Fed, campaign finance and Lithuania balloons

A divided Federal Reserve meets for its last meeting of the year as U.S. President Donald Trump ramps up his focus on affordability. The Supreme Court grapples with campaign spending limits. Japan scrambles jets to monitor Chinese and Russian air forces’ joint patrols. And a wave of cigarette-smuggler balloons from Belarus disrupts Lithuania's airspace. Plus, where in the world is Maria Corina Machado? Listen to Morning Bid podcast ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Find the Recommended Read here. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices