The European Union (EU) has signed a free trade agreement with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, after 25 years of talks. This deal still needs approval from the European Parliament before it becomes official. The agreement is set to boost economic ties between the EU and South America, although some European farmers are worried it might harm their business.
Key Facts
The free trade deal involves the EU and the Mercosur bloc, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Discussions for the agreement started 25 years ago and it’s the largest free trade deal for the EU so far.
The European Parliament must approve the deal for it to take effect.
Some European farmers have protested, fearing that cheaper imports might affect their livelihood.
The EU has added safeguards in the agreement to address farmers' concerns.
The deal aims to save European companies €4 billion annually in export duties.
It also includes commitments to fight climate change and prevent deforestation.
The economic impact of the deal is projected to increase EU economic output by 0.05%, with full benefits expected by 2040.
In December, the U.S. economy added 50,000 jobs, which was lower than expected. The total job growth for 2025 was 584,000, significantly less than the 2 million jobs added in 2024. The unemployment rate slightly decreased to 4.4%, but overall job market conditions were weak.
Key Facts
The U.S. economy added 50,000 jobs in December.
This number was below what experts expected.
In 2025, employers created 584,000 jobs.
In 2024, the U.S. added 2 million jobs, showing a big drop in 2025.
President Donald Trump is meeting with executives from both large and small U.S. oil companies to discuss possible investment in Venezuelan oil. The meeting includes major firms like Chevron and Exxon Mobil, as well as smaller independents that mostly operate in the United States.
Key Facts
President Trump is hosting a meeting about investing in Venezuelan oil.
Companies invited include large oil firms (Chevron, Exxon Mobil) and smaller independents.
The meeting is scheduled for Friday at 2:30pm (19:30 GMT).
Smaller companies usually operate within the U.S. and may not have much experience in Venezuela.
Some companies, like Continental Resources, have notable size and history.
Oil production varies greatly in different U.S. regions, with states like Texas producing much more than Colorado.
Raisa Energy, a company involved, is based in Denver and has investments backed by major funds.
Smaller companies can adapt quickly and drill wells at lower costs compared to larger firms.
President Trump met with oil company leaders to discuss a plan for U.S. companies to access Venezuela's large oil reserves. Despite having the most oil in the world, Venezuela only produces 1% of the global supply.
Key Facts
President Trump held a meeting with oil executives at the White House.
The focus was on how U.S. companies could access Venezuela's oil.
Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves in the world.
Currently, Venezuela contributes only 1% to the world's oil production.
Bob McNally, an energy expert, discussed the topic with Amna Nawaz.
McNally was previously an energy advisor for President George W. Bush.
PBS News is ending its weekend broadcasts because of federal budget cuts. The team responsible for these broadcasts will no longer air their shows starting this Sunday.
Key Facts
PBS News is stopping its weekend broadcasts.
The change is due to reductions in federal funding.
The PBS News Weekend team is affected by these changes.
The last broadcast will be this Sunday.
Budget cuts have necessitated staff and programming changes at PBS News.
The U.S. Treasury Secretary announced that America's investment in Argentina's currency has successfully concluded, with the U.S. no longer holding Argentine pesos. This effort helped stabilize the Argentine peso and supported an ally's political party before midterm elections, bringing financial gains to the U.S.
Key Facts
The U.S. bought Argentine pesos last year to help stabilize the currency.
This action aimed to support President Javier Milei's party, an ally of President Trump.
The U.S. has since sold all its Argentine pesos and made a financial profit.
Argentina's central bank repaid the swap line agreement that allowed pesos to be exchanged for U.S. dollars.
The U.S. provided an additional $872 million in IMF-related support.
Some economists worry about Argentina's economic stability and over-reliance on U.S. support.
Critics in the U.S. were initially concerned about the financial risk of the investment.
Heineken is changing the names of some London Underground stations as part of an advertising move. A disability rights group says this could confuse passengers, especially those with certain disabilities. Transport for London (TfL) says these advertising deals bring in extra money and do not impact service.
Key Facts
Heineken is rebranding some London Underground stations to promote its zero-alcohol drinks.
The new names include "Bakerl0.0" and "Waterl0.0."
A disability rights charity expressed concerns that these changes could confuse travelers.
TfL states that advertising campaigns like this are assessed to ensure no negative impacts.
Advertising revenue from campaigns is used to enhance London's transport services.
A past similar rebranding by Burberry earned TfL £500,000.
Heineken's campaign coincides with the "dry January" when many people avoid alcohol.
Emma Strain from TfL mentions that they welcome working with brands to create new experiences for travelers.
Martin Lewis discussed a type of debt in the UK he considers to be the most risky for people. He shared this information on a podcast available on BBC Sounds.
Key Facts
Martin Lewis talked about debt in the UK.
He identified a specific form of debt as highly dangerous.
The information was shared on a podcast.
The podcast is accessible on BBC Sounds.
The podcast focused on personal finance and credit cards.
A report by WalletHub lists the best cities in the U.S. for jobs in 2026, based on factors like job quality, salaries, and livability. Scottsdale, Arizona ranks as the top city, followed by Columbia, Maryland, and Portland, Maine.
Key Facts
WalletHub's report evaluates the best U.S. cities for jobs in 2026.
Scottsdale, Arizona is ranked first due to its low unemployment rate and high median household income.
Columbia, Maryland has the highest cost-of-living-adjusted median income and low risk of job automation.
Portland, Maine ranks high for job availability and access to employer-based retirement plans.
The analysis considers job-market strength and socioeconomic conditions.
WalletHub used 31 indicators to score 182 U.S. cities, focusing more on job-market factors.
Sources for the report include the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A recent report shows that almost 90,000 women stopped looking for jobs last month, while 10,000 men joined the workforce. The data suggests that more women are leaving jobs possibly due to family responsibilities and childcare needs. This trend might lead to a workforce structure similar to past decades, with fewer women participating in the labor market.
Key Facts
Around 90,000 women left the workforce last month, while 10,000 men joined.
The overall workforce decreased by 81,000 people aged 20 and over in December.
In 2025, the women's labor force increased by 184,000, whereas men's increased by 572,000.
The unemployment rate for Black women rose from 7.1% in November to 7.3% in December.
The unemployment rate for Latinas went up slightly from 4.4% to 4.5% over the same period.
Experts suggest that changes in work-related policies and family dynamics might be influencing these trends.
Some predict this could lead to a workforce structure similar to the 1950s, with more traditional household roles.
Hospitals are forming partnerships to address competition, cost pressures, and workforce shortages in the healthcare industry. An upcoming Newsweek webinar will discuss how health systems can collaborate to improve patient care and maintain their unique identities. Experts from various healthcare systems will share insights on successful partnerships and innovation.
Key Facts
In 2025, 37% of hospitals were operating at a loss.
756 rural hospitals were at risk of closure as of December 2025.
Health systems are using mergers, telehealth, and data sharing to improve access to care.
An expert panel will discuss collaboration in healthcare at a Newsweek webinar.
The webinar will be live streamed on January 15, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET.
Attendees can interact with panelists through a live chat during the event.
The discussion aims to address financial, governance, and cultural challenges in partnerships.
Two more Newsweek health webinars are scheduled for later in January and February.
POP MART is collaborating with Netflix's series Stranger Things to create special collectibles. The collectibles feature a character called Space Molly with Stranger Things-themed designs. This collaboration celebrates the 20th anniversary of Space Molly.
Key Facts
POP MART is working with Netflix's Stranger Things for a new series of collectibles.
The collectibles feature the character Space Molly with designs inspired by Stranger Things.
Kenny Wong, the artist behind Space Molly, teamed up with POP MART for this project.
Space Molly collectibles have designs including the Mindflayer, a creature from Stranger Things.
The collectibles are available in two sizes: 400 percent and 1,000 percent bigger than normal.
Wong used a special printing method to give the collectibles a unique texture.
The collaboration celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Space Molly figure.
Stranger Things, known for its 1980s-inspired storyline, recently ended with its fifth season.
Amazon is set to have large-scale layoffs this month, affecting up to 2,500 jobs according to the company's legal notice. The layoffs are happening in various states, and they are part of Amazon’s plan to adjust its workforce as the company focuses on efficiency and cost-cutting. Other major companies are also planning layoffs as they adjust to market demands and increased use of technology like AI.
Key Facts
Amazon plans to lay off between 1,001 and 2,500 employees this month.
The layoffs are taking place in Washington state, California, Virginia, and New Jersey.
Amazon is required by law (WARN Act) to give 60 days' notice before mass layoffs.
These job cuts are part of efforts to boost efficiency and reduce costs as growth slows.
Other companies such as FedEx, Verizon, McDonald’s, and Nike are also planning layoffs.
AI and technology investments are influencing job reductions.
Nearly 199,000 Americans filed for unemployment benefits in late December.
Employers are focusing on increasing efficiency through technology and changing labor strategies.
President Donald Trump is meeting with oil company leaders to get $100 billion in investments aimed at improving Venezuela's oil industry. This move follows a recent U.S. military operation and involves U.S. control over Venezuelan oil sales to help keep gasoline prices low.
Key Facts
President Trump is meeting oil executives at the White House.
The aim is to secure $100 billion in investments for Venezuela's oil industry.
The meeting comes after a U.S. military operation against former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
The U.S. has taken control of Venezuelan oil sales, managing 30 to 50 million barrels.
Three Venezuelan oil tankers have been seized by the U.S.
The goal is to help reduce gasoline prices in the U.S.
The job market showed slow progress at the end of a year marked by disappointing employment gains. In December, 50,000 jobs were added, and the unemployment rate decreased slightly to 4.4%. Businesses seemed cautious about hiring, possibly due to economic uncertainty and technology changes.
Key Facts
Employers added 50,000 jobs in December.
November's job gains were revised to 56,000.
The unemployment rate decreased to 4.4% in December from 4.5% in November.
Layoffs have been low, with unemployment benefits applications dropping below 200,000.
Businesses appear hesitant to hire due to economic uncertainty.
Factors affecting hiring include changing tariff policies, inflation, and the impact of artificial intelligence.
Studies show that American consumers are more interested in buying electric vehicles (EVs) if they meet their needs and preferences. A report by HSBC and a survey by Deloitte highlight several barriers to EV adoption in the U.S., such as high costs, charging concerns, and changing government policies. Automakers are investing heavily in developing EVs, but many American consumers still prefer traditional gasoline or diesel cars.
Key Facts
HSBC's report indicates Americans will buy more EVs if they are appealing and meet consumer preferences.
U.S. EV adoption faces challenges like the end of government incentives and changing regulations.
The Trump administration relaxed fuel economy standards in 2025, affecting EV market growth.
Automakers invested billions in EV development; Ford reported a $19.5 billion loss from EV investments.
Deloitte's survey found 61% of U.S. consumers plan to buy gasoline or diesel cars, not EVs.
Concerns like battery range, charging time, and cost hinder Americans from adopting EVs.
U.S. median EV battery range has grown 12% since 2020, and further improvements are expected.
The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated over $7.5 billion for EV charging infrastructure.
Omar Terywall's company, Cambridge Rowing Limited, is in a legal dispute with the University of Cambridge over the use of the name "Cambridge" for his business. The university has objected to Terywall's trademark application, saying it needs to protect its own trademark. A decision on the dispute is expected soon.
Key Facts
Omar Terywall launched Cambridge Rowing Limited in 2021, based in Cambridge, UK.
The company offers rowing experiences on the River Cam and has taught over 5,000 people.
In January 2022, the company applied to register a trademark featuring "Cambridge Rowing."
The University of Cambridge filed a legal objection in May 2022 opposing this trademark.
The university argues it needs to protect its registered trademark for the word "Cambridge."
A hearing on this matter occurred in 2025, and a decision is pending.
Terywall describes the situation as intimidating due to the university's size and influence.
UK trademarks cover different categories, including sports clothing and events.
Some businesses, like high street shops and music venues, want the UK government to include them in plans that would lower business rates for pubs. The government is expected to announce that pubs in England will get a special break from increased rates, but other businesses are worried they will struggle without similar support. Many groups are asking for a broader change to the business rates system.
Key Facts
UK businesses such as high street shops and music venues want the same lower business rates that pubs are expected to receive.
The government plans to help pubs by reducing their business rates, but this help will not extend to other businesses.
Business rates are taxes that businesses pay on the property they use.
Recently, the chancellor reduced the business rate discount from 75% to 40%.
High street retailers and music venues feel left out of the discussions for rate relief.
The British Retail Consortium and other groups argue the current business rates system needs a major overhaul.
Some predict large increases in business costs, like a potential 140% rise for pharmacies.
Many sectors, including gyms and leisure centers, fear higher rates will lead to increased prices and service cuts.
Investors in Warner Bros Discovery are divided over an improved offer from Paramount to buy the company. Paramount's offer is higher, but Warner Bros believes their deal with Netflix is better because Paramount's proposal could lead to too much debt for the combined company. Investors have until January 21 to decide on the Paramount offer.
Key Facts
Paramount has proposed to buy Warner Bros for $108.4 billion, offering $30 per share.
Warner Bros has an existing agreement with Netflix, and believes this deal is more reliable despite being lower at $82.7 billion, at $27.75 per share.
Warner Bros says accepting Paramount's offer would leave them with $87 billion in debt.
There is a $2.8 billion fee to break their deal with Netflix, plus $1.5 billion in fees owed to bankers and another $350 million in financing costs.
Some investors, like Harris Oakmark and IHT Wealth Management, support the board's decision to reject Paramount's offer.
Others, like Pentwater Capital Management and Gabelli Funds, argue for accepting Paramount's offer, seeing it as simpler and quicker to pass regulatory approval.
Major investors in Warner Bros, such as Vanguard, State Street, and BlackRock, also hold shares in both Paramount and Netflix.
The Federal Reserve's recent decision to lower interest rates could lead to a smaller increase in Social Security payments in 2027. This is because the rate cut may result in a lower cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which affects how much Social Security recipients receive each year. More than 70 million Americans rely on these payments.
Key Facts
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25 percent in December.
Future rate cuts by the Fed may be paused for some time.
Social Security payments for over 70 million Americans depend on the COLA, which is adjusted yearly based on inflation.
The Fed's benchmark interest rate will be between 3.5 to 3.75 percent moving into 2026.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) helps determine the COLA by measuring inflation.
Estimates suggest the COLA for 2027 could be as low as 2.1 percent.
A lower COLA means reduced Social Security payments, reflecting lower inflation rates.
Lower COLA could also result in lower expenses for consumers over the long term.
