Key Takeaways
- US Vice President Vance affirmed President Trump's policy against Israel's annexation of the West Bank, even as Israeli lawmakers advanced two annexation bills, signaling potential friction in US-Israel relations.
- Ukraine's President Zelenskiy appealed to EU leaders for accelerated financial support, specifically proposing the use of frozen Russian assets to procure European weapons, while acknowledging shortfalls in previously pledged funds for US arms.
- China's Communist Party concluded its Fourth Plenum, emphasizing a strategic shift towards "a big increase" in technological self-reliance as a cornerstone of its next five-year economic plan amidst global uncertainties.
- Valero Energy (VLO) outperformed expectations in Q3 2025, reporting adjusted EPS of $3.66 and revenue of $32.71 billion, significantly beating analyst estimates.
- Tether's stablecoin (USDT) has reached over 500 million users, touching 6.25% of the world's population, according to CEO Paolo Ardoino, highlighting its growing role in global financial inclusion.
Global markets are navigating a complex landscape marked by evolving geopolitical dynamics, significant policy shifts, and key corporate earnings reports. Major headlines today include a firm stance from the US on West Bank annexation, Ukraine's urgent plea for EU financial aid, China's renewed focus on technological independence, strong earnings from Valero Energy (VLO), and the expanding reach of Tether's stablecoin.
US Reaffirms Stance on West Bank Amidst Israeli Legislative Push
US Vice President JD Vance is currently in Israel, where he reiterated President Trump's policy that the West Bank will not be annexed by Israel. This declaration comes as Israeli lawmakers advanced two proposed bills for the formal annexation of the West Bank, a move openly promoted by some far-right ministers. President Trump has explicitly stated, "I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank," emphasizing that "It's not going to happen."
The Knesset's preliminary vote saw one bill proposing the annexation of Maale Adumim pass 32-9, while another for the entire West Bank passed 25-24. Notably, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party largely boycotted the vote, describing it as a "provocation by the opposition aimed at damaging our relations with the United States." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also warned that such annexation could be "counterproductive" and potentially threaten the recently brokered Gaza ceasefire agreement. The bills require several more readings to become law.
Zelenskiy Urges EU to Leverage Frozen Russian Assets for European Weapons
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addressed EU leaders at the Brussels summit, indicating that Ukraine would utilize "a significant part" of potential funds leveraged from frozen Russian assets to "buy European weapons." This comes as EU leaders are discussing a proposal to provide Ukraine with a substantial "reparation loan," potentially totaling €140 billion ($163 billion), using these immobilized assets.
Zelenskiy also highlighted that not all pledged funds for US weapons purchases have arrived, stressing the need to focus on securing these funds in November. Earlier reports indicated that Ukraine anticipates a $3.5 billion fund by next month for US weapons procurement through the NATO Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program, with over $1 billion already secured from European NATO partners. Ukraine has also expressed readiness to pay up to $50 billion for a future US military aid package.
China Prioritizes Tech Self-Reliance in New Five-Year Plan
China's ruling Communist Party concluded its Fourth Plenum, publishing a communique that approved its next five-year plan. The plan aims for "a big increase" in the level of technological self-reliance. This strategic focus is driven by "profound and complex" changes and rising "uncertainty" in the global environment, underscoring Beijing's commitment to strengthening national security and achieving high-quality development. The 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) will guide China's development with a strong emphasis on indigenous innovation and reducing dependence on foreign technology.
Valero Energy (VLO) Exceeds Q3 Expectations
Valero Energy Corp. (VLO) announced robust third-quarter 2025 earnings, surpassing analyst estimates. The company reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.66, significantly higher than the estimated $3.05. Revenue for the quarter reached $32.71 billion, also exceeding the consensus estimate of $29.83 billion. Valero's refining margin per barrel stood at $13.14, outperforming the estimated $12.70.
Tether's Stablecoin Reaches 6.25% of Global Population
Tether's stablecoin (USDT) has achieved a significant milestone, with its CEO Paolo Ardoino announcing that it now touches 6.25% of the world's population. This translates to over 500 million users, a figure Ardoino hailed as "likely the biggest financial inclusion achievement in history." Tether emphasizes that this count represents "real people" rather than just wallet addresses, highlighting the widespread real-world adoption of USDT as a tool for transactions and value storage, particularly in regions with unstable local currencies. The World Bank estimates that 1.4 billion adults globally lack access to traditional banking services, making stablecoins like Tether a crucial alternative for financial inclusion. Tether currently holds a market capitalization of approximately $182.4 billion, dominating the stablecoin market.
Dollar/Yen Sees Upward Movement
The Dollar/Yen (USD/JPY) exchange rate saw an increase, with the pair trading up 0.5% at 152.72. This movement reflects ongoing currency market dynamics influenced by various global economic factors.
New H-1B Visa Fee Details Clarified
New rules have clarified the details of the $100,000 fee on foreign worker H-1B visas. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed that this substantial fee applies specifically to new H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, for beneficiaries who are outside the United States and do not possess a valid H-1B visa, or for those requesting consular processing. Importantly, the fee does not apply to current H-1B visa holders, extensions, amendments, or change of status applications within the US, providing relief to many existing foreign workers and students. The new policy, initially announced by President Trump, has drawn a lawsuit from the US Chamber of Commerce, which deems the fee "unlawful."
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.