The main events by the morning: December 19

• The US Federal Reserve cut its key rate to 4.5%. The economy is showing stable growth: GDP is increasing, and inflation has approached the target 2%. However, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said that further decisions would depend on incoming data. The rate cut is accompanied by caution due to the risk of rising inflation and a decrease in the unemployment rate. Commenting on the duties mentioned by Trump, Powell noted that it is too early to draw conclusions — the details remain unknown.

• China is threatening the European Union with retaliatory measures. The Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China expressed concern about the 15th package of EU anti-Russian sanctions, which affected several Chinese companies. The ministry warned that such actions could worsen bilateral trade and economic relations.

• Ukraine and Poland are planning to create a gas hub. The new Eastern European gas hub should become an alternative to the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine, which remains the only route for supplies to Western and Central European countries. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the energy independence of the region.

• Bitcoin is falling, pulling shares of crypto companies with it. The cryptocurrency fell by 3.5% in two hours, reaching $98,844, but then partially recovered. The fall was triggered by statements by the head of the Fed that the agency cannot own bitcoin and has no plans to change this policy. Against this background, shares of Tesla (-7.5%), MicroStrategy (-8%) and Coinbase (-10%) also decreased.

• Trump surprised again with a statement about Canada. The politician proposed to include Canada in the United States, calling subsidizing this country a «senseless» expense of $100 million. Trump also hinted at the possibility of imposing tariffs on Canadian goods to «solve the problem» for Ottawa.