Economic Data - The US housing market showed unexpected strength in December, with Housing Starts reaching 1.404 million units, exceeding the forecast of 1.304 million, marking a 6.2% month-over-month increase [2][9] - Building Permits also surpassed expectations at 1.448 million against a 1.400 million estimate, indicating robust activity in the construction sector [2] - Durable Goods Orders fell by 1.4%, but the decline was better than the anticipated 2.0%, while Durable Goods Ex-Transportation rose by 0.9%, significantly outperforming the 0.3% consensus [3][9] Geopolitical Developments - High-level diplomatic talks in Geneva between Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky and Ukrainian officials were described as "difficult but important," indicating ongoing communication despite challenges [5][9] - Reports of secret talks between Senator Marco Rubio and the grandson of Raul Castro suggest potential shifts in US-Cuba relations, while Russia continues to strengthen ties with Caribbean allies [6] Japan's Fiscal and Energy Outlook - Japan's Sanae Takaichi outlined a plan for a fundamental overhaul of the government budget, emphasizing sustainable fiscal policy and potential tax cuts through a refundable tax credit system [7][9] - US Energy Secretary Chris Wright projected that Venezuela's oil output could grow by 30% to 40% this year, which may impact global crude prices and strategies of major energy firms like Chevron [8][9]