The main events by the morning: December 2

• Trump will demand that the BRICS commit not to create a new currency as an alternative to the dollar. The dollar was one of the keys to Trump's election strategy. He declared that he would not allow anyone to give up the dollar. If someone does try to abandon the dollar, Trump threatens to impose 100% duties and restrict trade for such dissident countries. 

• Russian pipeline gas supplies to Europe increased by 15% in 11 months. From January to November 2024, Russia supplied 29.3 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe. The volume has already exceeded the figures for the whole of 2023. Starting in 2025, the situation may deteriorate significantly. Ukraine had previously refused to extend the agreement on the transit of Russian gas to the EU. 

• Biden still pardoned his son, despite promising not to do so. The White House announced the decision of the current president to pardon his son Hunter Biden. He was pardoned in cases of violations in the possession of weapons and tax evasion. Biden Sr. said in a statement that Americans «will understand why the father and the president took such a step.» Trump called Biden's decision an abuse and violation of justice.

• The US is destroying global chip production with restrictions against China. Export restrictions for 140 Chinese companies producing chips and microchips will come into force on December 2. These restrictions may have a negative impact not only on China, but also on some American companies with which manufacturers who are subject to restrictions trade. With Trump coming to power, these measures are unlikely to be lifted.

• Republicans want to pass laws without the votes of Democrats. The party that won the majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives intends to adopt a large-scale bill to reduce taxes, increase funding for migration control and use the «budget reconciliation» process. That is, if the bill is passed through the budget setting of its parameters, it will not require approval from the Democrats.