Ecuador Raises Tariffs on Colombian Imports to 50% Amid Border Security Dispute 
UBS Boosts Chinese Tech and AI Stocks for 2026 as Sector Eyes Strong Growth 
Asian Stocks Rise on Nvidia Earnings Boost; Yen Weakens as BOJ Rate Outlook Clouds 
U.S. Stocks Rally as Nvidia Earnings Loom, Oil Prices Near Seven-Month Highs 
PBOC Scraps FX Risk Reserves to Curb Rapid Yuan Appreciation 
Tech Stocks Resilient Amid Bond Market Pressure and AI Boom 
U.S. Stock Futures Fall as Nvidia Drops Despite Strong Earnings; Netflix Jumps 9% 
Asian Markets React to Tariff Reports and Fed Policy Shifts 
IMF Urges U.S. to Cut Fiscal Deficit to Reduce Trade and Current Account Gaps 
IMF Warns Japan of Market Volatility and Interest Rate Risks 
Apple Loses Top Spot in China's Smartphone Market Amid Rising Competition 
Gold Prices Rebound as U.S. Tariffs, Fed Policy and Iran Talks Drive Market Sentiment 
Gold Prices Set to Hit New Highs in 2025 Amid Market Volatility 
[Editorial Cartoon] “Tariff Chicken Game” – U.S. and China Speed Toward Economic Catastrophe 
Germany and China Reaffirm Open Trade and Strategic Partnership in Landmark Beijing Visit 
Asian Stocks Fall as U.S. Rate Cut Expectations Fade 
Bullish Start for S&P 500 Sparks Optimism for 2025, Despite Risks 
The S&P 500 closed marginally higher on Wednesday, supported by tech stocks rebounding from earlier losses as Treasury yields steadied. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 94 points (0.2%), the S&P 500 gained 0.1%, and the NASDAQ slipped 0.1%.
Minutes from the Federal Reserve's December meeting revealed a slower pace of rate cuts ahead due to concerns over stalling disinflation. Policymakers emphasized caution, noting slower progress toward the 2% inflation target. Meanwhile, Fed Governor Christopher Waller supported further cuts, expecting continued inflation declines, stabilizing Treasury yields after a recent surge.
Tech stocks ended above session lows, though major players like Apple, Alphabet, and Meta closed in the red. NVIDIA hovered near flat, while Palantir dropped further, extending a 16% decline since its peak last month.
Employment data highlighted labor market strength. Initial unemployment claims dropped to 201,000, the lowest since February, while private payrolls rose by 122,000 in December, signaling resilience despite sticky inflation. These indicators fueled speculation that the Fed may delay additional rate cuts in 2025.
In the corporate sector, Exxon Mobil slid 1.7% after warning of a $1.75 billion hit to Q4 earnings due to weaker refining profits. Shell also dropped 1.9%, citing a $1.3 billion charge related to permits and weaker integrated gas earnings.
Investors await Fed commentary and the upcoming US employment report for further clarity on economic and policy trends.
