News from December 2024


Barclays highlights cautious UK consumer spending trends for 2024

Barclays has released its 2024 consumer spending report, highlighting key trends and a modest increase in card spending.


ING updates on progress in its ongoing share buyback programme

ING has provided an update on its €2.0 billion share buyback programme, which was initially announced on October 31, 2024.


NCUA prohibits two former employees from working in federally insured institutions

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has issued a prohibition order and a prohibition notice in December 2024.


NCUA approves pilot program for non-registered investment fund activities

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Board has approved an investment pilot program under section 703.19(c) of the NCUA's regulations.


Russia enforces a six-year ban on cryptocurrency mining across ten regions

The Russian government has announced a ban on cryptocurrency mining in ten regions and introduced seasonal restrictions in three others to manage energy consumption.


KfW Capital invests EUR 100 million into climate-tech venture capital funds

KfW Capital has announced the successful full investment of approximately EUR 100 million in seven venture capital funds as part of its Green Transition Facility.


US international investment position drops further in Q3 2024

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis has released statistics showing the U.S. net international investment position at the end of the third quarter of 2024 was negative $23.60 trillion.


KfW IPEX-Bank supports Stagecoach's growth and electrification plans

KfW IPEX-Bank is providing financial support to Stagecoach Group, aiding the company's refinancing efforts.


German SMEs face continued decline as confidence drops again

Confidence among German small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continues to decline as the year comes to a close.


World Bank highlights challenges and prospects for China's economic growth

China's economy has shown resilience with a growth rate of 4.8 percent in the first three quarters of 2024, according to a World Bank report released on December 26, 2024.


Boxing Day sees Brits return to stores amid cost-of-living concerns

Boxing Day sales in the UK are expected to see significant consumer participation, with shoppers projected to spend an average of £236 each.


ING continues progress on €2 billion share buyback programme

ING has provided an update on its ongoing €2.0 billion share buyback programme, initially announced on October 31, 2024.


World Bank approves $450 million for Sindh flood recovery

ISLAMABAD, December 24, 2024—The World Bank has approved an additional $450 million for the Sindh Flood Emergency Housing Reconstruction Project.


IMF reaches staff-level agreement with Egypt on extended fund facility review

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a staff-level agreement with Egyptian authorities on the fourth review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement.


World Bank allocates $12 million for earthquake recovery efforts in Vanuatu

The World Bank has expedited a grant of $12 million to aid Vanuatu in the aftermath of a severe earthquake that struck on December 17.


Hispanic Business Council: 'Discouraged by the politicization and exploitation present' in Teamster's protests

Javier Palomarez, President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC), has described the Teamsters' efforts to organize protests against Amazon as a "publicity stunt," claiming they primarily involve paid protesters.


Source: Teamsters' Amazon employee "walk-out" was a "total dud"

A Teamsters-led "walk out" of Amazon Fulfillment Center employees on Dec. 19 managed to attract just tens of employees, not the "thousands" promised by the union.


Bybit to disable logins for Malaysian users starting December 24

Bybit announced that it will disable all logins for users in Malaysia starting December 24, 2024, in compliance with recent regulatory changes.


World Bank supports Uzbek solar project with $3.5M guarantee

The World Bank has approved $3.5 million in financing for Uzbekistan to support the development of renewable energy through a payment guarantee.


IMF concludes reviews of Paraguay's policy consultation instrument and resilience facility

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has concluded its fourth review under the Policy Consultation Instrument (PCI) arrangement and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement for Paraguay.