India is set to participate in a key US-organized meet on critical minerals, with Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw likely to represent the nation. This engagement signals a broader US effort to diversify supply chains away from China's dominance. India will also join the US-led Pax Silica initiative ahead of its AI summit.
States met with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ahead of the FY27 budget. They asked for more special assistance for capital investments and help with GST revenue losses. Increased funding for urban and rural schemes was also requested. Support for housing programs and disaster management was highlighted. The minister urged states to undertake reforms for India's developed nation goal by 2047.
Unlike Chicago and northwest Indiana, the Kansas City metroplex and its 2.4 million people are tightly intertwined across Missouri and Kansas, making a potential Bears move to Gary or Hammond very different from the Chiefs' efforts.
Aberdeen Investments is reducing its stake in Venezuela's defaulted bonds. These bonds have seen a significant price increase over the past year. Portfolio manager Kevin Daly cited high tail risk as the reason for this prudent move. Despite recent gains, the path to debt restructuring remains challenging due to ongoing US sanctions.
Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte confirmed a $3 billion mortgage bond purchase occurred Friday, the day after President Trump ordered a $200 billion buy to lower housing costs. Pulte also stated that the privatization of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae remains a possibility, though he did not provide a timeline for the full $200 billion purchase.
Argentina has successfully paid $4.3 billion to sovereign bondholders, meeting its January 9 deadline. This crucial payment, despite low foreign reserves, aims to boost investor confidence and reopen international capital markets. The government is keen to signal stability as more significant repayments loom, including to the IMF. Analysts are watching for a positive market reaction and potential reserve rebuilding.
