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U.S. markets were muted over the holiday while Asian stocks were lifted by an AI‑led tech rebound. The S&P 500 remains near record highs, the Nasdaq shows tech strength, and the Dow lags on cyclical weakness. Volatility is elevated as investors weigh Nvidia chip restrictions, cybersecurity breaches and the Hong Kong tragedy as near‑term catalysts.
A massive high‑rise inferno in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has killed dozens and left hundreds unaccounted for, triggering a large-scale rescue and forensic effort. The tragedy has rippled through property markets and insurers, forcing developers to pause sales and exposing safety failures.
75 – Reported deaths so far in the Hong Kong high‑rise fire.
Investigations into the brazen shooting of two National Guard members in Washington reveal the suspect had ties to U.S.-backed forces in Afghanistan. The incident has prompted the administration to order reviews of immigration and vetting processes, sharpening political tensions.
OpenAI disclosed a security incident tied to a third‑party analytics vendor that exposed API account names and telemetry, prompting vendor reviews and the termination of that vendor relationship. The episode raises fresh concerns about third‑party risk across AI firms.
CATL and Stellantis break ground on €4.1bn Spanish EV battery plant
CATL and Stellantis started construction on a €4.1bn battery factory in Spain, a major European industrial investment expected to create thousands of jobs and boost EV supply chains.
More on euronews.com
South Korea’s biggest crypto exchange halted withdrawals after a Solana‑network theft, deepening scrutiny of exchange security. The heist came days after Naver closed a deal tied to the platform, prompting questions over due diligence in crypto deals.
China tightened controls on AI hardware usage, barring certain firms from using U.S.‑made Nvidia chips, while major Chinese tech players shift AI training offshore to access restricted chips. The moves are reshaping global AI supply chains.
Asahi admits major data leak — up to 1.5m customers exposed
Asahi confirmed a ransomware incident may have exposed personal data for roughly 1.5 million customers, raising regulatory and reputational risks for the brewer as it revises earnings into 2026.
More on bbc.com
Taiwanese authorities executed raids and searches in a widening probe into alleged leaks of foundry secrets, targeting former TSMC executives and Intel personnel. The dispute threatens to strain cross‑industry ties and heighten scrutiny on IP protection.
Anduril’s rapid deployment model has triggered setbacks and safety concerns, with documents showing product breakdowns and customers halting use after drone crashes. The issues underscore execution risks at fast‑scaling defense startups.
DHS ordered a review of green cards for nationals from ‘countries of concern’ after the D.C. shooting; the EU moved to make platforms liable for financial scams and advanced a contentious chat‑scanning draft, tightening tech oversight.
Quantum Systems’ fresh funding and investor interest have sharply boosted valuations for defence‑focused drone makers. The surge highlights investor appetite for UAV and surveillance technologies amid renewed military demand in Europe.
The SEC has opened inquiries into Jefferies’ disclosures and its ties to the bankrupt First Brands Group, probing bank transparency and potential conflicts. The investigation could unsettle market confidence in boutique and mid‑tier investment banks.
This was an act of terror.
— President Donald Trump
JPMorgan’s planned Canary Wharf development and other London investments signal renewed big‑bank faith in the city’s role as a global financial hub. The projects underscore long‑term corporate real estate bets despite hybrid work and economic uncertainty.
Global markets are trading mixed with U.S. markets closed for the holiday but tech‑led rallies lifting Asian bourses. Investors balanced AI enthusiasm against geopolitical shocks and fresh cybersecurity incidents, keeping volatility elevated.
Chinese EV makers are accelerating overseas expansion as domestic sales cool and margins tighten, sparking investor concern about sector profitability. Analysts warn 2026 could be challenging if incentive cuts and slowing demand persist.
Petrobras unveiled a sweeping $109bn business plan for 2026‑30, betting on output and investment to drive growth. At the same time, Brazilian authorities launched a major probe into a $4.8bn tax‑evasion and money‑laundering network, highlighting governance risks.
A deadly crash prompted UPS to ground a fleet of planes for inspections, threatening logistics capacity ahead of the holiday peak. The suspension adds pressure to parcel networks during the busiest delivery season of the year.
Brussels moved to hold social platforms liable for financial scams while a contested chat‑scanning proposal cleared a key hurdle, triggering privacy concerns. The twin measures signal a tougher EU regulatory posture on tech platforms.
Tokyo’s core inflation surprised to the upside, strengthening the case for the Bank of Japan to maintain a tighter policy bias. The hotter data complicate global rate‑cut expectations and reverberate through Asian bond markets.
Retailers report solid Black Friday momentum even as tariffs and price pressures bite, with forecasts pointing to record holiday spending. Rising consumer caution and targeted boycotts remain downside risks for sales volumes.
Soldiers in Guinea‑Bissau have seized power days after elections, naming a junta leader and forcing the president into exile in Senegal. The coup marks another blow to democratic norms in West Africa and risks regional instability.
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