digital currencies and payment systems Top stories

Iraqi security forces destroyed eight extremist strongholds in northern Iraq. On December 12, local time, the Iraqi Joint Operations Command issued a statement saying that Iraqi security forces are continuing to track and crack down on members of the extremist organization "Islamic State" in the country. Recently, in the hamlin Mountains in Kirkuk province, Iraqi security forces destroyed eight extremist strongholds, including personnel hiding places and weapons storage facilities. (CCTV News)Central Economic Work Conference: Deepen the comprehensive reform of capital market investment and financing, and open up the blocking points of medium and long-term funds entering the market. The Central Economic Work Conference was held in Beijing from December 11 to 12. The meeting proposed to give play to the traction role of economic system reform and promote the implementation of landmark reform measures. High-quality completion of the deepening and upgrading of state-owned enterprise reform, the introduction of private economy promotion law. Carry out special actions to standardize law enforcement involving enterprises. Formulate guidelines for the construction of a unified national market. Strengthen supervision and promote the healthy development of platform economy. Make overall plans to promote the reform of the fiscal and taxation system and increase local independent financial resources. Deepen the comprehensive reform of investment and financing in the capital market, open up the blocking points of medium and long-term funds entering the market, and enhance the inclusiveness and adaptability of the capital market system.Royal Bank of Canada: The European Central Bank may move towards negative real interest rate. Royal Bank of Canada BlueBay Asset Management said that the European Central Bank may cut the interest rate below 2% next year, which the agency estimated to be a short-term neutral interest rate. Kaspar Hense, senior portfolio manager of the institution, said in a report that the core inflation rate is expected to be around 2.5% in the first half of 2025, which means that the real interest rate will be negative. He said that under the influence of unfavorable factors such as trade, continuous competitive pressure from other countries and financial problems, this should play a moderate supporting role in the economy.

Qualcomm appointed BAAZIZ ACHOUR as Chief Technology Officer.Analysis: Lagarde's speech increased the market's bet to cut interest rates by 50 basis points. In December, the European Central Bank lowered its economic forecast and inflation forecast. At the press conference, European Central Bank President Lagarde paid attention to the downside risks of economic growth, especially mentioning that trade friction may put pressure on economic growth, and also mentioned that they discussed cutting interest rates by 50 basis points. Therefore, the atmosphere of the whole meeting is biased towards doves. The market then increased its bet on a 50 basis point rate cut after January. Although the possibility of a sharp interest rate cut in January is stable at 30%, the possibility of a 50 basis point interest rate cut in March has increased from 30% before the meeting to 40%, and the possibility of a 50 basis point interest rate cut in April has increased from 0% to 5%.After the release of US economic data, traders increased their bets on the Fed's interest rate cut next year, and US short-term interest rate futures narrowed and fell earlier.

Central Economic Work Conference: Deepen the comprehensive reform of capital market investment and financing, and open up the blocking points of medium and long-term funds entering the market. The Central Economic Work Conference was held in Beijing from December 11 to 12. The meeting proposed to give play to the traction role of economic system reform and promote the implementation of landmark reform measures. High-quality completion of the deepening and upgrading of state-owned enterprise reform, the introduction of private economy promotion law. Carry out special actions to standardize law enforcement involving enterprises. Formulate guidelines for the construction of a unified national market. Strengthen supervision and promote the healthy development of platform economy. Make overall plans to promote the reform of the fiscal and taxation system and increase local independent financial resources. Deepen the comprehensive reform of investment and financing in the capital market, open up the blocking points of medium and long-term funds entering the market, and enhance the inclusiveness and adaptability of the capital market system.Qualcomm appointed BAAZIZ ACHOUR as Chief Technology Officer.The Prime Minister of Qatar and the Iranian Foreign Minister discussed the situation in Syria by telephone. On December 12, local time, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar Mohammed and the Iranian Foreign Minister Alagh made a phone call, focusing on the situation in Syria. The two sides stressed that the international community must take action to prevent Israel from continuing to attack Syria's infrastructure and occupy Syrian territory. The two sides also expressed their willingness to help Syria achieve stability and establish an inclusive political system in line with the wishes of the Syrian people. (CCTV News)