Asian stocks rallied, led by gains in Japan, Australia, and Hong Kong, as markets reacted positively to the U.S. Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut and Fed Chair Powell's optimistic tone about future economic growth, suggesting lower rates would boost risk assets and ease financial conditions, creating a "Goldilocks" scenario for equities.  While markets welcomed the easing, some investors noted tempered expectations for immediate future cuts, focusing on incoming data for guidance.  The Fed's decision to cut rates, lowering borrowing costs, lifted spirits across Asia. Jerome Powell's Comments: Powell's less "hawkish" stance and view that inflation from tariffs would fade boosted confidence in a strengthening economy, as noted by. "Goldilocks" Scenario: The prospect of easing financial conditions with continued growth, without reigniting inflation, is seen as ideal for equities, say Liberty Hill Independent and Seeking Alpha. ...

The Nigerian Army vehemently denied that its troops killed anyone, stating the casualties were caused by "unprofessional handling of automatic weapons by the local militias" elsewhere in the town. The Army's 23 Brigade described the reports as "baseless and misleading". Witnesses and Amnesty International report that Nigerian Army soldiers shot and killed nine women during a protest in the Lamurde area of Adamawa state on Monday, December 8, 2025. The Nigerian Army has denied responsibility, blaming local militias for the deaths. The women were protesting along a major road about what they perceived as an inadequate security response to ongoing communal clashes between the Bachama and Chobo ethnic groups over a land dispute. Witnesses stated that soldiers, who were passing through the area, opened fire on the unarmed women after one soldier initially shot into the air. Ten other individuals were reportedly injured. Amnesty International's Nigeria office conf...

  The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a regional state of emergency across West Africa in response to an unprecedented wave of coups, attempted mutinies, and escalating insecurity.  The announcement was made on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, during a ministerial meeting in Abuja, Nigeria. The state of emergency was declared due to a number of interconnected crises: A surge in military interventions: The region has experienced several successful and attempted coups in recent years in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea-Bissau, and a recent failed attempt in Benin. Erosion of democratic governance: Non-compliance with transition norms and a decline in electoral inclusivity have become major triggers of instability. Expanding security threats: The influence of terrorists, armed groups, and criminal networks has spread across the region, moving beyond the Sahel to coastal states and cr...

  The search continues for soldiers who were involved in a failed coup attempt in  Benin  on Sunday, December 7, 2025. The coup was thwarted by loyalist Beninese forces with support from neighboring Nigeria. The coup attempt was "foiled" by Benin's armed forces, and President Patrice Talon stated the situation is "completely under control". Around a dozen soldiers have been arrested. However, many are presumed to have fled into the countryside, and the search for them is ongoing. President Patrice Talon made his own TV appearance late Sunday, assuring the country that the situation was “completely under control”. Talon, 67, is due to hand over the reins of power in April after two terms leading Benin, which in recent years has been hit by jihadist violence in the north. The coup attempt follows a spate of military takeovers in the region, including in Benin’s northern neighbours Niger and Burkina Faso, as well as Mali, Guinea and, last month, Guinea-Bissau.

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has threatened a fresh clampdown on unregistered Point of Sale (POS) operators in Nigeria from 1st January 2026. The Commission said it observed a rising number of POS operators running without registration, violating CAMA 2020 and CBN Agent Banking Regulations. In a statement on Saturday, the agency said all PoS must be duly registered with the commission or face immediate shutdown. It warned that no POS operator will be allowed to operate without CAC registration, adding that security agencies will enforce nationwide compliance. The statement further pointed out that this reckless practice, often enabled by some fintech companies, puts Nigeria’s financial system and citizens’ investments at risk, stressing that it must stop. “Unregistered POS terminals will be seized or shut down by security officials. “Fintechs enabling illegal operations will be placed on a watchlist and reported to the CBN. All operators are advised to regularize immediately....

  Netflix is acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery for around $83 billion in a major cash-and-stock deal, combining Netflix's streaming dominance with Warner Bros.' vast library (HBO, DC Comics, Harry Potter, Friends, Casablanca, etc.), aiming to create a powerhouse by adding high-quality content and expanding global reach, though regulatory approval and integration challenges lie ahead. Key Details of the Acquisition: Valuation: The deal values Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) at approximately $82.7 billion in enterprise value, with an equity value of around $72 billion. Content Powerhouse: Netflix gains iconic franchises like Harry Potter, DC Comics, Game of Thrones, and classic films, alongside its own hits like Stranger Things,. Structure: WBD's cable networks (like CNN) will be spun off, with Netflix acquiring the film and TV studios, HBO, and the streaming services (HBO Max). Strategic Goals: To offer more choice, enhance viewing options, expand production, and compete in the ...