Global Markets Brief: Airlines Pull Back From Venezuela as Crypto Slides and Trade Talks Restart
Rising geopolitical risk and shifting macro signals kept investors on alert to start the week. Flight suspensions, uneven equity moves, and a sharp cryptocurrency selloff underscored a fragile risk backdrop as markets look ahead to key U.S. data for direction.
Several international airlines have halted routes to Venezuela amid escalating regional tensions, as the U.S. steps up its military posture nearby. In Europe, officials signaled progress in Ukraine talks, calling the latest round the most productive to date, though security guarantees remain central to any lasting agreement. Across Asia, Japan–China frictions persisted, with the yen a touch weaker in thin holiday trade.
On the market front, reports that Nvidia’s China-focused chip sales helped spark a brief tech rebound, but major U.S. equity indices still slipped below key support levels. Traders are watching upcoming retail sales and PCE inflation data for cues on the Federal Reserve’s next steps. In macro and trade, Canada and India have restarted negotiations on a comprehensive deal aimed at doubling bilateral trade to around USD 50 billion by 2030. Digital assets were hit hard as Bitcoin dropped roughly 30% from about $126,000 to near $87,000, fueling broader crypto liquidation concerns. Meanwhile, U.S. growth prospects remain intact into 2026 despite an estimated $11 billion hit from a recent government shutdown, with the debt ceiling outcome flagged as critical for financial stability.
Key Points – Airlines suspend flights to Venezuela as geopolitical risk rises and regional military activity increases. – Officials report the most productive day of Ukraine negotiations so far, with remaining issues seen as manageable. – Nvidia-related China chip sales support a brief tech bounce, but major indexes break technical support. – Yen softens amid Japan–China tensions; Japan markets are closed for a holiday, limiting liquidity. – Canada and India revive trade talks, targeting a doubling of bilateral trade to about USD 50 billion by 2030. – Bitcoin falls around 30% to near $87,000, heightening crypto liquidation risks; U.S. outlook avoids a 2026 recession, with the debt ceiling pivotal.
