The European Union and South America’s Mercosur bloc signed a controversial trade agreement after 25 years of negotiations, creating one of the world’s largest free trade zones. The deal aims to lower tariffs and boost trade between the two blocs, covering over 700 million people and 20% of global GDP. However, the agreement still needs approval from the EU Parliament and 15 member states, with concerns from farmers and opposition from countries like France complicating the ratification process.
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China bond yields jump to three-month highs as investors pare rate cut expectations
China's sovereign bond prices fell, leading to higher yields, as investors reduced holdings in anticipation of increased fiscal spending to boost growth and delay interest rate cuts. Yields on 10-year government bonds rose over 10 basis points to 1.865%, hitting their highest levels this year, while 30-year bond yields surpassed 2% and one-year note yields reached 1.643%. This shift follows the Chinese government's plans for fiscal easing, including a record-high fiscal budget deficit and a...
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