SQUAWK BOX, THURSDAY 17TH DECEMBER, 2020

The U.S. Federal Reserve promises to maintain the pace of its bond-buying programme to support the country’s economy until “substantial” progress is made in the recovery. This, as Chairman Jerome Powell warns of an uncertain half-year outlook. Meanwhile, Congress sees stimulus progress with lawmakers inching towards a $900bn virus rescue package. Markets Stateside see a mixed session with the Nasdaq soaring to a new record high. The U.S. Treasury labels Switzerland a currency manipulator, saying the Swiss National Bank has kept the CHF lower for trade leverage purposes. The SNB has rejected the allegations. British MPs may be recalled from holiday to parliament early next week to discuss and vote on Brexit trade talks as Brussels signals a possible way out of the impasse.