Key Takeaways
- AstraZeneca (AZN) is set to end U.S. commercial sales of its anticoagulant reversal agent, Andexxa, by December 22, 2025, following FDA concerns that the drug's risks outweigh its benefits due to postmarketing safety data on thromboembolic events.
- U.S. economic indicators delivered mixed signals, with December's final University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment falling to 52.9, below expectations, while November existing home sales rose slightly to 4.13 million but missed estimates for month-over-month growth.
- Ukraine's top negotiator confirmed new consultations with a U.S. team starting today, Friday, December 19, 2025, following preliminary discussions with European colleagues, as efforts continue towards a potential peace agreement.
- Goldman Sachs (GS) forecasts a "sturdy" global economic growth of 2.8% in 2026, surpassing the market consensus of 2.5%, driven by factors including reduced tariff burdens and tax cuts in the U.S.
- Former President Donald Trump reiterated his stance on healthcare, advocating for money to go directly to the people instead of insurance companies, which he claims are "ripping off America."
Corporate and Healthcare Developments
AstraZeneca (AZN) is slated to cease U.S. commercial sales of its drug Andexxa by December 22, 2025. This decision follows the company's submission of a request to voluntarily withdraw the Biologics License Application (BLA) for commercial reasons. The FDA stated that, based on available data, the risks of Andexxa are considered to outweigh its benefits, citing postmarketing safety data on thromboembolic events, including serious and fatal outcomes in treated patients. Earlier discussions and FDA advisory committee meetings had highlighted "major safety findings," including a doubled rate of thrombosis for patients on Andexxa compared to standard care, and higher thrombosis-related deaths.
Separately, YouTube, YouTube TV, and YouTube Music are reportedly experiencing loading issues and error messages, with teams investigating the outage.
Economic Data Releases
The latest economic data presented a mixed picture for both the U.S. and Eurozone. The U.S. University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment for December's final reading came in at 52.9, falling short of the estimated 53.5 and the previous 53.3. Current conditions were reported at 50.4, expectations at 54.6, and 1-year inflation expectations ticked up to 4.2%, slightly above the 4.1% estimate. Long-term inflation expectations (5-10 year) remained at 3.2%.
In the housing market, U.S. Existing Home Sales for November reached 4.13 million, slightly below the 4.15 million estimate but an increase from the revised previous figure of 4.11 million. However, the month-over-month change in existing home sales was 0.5%, significantly lower than the 1.2% estimate. The median home price for existing homes was $409.2K, representing a +1.2% increase from November 2024, though a decrease from the previous month's $415.2K.
Meanwhile, Eurozone Consumer Confidence for December's preliminary reading registered -14.6, worse than the estimated -14.0 and the previous -14.2.
Global Economic Outlook and Political Statements
Goldman Sachs (GS) released an optimistic forecast, projecting a "sturdy" global economic growth of 2.8% in 2026, which is above the market consensus of 2.5%. The firm anticipates the U.S. economy to grow by 2.6%, supported by diminishing tariff burdens, tax cuts, and more accommodative financial conditions.
In political news, former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to express his strong views on healthcare, stating that "Insurance companies are ripping off America. Healthcare money must go directly to the PEOPLE. Dems must get on board!!!" This reiterates his calls for a system where funds bypass insurance companies and go directly to citizens for healthcare purchases.
Geopolitical Developments
Ukraine's top negotiator, Rustem Umerov, confirmed that a new round of consultations with a U.S. team is commencing today, Friday, December 19, 2025. These talks follow preliminary consultations held with European colleagues, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously stated that a Ukrainian delegation would be in the U.S. on December 19 and 20 to advance Kyiv's peace plan, security guarantees, and reconstruction proposals. These discussions are part of a broader diplomatic push, with U.S. officials also expected to hold parallel consultations with Russian envoys in Miami.
The U.S. Treasury also confirmed its auction announcement schedule for December 24 and 26.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.