U.S. Defense Secretary Austin discussed transitioning from high-intensity to lower-intensity, more precise operations in Israel.

US Defense Secretary Austin: We call on Hezbollah not to provoke a greater conflict.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin: This is an Israeli operation, and I am not specifying a timetable or terms here; we discussed today how to reduce harm to civilians on the battlefield.

USD/CAD stood at 1.34, up 0.19% on the day.

Israeli Defense Minister: Houthi attack could drag the region into war.

Market news: The United States and Finland signed a defense cooperation agreement in Washington.

Market news: Blue Origin will soon provide a new launch target time for the NS-24 launch mission.

Market news: Bezos’ Blue Origin canceled today’s launch due to ground system issues.

German Economy Minister Habeck: If we have to provide billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine, then we must also decide whether to implement an emergency exception.

Venezuela’s Oil Minister: Venezuela’s state-owned oil company PDVSA and Spanish state oil company Repsol will revise the original terms of the joint venture.

Shipping giant Maersk: It will charge a surcharge for Israeli import cargo bookings with January 8, 2024 as the price calculation date.

The euro rose 0.5% against the pound EUR/GBP and is now at 0.8636, a new high in two weeks.

Turkish President Erdogan: Turkey is ready to restart the Istanbul negotiation process and support Ukraine.

Market news: Venezuela and Spanish oil company Repsol signed a new oil cooperation agreement.

Turkish President Erdogan: Turkey and Hungary have now become a strengthened strategic partnership.

EU statement: The EU has added 29 Russian and third-country entities to the list of entities related to the Russian military-industrial complex.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu: The Houthi armed threat is a threat to global shipping freedom.

EU statement: The EU prohibits the direct or indirect import, purchase or transfer of diamonds from Russia.