Czech industry closed 2025 on a positive note as the manufacturing PMI rose to 50.4 in December, up from 48.0 in November, moving back into expansion territory for the first time since June. The December reading marks the strongest sentiment in the sector in more than three years and points to very mild growth at the end of the year.
The PMI’s jump above the 50 threshold signals an uptick in manufacturing activity after months in contraction territory. A reading of 50.4 indicates only modest expansion, but it nonetheless reverses the downward trend observed through much of 2025.
As a leading indicator of industrial health, the PMI’s improvement suggests easing pressures in production and order books heading into 2026, offering a cautiously positive signal for the Czech economy. #PMI #CzechIndustry #CzechRepublic #FiatNews
On 2 January 2026 the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ) reported that the Czech economy grew by 2.8% year‑on‑year in the third quarter of 2025. Gross domestic product rose 0.8% compared with the previous quarter.
The ÄŚSĂš described the figure as an updated/clarified estimate, refining earlier releases. The notice provided the headline annual and quarterly rates.
The full ÄŚSĂš release published on 2 January 2026 will contain the detailed breakdown of sectoral contributions and methodology. #CzechRepublic #GDP #ÄŚSĂš #FiatNews
After years of stagnation, the outlook for the Czech economy in 2026 is optimistic. Forecasters expect the economy to enjoy favourable macro conditions similar to last year, with brisk GDP growth close to potential, inflation aligned with the central bank’s target, stable interest rates and a further strengthening of the koruna.
Key projections highlight growth near trend rather than overheating, a return of price stability consistent with policy goals, and continuity in monetary settings that should support both investment and currency appreciation. The assessment frames 2026 as a year in which previously stalled momentum may resume under benign macroeconomic conditions.
Background: the forecast follows several years of limited expansion and projects a pickup in activity without renewed inflationary pressures, implying a policy environment that can remain steady while the exchange rate firms. #CzechEconomy #GDP #inflation #CzechRepublic #FiatNews
Chinese tech giant Baidu plans to separate its semiconductor subsidiary Kunlunxin and offer its shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, according to a report dated Jan. 2, 2026. The unit develops chips for artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
The move would involve spinning off Kunlunxin as a listed company in Hong Kong; the report did not provide details on timing, the size of the offering, or valuation.
Kunlunxin is Baidu’s dedicated AI chip division, reflecting the group’s activities in both AI software and hardware. #Baidu #Kunlunxin #AI #HongKong #FiatNews
The Czech Statistical Office (ÄŚSĂš) will publish revised Q3 GDP figures today. Preliminary data showed year-on-year growth of 2.8% for Q3 and a solid quarter-on-quarter acceleration; the upcoming release will provide the finalized numbers. #CzechRepublic #GDP #FiatNews
Bulgaria welcomes the euro, the headline states. The announcement signals the country’s entry into the euro area and adoption of the common currency; the report presents this as a completed policy development without additional fiscal or timetable details. #Bulgaria #euro #FiatNews
SpaceX is changing the orbital altitude of thousands of its satellites, the headline reports. The move affects large portions of the company's constellation and implies coordinated orbital adjustments across many units. No further technical details were provided in the brief item. #SpaceX #satellites #FiatNews
BYD has overtaken Tesla, according to reports on Jan 2, 2026. The headline indicates BYD surpassed Tesla in a key ranking, underscoring rising competition in the electric-vehicle sector. The report did not specify the exact metric used for the comparison. #BYD #Tesla #FiatNews
A commentary published 1 January 2026 revisits the idea that trade can reduce conflict, tracing the theme “from South American tribes through Keynes to today.” The author opens with a study claiming that indigenous groups in South America engaged in relatively active commerce, and that such exchange helped to eliminate hostile relations among them.
The piece connects that historical observation to broader economic thought — invoking Keynesian frameworks — and considers the continuity between local, exchange-based conflict mitigation and modern market mechanisms. It presents trade not as a panacea but as a recurring social institution that can shape relations between groups.
By following the thread from ethnographic evidence to mainstream economics and contemporary implications, the commentary highlights how economic ties have long been seen as a factor in reducing antagonism. #trade #peace #Keynes #FiatNews
Jon Danielsson of the London School of Economics argues on VoxEU that efforts to eliminate financial crises can paradoxically raise their probability. He warns that while each crisis is followed by stronger financial supervision, these measures have not removed underlying vulnerabilities in the system.
Danielsson’s piece highlights a persistent tension in policy: post-crisis regulation and oversight intensify, yet the financial system remains exposed to new shocks. The commentary calls attention to the limits of reactive supervision as a sole strategy for ensuring stability.
The analysis is published on VoxEU and serves as a reminder for policymakers and market participants that tightening rules after crises does not necessarily eliminate systemic risk. #VoxEU #LSE #financialstability #FiatNews
On Dec. 31, 2025, Wall Street closed the year in a calm, technical mode. The final trading day of 2025 saw the main U.S. indices finish marginally in the red, reflecting subdued activity on the screens.
The closing session was attributed to low liquidity and an absence of new fundamental impulses, leaving trading largely technical. The commentary described the day as "very calm and technical," with indices ending "slightly in the red."
No specific index readings or individual stock moves were detailed in the report. Further market participants’ reactions and full session data were not provided. #WallStreet #USMarkets #Stocks #2025 #FiatNews
The US dollar is set for its steepest annual fall since 2017 as markets price in further weakness driven by the Federal Reserve’s return to rate cuts. The dollar has dropped 9.5% this year against a basket of major currencies; the euro has surged nearly 14% to above $1.17. Wall Street banks forecast the euro at $1.20 and the pound at $1.36 by end-2026.
Analysts say the currency’s slide began after President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements in April and was prolonged when the Fed resumed easing in September. Traders expect two to three quarter-point Fed cuts by the end of 2026, while the ECB has signalled it may hold or raise rates. “This has been one of the worst years for dollar performance in the history of free-floating exchange rates,” said George Saravelos of Deutsche Bank. ING’s James Knightley added the Fed is “still very much in easing mode.”
The dollar’s weakness helps US exporters but hurts some European firms with US sales. Market attention also focuses on the next Fed chair, with reports that candidates perceived as likely to cut more aggressively could further pressure the currency. Mark Sobel of OMFIF warned of a slow erosion of the dollar’s dominance, while SocGen’s Kit Juckes noted US tech-driven growth could limit how far the Fed can cut. #USD #EUR #Fed #FX #FiatNews
A review of 2025’s US trade policy highlights an active year of tariff measures under President Donald Trump, describing a global offensive of trade barriers and detailing the chronology of actions taken through the year. #trade #Trump #FiatNews
Will a stronger dollar reduce the attractiveness of U.S. investment assets? A recent commentary asks this question and points out that the best forecast for next year’s return on the U.S. equity market — and arguably any other year — is the simple expected return. At present that expected return is estimated to be roughly 8%.
The piece frames this expected return as the primary benchmark for investors assessing prospective performance. That 8% figure is presented as the central planning assumption for returns over the coming year.
Taken together, the analysis suggests investors should weigh the current expected return of about 8% when judging how currency moves might alter the appeal of U.S. assets, rather than relying solely on short-term exchange-rate developments. #USD #USstocks #Equities #FiatNews
Czech National Bank data show household lending at banks rose in November to about CZK 2.565 trillion, a month-on-month increase of roughly CZK 19.4 billion. Loans to non‑financial corporations also grew, climbing by about CZK 26.9 billion to approximately CZK 1.491 trillion. #CNB #CzechRepublic #CZK
The figures were reported for November and reflect month-on-month changes in bank lending stock. Household debt at banks reached around CZK 2.565 trillion, while corporate credit outstanding was near CZK 1.491 trillion.
The data points come from the central bank’s lending aggregates for November, showing simultaneous rises in both consumer and business lending without additional commentary from the source. #FiatNews
In an interview published on Dec. 31, 2025, Martin Kupka, economist at ÄŚSOB and KBC, said that economies in Central and Eastern Europe have faced global pressures but remain surprisingly resilient, with the Czech Republic emerging as the best performer in regional comparisons and Bulgaria on track to join the eurozone. Kupka framed the Czech outcome as a relative success story within the region and outlined contrasts with neighbors such as Poland, Slovakia and Hungary.
He explained the drivers behind the Czech Republic’s stronger showing and detailed what Bulgaria’s euro entry will mean for the country’s economic integration. Kupka also described important differences in performance and policy across Poland, Slovakia and Hungary, noting that the region’s resilience has been uneven.
The interview provides a regional outlook highlighting both common external headwinds and varied national responses that shape each country’s macroeconomic trajectory. #CzechRepublic #Bulgaria #eurozone #CentralEurope #FiatNews
Warren Buffett officially steps down as chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway on Dec. 31, 2025. From Jan. 1, 2026, Greg Abel will take over the leadership of the conglomerate, marking the start of a new era at the company. #BerkshireHathaway #WarrenBuffett #GregAbel
Buffett, long described in the report as an investing legend and the "Oracle of Omaha," leaves the post he has held through decades of the firm’s development. The announcement in the year-end note confirms a planned, orderly handover of responsibilities.
The report raises the question of whether governance or investment strategy will change under Abel. No specifics on shifts to strategy or portfolio management were provided in the source; the changeover itself is presented as the principal development. #FiatNews
Spanish equities have emerged as the top-performing major market in Europe, posting their strongest annual performance since the early 1990s. Market participants and strategists say the rally marks the best year for Spain’s main stock market since 1993. Bloomberg reports analysts expect the momentum to carry into the coming year.
The advance is attributed to a mix of stronger economic fundamentals, an improving outlook for corporate earnings and a supportive domestic market environment. These factors have combined to lift investor sentiment and drive gains across Spanish-listed stocks.
Bloomberg-cited analysts anticipate continued growth next year, though no specific forecasts were cited in the report. #Spain #equities #markets #Bloomberg #FiatNews
On the last trading day of the year (31 December 2025), the main European equity index traded near record highs as most European stocks strengthened. The index is up about 17% for the year, marking the strongest annual gain since 2021.
Traders noted broad-based gains across European markets on the year-end session, leaving the key benchmark close to its all-time peak. The roughly 17% advance represents the best yearly performance of the index in four years.
No single driver was specified in the report; the move was described as a general strengthening of European shares into year-end. #EuropeStocks #Markets #FiatNews
President Donald Trump’s trade policy in 2025 unleashed tariff battles around the world, making the year one of repeated reversals and upheaval in US trade relations. The overview characterizes 2025 as a year full of twists and sets out a chronological review of the administration’s trade offensive.
The original piece, dated 31 December 2025, retraces the sequence of measures that defined the year: a series of tariff announcements, subsequent countermeasures and shifts in negotiating stances. It frames these events as a sustained, global trade campaign rather than a single isolated dispute.
The report aims to provide a timeline of actions and reactions through the year and places the 2025 offensive in the broader context of US trade policy under President Trump. #Trump #trade #tariffs #FiatNews
As markets enter 2026, attention turns to what central banks will do next. Monetary policy remained one of the main drivers of financial markets through 2025; after aggressive rate hikes to counter an inflation shock, both the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank have since moved in the opposite direction, loosening monetary conditions. The question now is how their next steps will shape markets and economic momentum in the year ahead.
Key facts: central banks were the principal market movers in 2025. Following a period of significant tightening, the Fed and the ECB reversed course and continued to ease policy, contributing to looser financing conditions across advanced economies. Investors will closely monitor inflation prints, growth indicators and policy statements for signs of further adjustments.
Context: the shift from rapid rate increases to easing reflects central banks’ responses to shifting inflation and growth dynamics. Market participants will be watching upcoming central bank meetings and economic data for clearer guidance on the trajectory of rates and liquidity in 2026. #MonetaryPolicy #Fed #ECB #FiatNews
European markets will trade for only a half-day on Dec. 31, 2025, with shortened sessions across major exchanges for the end-of-year holiday. Investors should expect lighter volumes and reduced post-market activity. #EuropeMarkets #FiatNews
Trump Mobile has postponed the planned release of its mobile phone, citing a delay in the launch schedule on Dec. 31, 2025. The company did not provide a new release date in initial reports. #TrumpMobile #FiatNews