Bloomberg News Now: Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting, Australian Security, Market Trends

International Diplomacy and Security

• 🤝 President Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida to discuss a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.
• 🇺🇦 Zelenskyy's agenda includes focusing on territorial issues and security guarantees, following discussions with European and NATO leaders.
• 🇮🇱 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will also meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago to discuss the ceasefire in Gaza, rising tensions with Lebanon and Syria, and Iran's missile capabilities.
• 🇦🇺 Australia is tightening security across Sydney, with increased armed police and army patrols, following a deadly attack at Bondi Beach.

Business and Market Insights

• ✈️ Millions of Americans are traveling as one of the year's last big travel days, with airlines recovering from weather disruptions.
• 📈 Stocks are on track for a third consecutive year of double-digit gains, driven by investor confidence and expectations for AI and tech stocks.
• 🏦 Key economic data releases include pending home sales, minutes from the Federal Reserve's December meeting, and jobless claims.
• 💼 Greg Abel will officially take over as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway from Warren Buffett on New Year's Day.
• 🎬 Warner Brothers Discovery shares fell amid reports that Paramount might drop its bid and litigate, though indications suggest Paramount is proceeding with the deal.
• 💊 Johnson & Johnson is discontinuing a mid-stage study of an experimental eczema drug after it failed to meet efficacy requirements.

Notable Personalities and Events

• 🇧🇷 Former President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, underwent successful surgery to treat persistent hiccups, with a second procedure scheduled.
• 🇫🇷 French actress Brigitte Bardot, known for her role in 'And God Created Woman' and later as an animal rights activist, has died at age 91.