According to Russian Sputnik: Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Northern Sea Route is now more effective than the Suez Canal route, and the economic benefits of cargo transportation have doubled.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Schumer: Encouraged by the progress of budget negotiations over the weekend.

Argentina’s Central Bank: Will stop auctioning Liquidity Notes (LELIQ).

The UK Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO) has received reports that two drones were sighted 155 kilometers east of Djibouti near the Gulf of Aden and advised ships to proceed with caution.

Hang Seng Index futures closed down 0.55% in night trading at 16,541 points, 88 points lower.

[A 4.9-magnitude earthquake occurred in southeastern Chile] According to the European Mediterranean Seismological Center, at 14:38 local time on December 18, a 4.9-magnitude earthquake occurred in southeastern Chile, with a focal depth of 10 kilometers. So far, there have been no reports of casualties or property damage.

It is reported that ADNOC, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company of the United Arab Emirates, plans to increase its acquisition bid for Covestro to about 60 euros per share.

The Federal Reserve accepted a total of $724.704 billion from 86 counterparties in fixed-rate reverse repurchase operations.

Spot gold fell back from its daily high of $2,033 per ounce to $2,029 per ounce.

Hamas posted a video of three Israeli hostages in Gaza on social platforms.

Spot silver rose by $0.1 in the short term and is currently at $23.81 per ounce.

Fertilizer producer MOSAIC: Ships from Saudi Arabia to the US Gulf have changed their routes from the Red Sea.

The White House: The United States plans to provide a package of aid measures to Ukraine later this month.

Governor of the Central Bank of Brazil: Our digital currency Drex may not be launched until 2025.

Houthi armed official: We reiterate that the shipping lanes of the Red Sea and Arabian Sea are safe except for Israeli-owned ships.

Hamas official: We are open to Qatari-Egyptian initiative on hostage exchange as a way to stop conflict in Gaza.

Hamas official: Once again, the hostage exchange issue can only be renegotiated after Israel stops its offensive on Gaza.

Market News: The SEC has delayed approval of the listing of the Grayscale Ethereum Futures Trust ETF.