Gold Silver Reports – Global economic growth is slowing, according to the International Monetary Fund, policymakers and hundreds of economists polled by Reuters – but that downturn is coming at a time when central banks’ arsenals are running on empty.
Diplomacy / Foreign Policy
‘No-deal’ Would Prevail if UK’s Brexit plan Unclear by Next Week: France
Gold Silver Reports (GSR) – Britain would only be granted an extension to the Article 50 Brexit negotiation period if its parliament passed the deal on the table or if a clear alternative plan emerged by next week’s EU summit, a French official said on Friday.
China-U.S. Trade Talks ‘Making a Final Sprint’: State Media
Chinese state media on Saturday expressed cautious optimism over trade talks between the United States and China, a day after President Xi Jinping said a week of discussions had produced “step-by-step” progress.
Trump to focus on border ‘Crisis,’ seek support for wall in TV address
Gold Silver Reports (GSR) – Trump’s prime-time address, scheduled for 9 p.m. (0200 GMT Wednesday) will be his latest attempt to persuade Congress to fund construction of a huge barrier along the 2,000-mile (3,200-km) border.
China Poised to Buy More U.S. Soybeans
China bought U.S. soybeans for the first time in six months after U.S. President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping met on Dec. 1 and set a 90-day negotiating window to resolve their trade differences.
OPEC Has Shown it can Reach Deal Despite Splits: Iran Oil Minister
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its Russia-led allies agreed on Dec. 7 to cut output by more than expected, despite pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to reduce the price of crude.
UK, EU Agree Tentative Brexit Deal on Financial-Services: The Times
British and European negotiators have reached tentative agreement on all aspects of a future partnership on services, as well as the exchange of data, the British newspaper reported, citing government sources.