Bloomberg

Russian President Vladimir Putin is holding his annual news conference in Moscow. Speaking on Thursday, Putin said the nation's inflation is a "worrying signal." Bloomberg's Stephanie Baker breaks down the situation and what else to expect from the multi-hour event.

The Bank of Japan held rates as expected. Hiromi Ishihara, Head of Equity Investment at Amundi Japan told Bloomberg's Chief Africa Correspondent Jennifer Zabasajja on Horizons Middle East and Africa that although it was no surprise that the rate was left unchanged in December but the BoJ is on track to hike as early as January next year.

Volkswagen and labor leaders are moving closer to an agreement to restructure the automaker's namesake brand without shuttering factories in Germany, according to people familiar with the matter. Bloomberg's Oliver Crook reports.

Alice Weidel, the candidate from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), sits down for an interview with Bloomberg's Oliver Crook in Berlin during which she discusses her key priorities should she become the next Chancellor. Weidel also talks about the European Union, Germany's energy situation, and her "huge hopes" for US President-elect Donald Trump's second term.

Barclays Plc is set to increase annual bonuses by as much as 20% in its investment bank after an improved year for traders and advisory teams, according to people familiar with the matter. Bloomberg's William Shaw reports.

The Democratic Republic of Congo filed lawsuits against Apple Inc. in France and Belgium accusing the company of using minerals "pillaged" from the African nation in its products. In a statement, Apple said it strongly disputes the claims. Bloomberg's William Clowes reports.

Alice Weidel, the candidate from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), says she has "huge hopes" in Donald Trump's upcoming presidential term. Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg's Oliver Crook, she adds that she hopes the US president-elect will be able to end the conflict in Ukraine as "European member states are actually not willing or capable of doing something like that." The background to the end of the war is the prospect for restarting deliveries of cheap energy from Russia, most notably natural gas.

Alan Blinder, professor of economics at Princeton University and a former vice chair of the Federal Reserve, says he thinks markets should have interpreted the Fed's messaging as "slightly hawkish." He speaks with David Ingles and Annabelle Droulers on "Bloomberg: The China Show."

Timothy Taw on The China Show 12/19

Ken Shinoda, DoubleLine Capital portfolio manager, discusses the market reaction to the Federal Reserve officials lowering their benchmark interest rate for a third consecutive time. He speaks on "Bloomberg The Close."

Premier of Ontario Doug Ford speaks to Bloomberg News Derek Decloet on how the incoming Trump administration will affect Canada. Ford focuses on taxes, tariffs, immigration and the country's government.