International News 08 December 2025
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Gold Rises on Fed Rate-Cut Bets as Silver Hits All-Time High
Gold prices climbed on Friday (5/12/2025) as expectations strengthened that the U.S. Federal Reserve will cut interest rates next week. Spot gold rose 1% to US$4.212,16 per troy ounce, though it remains on track for a 0.4% weekly decline, while U.S. February gold futures closed flat at US$4.243. The move followed soft U.S. economic data: core PCE inflation increased 0.3% in September, with annual growth easing to 2.8%, and private-sector employment seeing its sharpest drop in more than two and a half years. Dovish comments from Fed officials further boosted confidence, with CME FedWatch showing an 87.2% probability of a 25 bps cut on December 9–10. Analysts note that a weaker dollar and rising expectations of monetary easing continue to support bullion. Allegiance Gold COO Alex Ebkarian projects gold will trade in the US$4.200–US$4.500 range this year and US$4.500–US$5.000 next year, depending on Fed policy. Meanwhile, silver surged to a record high, outpacing gold’s gains, though physical gold demand in India and China softened as consumers awaited a price correction.
Netflix’s US$72 Billion Bid for Warner Bros Discovery Shakes Hollywood
Netflix agreed on Friday (Dec 5, 2025) to acquire Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) for US$72 billion, securing control of one of Hollywood’s most iconic content libraries, including HBO, DC Comics, “Harry Potter,” and “Game of Thrones.” The deal outbid Paramount Skydance’s US$24-per-share offer, with Netflix offering nearly US$28 per share. This marks Netflix’s largest acquisition ever, signaling a dramatic power shift in Hollywood as the world’s biggest streamer absorbs a major rival. However, the takeover is expected to face intense antitrust scrutiny in the U.S. and Europe, with lawmakers, cinema associations, and industry leaders warning it could reduce competition and threaten the theatrical ecosystem. Netflix pledged to maintain theatrical releases, boost U.S. production, and expand creative job opportunities to ease regulatory concerns. Under the structure, WBD shareholders will receive US$23.25 in cash + US$4.50 in Netflix stock per share, valuing the company at US$27.75 per share—a 121.3% premium to its pre-rumor price. The acquisition, which includes a US$5.8 billion breakup fee from Netflix, is expected to close after WBD spins off Discovery Global in Q3 2026. Market reactions were mixed: WBD rose 4.4%, while Netflix fell 3%. Analysts see the move as Netflix’s attempt to secure long-term content rights and strengthen its push into gaming, leveraging WBD’s successful franchises such as Hogwarts Legacy. Despite rising competition, Netflix aims for US$2–3 billion in annual cost synergies by year three. Investors remain cautious, as Netflix’s stock is up only 16% this year after soaring 80% in 2024, reflecting concerns about slowing growth and execution risks in advertising and gaming.
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With the U.S. Hits Record Despite Tariffs
Vietnam’s trade surplus with the United States surged to a record US$121.6 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, even after the Trump administration imposed a 20% tariff on Vietnamese goods starting in August. U.S.-bound exports in November jumped 22.5% YoY, outpacing the country’s overall export growth of 15.1%, driving the surplus beyond the full-year 2024 level of US$104.5 billion. However, on a monthly basis, total exports fell 7.1% in November, with shipments to the U.S. declining 7.3%, marking the fourth straight monthly drop. Vietnam is currently accelerating negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement after both countries reached an initial cooperation framework in October. From January to November, Vietnam’s exports reached US$430.14 billion (+16.1%), while imports climbed 18.4% to US$409.61 billion, resulting in a US$20.53 billion overall trade surplus. Strong surpluses with the U.S., the EU, and Japan offset sizable deficits with China and South Korea—including a 38.1% YoY increase in Vietnam’s trade deficit with China, which reached US$104.3 billion. In November, the country posted a monthly surplus of US$1.09 billion, down from US$2.6 billion in October. Meanwhile, consumer inflation rose 3.58% YoY, and industrial production expanded 10.8%, reflecting continued domestic economic momentum.