NATO Secretary General Rutte: We will need to spend far more than 2% of GDP on national defense.Central Economic Work Conference: In view of the bottleneck of industrial transformation and upgrading, the Central Economic Work Conference was held in Beijing from December 11th to 12th. The meeting proposed that we should unswervingly deepen reform and open wider to the outside world in view of the deep-seated obstacles and external challenges that restrict development; In view of the bottleneck restriction of industrial transformation and upgrading, promote the smooth continuous transformation of old and new kinetic energy; Strengthen policy support and optimize supervision services in response to concerns and demands in business operations; In view of the hidden risks in key areas, we will continue to vigorously promote risk disposal. We must vigorously improve the efficiency of implementation, fully mobilize the enthusiasm, initiative and creativity of grassroots units, continuously optimize the business environment, and better unite the joint efforts to promote high-quality development. (Xinhua News Agency)European Central Bank President Lagarde: The uncertainty brought by the next US administration is not within the forecast benchmark.
US President-elect Trump: If it cannot be approved, it is not excluded to use recess appointments to fill cabinet vacancies. It is "possible" to veto the budget or appropriation that does not conform to the newly established government efficiency department.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)Private exporters reported that they sold 334,000 tons of soybeans to unknown destinations, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released data. Private exporters reported that they sold 334,000 tons of soybeans to unknown destinations and delivered them in 2024/2025. The annual soybean market in the United States began on September 1st.
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)Spot gold fell by $5 in the short term and is now reported at $2,704 per ounce.Eurozone government bond yields barely changed, and eurozone government bond yields barely changed, after the European Central Bank cut interest rates by 25 basis points, as widely expected. Michael Brown of Pepperstone said in a report: "The interest rate cut was accompanied by a policy statement, which' copied and pasted' the policy guidance issued after the October meeting." The ECB reiterated that it would "follow the method of data dependence and successive meetings to determine the appropriate monetary policy stance." According to Tradeweb's data, after the interest rate was determined, the yield of two-year German government bonds was 1.941%, slightly lower than the previous 1.951%, while the yield of 10-year German government bonds was 2.130%, which was almost unchanged that day.