Overview
- The U.S. Department of Justice said it discovered more than one million additional documents potentially tied to Jeffrey Epstein, and local reports note the expanded trove could delay planned public disclosure.
- Japan’s initial FY2026 budget has coalesced above ¥122 trillion under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s expansionary policy stance, prompting investor caution and a rise in long-term interest rates.
- The Trump administration has begun seizing Venezuelan oil tankers, a pressure tactic that could choke oil exports and, if sustained, lead to significant GDP losses for Venezuela according to reporting.
- Aichi Prefecture adopted its Food and Green Basic Plan 2030 for FY2026–2030, setting numeric targets for agricultural output, timber production and fisheries alongside five policy pillars to drive sustainability and growth.
- G7 nations are working with resource countries including Chile and Australia to arrange a mid-January finance ministers’ meeting in Washington aimed at reducing dependence on China for critical minerals, according to multiple officials.