As every Sunday, the most important news from the past week, as well as the most important dates for the coming week.
Also as a video:
https://youtube.com/shorts/b1dRkfPwEYQ?si=aSHa_345pKDbd-PI
Monday:
The US Attorney's Office has launched an investigation into Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. The reason: the high costs of the Fed's restructuring. Observers classify the prosecution as politically motivated, and Jerome Powell also sees the Fed's independence as being restricted. The US dollar fell significantly.
$VOW (+1.49%) VW sold around 5% fewer cars in the 4th quarter. In the end, it was probably still around 2.38 million cars. Sales figures fell in China and North America in particular (-17.4% in each case). In Europe, on the other hand, sales figures increased by just under 6 %. Overall, sales in 2025 were 0.5% below the previous year's level at 8.98 million vehicles.
Tuesday:
At 2.7%, inflation in the US is well above the Fed's 2.0% inflation target. A further interest rate cut has therefore theoretically become unlikely. However, there is a lot of political pressure to implement a further rate cut.
Wednesday:
Producer prices in the US came in at 3.0% in November, above expectations of 2.8%. This tends to be bad news as it reduces the chances of a further rate cut.
https://www.fxstreet.com/amp/news/us-headline-producer-prices-rose-by-30-in-november-202601141342
Thursday:
Growth in Germany still seems possible. After two years of recession, Germany grew by 0.2 % in 2025 compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, Germany's GDP is effectively at the same level as in 2019, mainly due to high energy costs and the geo-economic situation. Germany must therefore become more competitive in other areas, as geopolitics and gas prices are difficult to change.
Friday:
The inflation rate of 1.8% in December has now been confirmed. Above all, services such as passenger transportation became more expensive. Energy prices, on the other hand, have actually fallen.
The USA increased its industrial production significantly more than expected in December. Experts had expected growth of 0.1% for December, but instead the figure was 0.4%. These figures also make a further interest rate cut in the US less likely.
More good news at the weekend from $BAYN (+1.11%) Bayer. The Supreme Court (highest US court) accepts an appeal in the glyphosate case. This could finally settle the years-long legal dispute for Bayer.
These are the most important dates in the coming week:
Tuesday: 8:00 Producer prices (DE)
Thursday: 14:30 GDP figures (USA)
Friday: 4:00 Interest rate decision (Japan)