The global agenda at the start of January is being shaped by several powerful and interconnected stories - from Donald Trump’s attempt to cool the US housing market ahead of elections to China’s renewed push to stimulate domestic demand and a wave of potential mega-deals across key industries. These developments are already influencing markets, commodity prices, and corporate strategies worldwide, DKNews.kz reports.
Trump Targets Housing Costs Ahead of Elections
Donald Trump has instructed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase $200 billion worth of mortgage-backed securities in an effort to bring down housing costs in the United States ahead of the November midterm elections, according to Bloomberg.
Trump announced the move on social media, saying it would help lower mortgage rates and make homeownership more affordable for Americans. FHFA Director Bill Pulte described the initiative as a “one-two punch,” referring to the plan alongside a proposed ban on institutional investors buying single-family homes.
Markets viewed the announcement as a clear political intervention in the housing sector - one that could quickly alter supply-and-demand dynamics if implemented.
Oil, Venezuela, and Big Money
In a related development, Trump said in an interview that oil companies have committed $100 billion in investments in Venezuela. According to Politico, he is set to meet with top oil executives later today.
The comments have drawn renewed investor attention to Venezuela and raised questions about a potential shift in US sanctions policy, a factor that could significantly affect global oil supply.
China: Inflation Picks Up as Beijing Turns on the Stimulus
In China, new data pointed to a modest acceleration in inflation. The consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.8% year over year in December, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, matching market expectations and marking the highest inflation rate since early 2023.
On a monthly basis, CPI increased by 0.2%, reversing a 0.1% decline in November and exceeding forecasts of a 0.1% rise. The data suggests early signs of recovering domestic demand.
On the same day, China’s State Council held a meeting focused on implementing a broad package of fiscal and financial measures to support the economy. According to Reuters, policymakers pledged to ensure a “strong start” for the economy in 2026.
Key measures include:
- expanded credit support for service providers
- stronger interest subsidies on personal consumer loans
- a broader supply of high-quality services for households
Beijing is increasingly positioning household consumption as the core driver of future growth.
Rare Earth Exports and Rising Tensions with Japan
At the same time, China continues to tighten export controls. The Wall Street Journal reported that licensing for rare earth exports to Japan has been suspended.
Japan’s finance minister, Katayama, is expected to raise the issue with US officials during a visit next week. For markets, the move adds another layer of uncertainty to rare earth supply chains, particularly as demand from high-tech industries continues to grow.
Major Deals Across Pharma, Retail, and Mining
Corporate news has been equally eventful.
Pharmaceutical giant Merck is reportedly considering a deal worth $28 billion to $32 billion to acquire Revolution Medicines, according to the Financial Times. While the transaction has not yet been finalized, it could give Merck access to the experimental cancer drug daraxonrasib, which is in late-stage trials and has received a fast-track voucher from the US Food and Drug Administration.
In the retail sector, Kroger announced the sale of its Vitacost subsidiary to iHerb for an undisclosed amount. The deal closed on January 8 and is not expected to affect Kroger’s previously issued financial guidance for 2025.
A Potential Mega-Merger in Mining
Another major storyline is unfolding in the mining sector. Glencore and Rio Tinto are reportedly in talks that could lead to the creation of the world’s largest mining company, with a combined valuation approaching $207 billion, according to Reuters.
Rio Tinto previously rejected a merger proposal from Glencore in 2014, citing shareholder interests. However, after the Financial Times reported renewed talks, the companies confirmed that a buyout of “part or all” of Glencore by Rio Tinto is being considered.
Meta Bets Big on Nuclear Power
The technology sector is also making strategic moves. Meta Platforms has signed 20-year agreements to secure up to 6.6 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2035 to supply its data centers - among the most ambitious energy commitments ever made by a tech company.
According to Reuters, Meta will purchase electricity from nuclear plants in Ohio and Pennsylvania and will also support the development of small modular reactors alongside Oklo and TerraPower, the latter backed by Bill Gates.
What It All Means for Markets
Taken together, these developments highlight how aggressively governments and corporations are repositioning themselves at the start of 2026. State intervention in housing and energy, renewed stimulus in China, and large-scale strategic deals are reshaping expectations across global markets.
Moments like these often mark turning points - and investors are watching closely.
