Brexit, US vaccination failure, China vs Alibaba

The main event yesterday, which in many ways gave rise to optimism in the financial markets, was the information that the UK and the European Union are approaching a post-Brexit trade agreement after months of tense negotiations. The deal is expected to be announced on Christmas Eve. The growth of the pound in the light of such news is quite natural, but its continuation seems to be very limited both in volume and in time.

The fact is that the country is tightening the lockdown and spreading the toughest measures against the background of almost 40,000 new cases of coronavirus per day. At the same time, the number of registered deaths was 744, which is the highest figure since April. Note that with more than 68,000 deaths from the virus, the UK is one of the hardest hit countries in Europe. So, we will use the growth of the pound as an opportunity to sell it.

Trump refused to sign the stimulus bill and left the White House to celebrate the holidays. So, either the legislators will urgently adopt the amendments and approve Trump's "Wishlist" in the form of increasing the amount of one-time checks from $ 600 to $ 2,000, or after 5 days without the President's signature, an automatic veto will be imposed on the bill.

And that's not the only gloomy news for Americans on Christmas Eve. The vaccination process has so far been effectively disrupted. Of the 20 million planned in December vaccinated, there are only 1 million (!) so far. Plus, according to recent polls, 4 out of 10 Americans surveyed do not want to get vaccinated.

Jack Ma was also unlucky yesterday with his Alibaba. China's state market regulator said Thursday that it has launched an investigation against Alibaba over monopolistic practices.

Today is a shorter day in most financial markets, and tomorrow it is generally a day off.