Ukraine peace talks, economy concerns...

Policymakers in Germany are pivoting toward boosting domestic demand and investment while reducing dependency on foreign buyers of manufactured goods like chemicals and cars. This shift is seen as a key strategy to reinvigorate Europe’s largest economy, which has faced challenges in maintaining growth momentum. Such measures could signal a broader European trend toward self-reliance amid global economic uncertainties. World Street Journal (International)

ABN Amro, a major Dutch bank, announced plans to reduce its workforce by 5,200 employees as part of its 2028 growth strategy. The move includes selling its Alfam subsidiary to Rabobank, with the transaction expected to finalize by late 2026. This restructuring reflects a growing trend among financial institutions aiming to streamline operations and adapt to shifting market conditions. Wall Street Journal (Markets)

A study warns that falling fertility rates and shrinking workforces across developed nations will likely slow annual GDP per capita growth by over one percentage point over the next 25 years. This demographic challenge demands innovative reforms to sustain living standards and economic stability. The report underscores the necessity for governments to address age-related economic pressures through proactive policy adjustments. Financial Times

The Federal Reserve is expected to lower interest rates again in December, continuing its efforts to sustain economic growth amid potential downturns. While the move reflects a commitment to maintaining monetary support, it also raises questions about long-term inflationary pressures and the balancing act required to foster sustainable economic conditions. Financial Times

Investors are increasingly hedging against the British pound, reflecting concerns over potential growth impacts from UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ upcoming tax and spending measures. This preemptive market activity highlights the fragility of investor confidence in response to fiscal policies perceived as restrictive. Financial Times

President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the Genesis Mission, leveraging federal scientific resources to accelerate AI innovation. Key components include granting AI companies access to data sets from the Department of Energy’s National Labs and integrating AI within government infrastructure. While promising a boost in innovation, this initiative also raises questions about ethical oversight and equitable access. USA Today

Anthropic unveiled its Claude Opus 4.5 AI model, touting improvements in coding, research, and cybersecurity. However, concerns persist over vulnerabilities to prompt injection attacks, with safety evaluations revealing limited resistance in certain scenarios. This underscores the ongoing challenges in securing advanced AI systems while balancing innovation with risk mitigation. The Verge

The Pentagon is investigating Senator Mark Kelly for urging troops to reject illegal orders, citing potential breaches of military law. This unusual step by the Department of Defense reflects tensions between maintaining military discipline and addressing broader questions of governmental accountability. Kelly, a former Navy captain, could face court-martial if found in violation of regulations. USA Today bostonglobe.com

President Trump’s advisers are deliberating income caps for Affordable Care Act subsidies to prevent sharp health-insurance cost increases. This proposal seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to shield vulnerable populations from financial strain, though its success will depend on careful implementation to avoid exacerbating inequalities. Wall Street Journal (politics)

U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have reworked a proposed peace framework to address Kyiv’s non-negotiable demands on territorial sovereignty and military capacity. While the revised plan shows progress, its alignment with Ukrainian priorities raises doubts about Russian acceptance. This development illustrates the complexities of achieving a balanced resolution in the ongoing conflict. bostonglobe.com