeutics for $3.05 billion in cash, aiming to expand its oncology portfolio, particularly in treatments for solid tumors and prostate cancer [5] - Apple (AAPL) is reportedly intensifying preparations for CEO Tim Cook's succession, with John Ternus, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, considered the likely successor [6] - The Pinkfong Company (403850.KQ), creator of "Baby Shark," saw its shares surge 55% above its IPO price on debut, pricing its IPO at 38,000 won per share and raising 76 billion won ($53 million) [7] Geopolitical and Economic Policy Developments - The UK has raised its bank deposit guarantee to £120,000 from £85,000, effective December 1, to keep pace with inflation and maintain public confidence in the banking system [8] - U.S. sanctions on Russian oil majors Rosneft and Lukoil are effectively reducing Russian oil revenues, pushing crude prices to multi-year lows and expected to negatively impact Russian oil export volumes [10]

Currency Markets - The Singapore Dollar (SGD) has depreciated to 1.307 against the U.S. Dollar (USD), marking its weakest level since May 12, indicating broader currency volatility [2][8] - Japanese Finance Minister Katayama is monitoring foreign exchange movements with urgency, highlighting concerns over rapid currency fluctuations and the need for stability [3][8] - The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is maintaining a cautious approach to interest rate hikes, influenced by the need to assess economic trends amid potential U.S. tariffs and a government shutdown [3][8] Geopolitical Developments - An explosion at a petrochemical facility in Russia's Bashkortostan region resulted in a partial workshop collapse, raising safety concerns in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions [4][8] - A meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin focused on enhancing economic, industrial, and technological cooperation, aiming to strengthen the China-Russia strategic partnership [5][8] Healthcare Sector - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) CEO Joaquin Duato anticipates significant advancements in healthcare technology over the next decade, driven by a deeper understanding of disease biology and advancements in AI and machine learning [6][8] - Duato envisions a "golden era of medical innovation," leveraging data science solutions to deliver transformative medical technologies and medicines globally [6][8]

Easing currency volatility is giving fresh support to emerging-market carry trades by reducing risk, according to analysts at Mizuho and Goldman Sachs https://t.co/U2Qyv1KzyE ...