South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
U.S. Stocks Slip as Gold Rebounds Ahead of Year-End, Markets Eye 2026 Outlook 
Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
Oil Prices Stabilize at Start of 2026 as OPEC+ Policy and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound 
U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
Asian Markets End Year on AI Optimism as Precious Metals and Currencies Shine 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
Asian markets traded mixed as investors digested falling oil prices, rising commodity stocks, and heightened geopolitical tensions tied to Venezuela, China, and broader global uncertainty. Crude oil futures extended losses after U.S. President Donald Trump said Venezuela would hand over as much as 50 million barrels of oil to be sold at market prices following the capture of the country’s leader. The news weighed heavily on energy markets, pushing U.S. crude down 1.1% to $56.48 per barrel and Brent crude 0.8% lower at $60.22 per barrel.
Despite weaker oil prices, resource and commodity-related shares found support across the region, helped by a sharp overnight rally in industrial metals. Copper surged to a record high in the previous session, while nickel jumped more than 10% on supply concerns, boosting mining stocks, particularly in Australia. The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.3%, benefiting from its heavy exposure to commodity producers.
Broader equity markets were more cautious. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index outside Japan slipped 0.2%, while Japan’s Nikkei fell 0.25%. Japanese stocks were pressured after China announced a ban on exports of dual-use items to Japan, escalating tensions following comments by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan.
Currency markets reflected a cautious tone. The U.S. dollar held near recent highs, with the dollar index steady at 98.60, supported by global geopolitical risks and anticipation of key U.S. economic data. The euro traded at $1.169, while the yen weakened slightly to 156.73 per dollar. Investors are closely watching upcoming U.S. data, including the monthly jobs report, JOLTS survey, and ADP payrolls, for clues on the timing of potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, with markets currently pricing in two cuts this year.
Elsewhere, spot gold slipped 0.6% to $4,469.04 an ounce, while cryptocurrencies also declined, with bitcoin down 0.8% and ether easing 0.5%. European equity futures pointed to a mixed open, and U.S. stock futures were flat after Wall Street closed at record highs, brushing aside global tensions for now.
