1. Short seller Michael Smith stated earlier this month that Tesla's valuation is "outrageously high," but denied shorting the stock. 2. The China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) reported that from December 1st to 28th, retail sales of new energy p

South Korea's HSBC Manufacturing PMI for December was 50.1, compared to 49.4 in the previous month.

1. Delays tariffs on furniture and cabinetry until 2027 – Due to escalating voter dissatisfaction with price levels, Trump has postponed the tariff increases on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom vanities until January 1, 2027. 2. Sanctions against Venezuelan “shadow fleet” —The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on four companies operating in Venezuela's oil industry, some of which are part of a “shadow fleet” serving Venezuela and continuously funding Maduro's illicit drug and terrorist regime. 3. Claims Russia is a major obstacle to the peace process – Trump cited a New York Post article stating that Putin's tough rhetoric on “attacks” indicates that Russia is a major obstacle to the peace process. 4. Returns command of California National Guard to the governor – The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Trump administration must return command of the California National Guard to California Governor Gavin Newsom. 5. Withdrawals of National Guard from three locations —Trump announced the withdrawal of National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland. Trump stated that when crime rates start to surge again (it's only a matter of time), they will return, and perhaps "in a very different, stronger form." 6. Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Tens of Thousands of Immigrants Halted—A U.S. federal judge blocked the Trump administration's attempt to terminate deportation protections for tens of thousands of immigrants from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua. 7. Calls for "Sending Somalis Back" —Trump claimed that up to 90% of fraud in Minnesota is committed by Somali immigrants who illegally entered the United States. Trump urged, "Send them back from where they came from. Somalia is probably the worst, most corrupt country on earth." 8. "Arc de Triomphe" Construction Imminent—Trump revealed that his long-planned "Arc de Triomphe" project is expected to begin construction within the next two months.