You are invited to join us for Global Crisis Watch 262, on Friday 9th February at 10.00 GMT.
The highlighted topics will include:
US Lawmakers Scramble Seek to Salvage Ukraine Aid Funding After Breakdown in Support for Bipartisan Legislative Package
In the wake of legislative setbacks in Congress, US lawmakers are exploring alternative methods to secure aid for Ukraine and Israel following the collapse of bipartisan support for legislative packages in Congress. The failure of bipartisan legislative packages threatens to sever the vital flow of US support to Kyiv, deeply worrying Ukrainian officials who fear that the absence of American aid could tilt the balance in favour of Russian forces. Senate Majority Leader Schumer proposed stripping border provisions to focus aid on Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan, but faces scepticism in the House.
OECD Interim Outlook Predicts Rapid Fall in US Inflation, Opening the Way for Global Interest Rate Cuts
The OECD Interim Outlook has forecasted a swift decline in US inflation, potentially allowing for global interest rate reductions in the near future. While US inflation is expected to drop to 2.2% in 2024 and 2% in 2025, among the lowest in the G7, the UK is predicted to experience the group’s highest inflation rates. The OECD suggests cautious optimism and is predicting that central banks, including the Federal Reserve, might start cutting rates by mid-year in the US and later in the euro area and the UK. However, it advises against rapid rate decreases and calls for a gradual approach to avoid pre-pandemic lows.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Rejects Hamas Conditions for a Deal to Release Gaza Hostages
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unequivocally rejected Hamas’s conditions for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages, calling their demands “delusional.” Despite international diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the hostages release, Netanyahu remains committed to achieving “total victory” over Hamas in Gaza. Hamas’s demands, including a significant ceasefire duration, withdrawal of Israeli troops and the release of Palestinian prisoners, have been dismissed by the Israeli Government in favour of ongoing military pressure to ensure the release of hostages.
Chinese Chipmakers Make Ongoing Advances in Next-Generation Semiconductor Production Despite US Security Restrictions
The development of China’s advanced chip industry is continuing to make progress despite US efforts to block access to the next-generation semiconductor technology. SMIC, the leading chipmaker in China, is setting up new lines in Shanghai to produce advanced 5-nanometer chips for Huawei’s next-generation smartphones. This push towards making more sophisticated chips is part of Beijing’s goal to become self-reliant in advanced chip manufacturing – and the latest advances signal significant progress in the face of international restrictions aimed at slowing its tech growth.
Plus, all the stories that are catching our attention wherever we live in the world. Feel free to join us and add your voice to the conversation.