Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
Asia Manufacturing PMI Rebounds as Exports and Tech Demand Drive Growth into 2026 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady as Markets Await Fed Policy Clues in Holiday-Thinned Trade 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
Russian stocks closed flat on Saturday, reflecting a quiet session on the Moscow Exchange as market activity remained muted across key sectors. At the close in Moscow, the MOEX Russia Index finished unchanged at 0.00%, highlighting a lack of clear direction among investors amid stable domestic and global signals.
Among the notable performers on the MOEX Russia Index, AFK Sistema PJSC traded flat, ending the session unchanged at 12.94. Aeroflot PJSC also closed without movement, finishing at 57.25, while ROSSETI PJSC remained steady at 0.08 in late trading. Interestingly, the same stocks appeared among both the best and worst performers of the day, underlining the overall stagnation and low volatility that characterized the session.
Market breadth further emphasized the lack of momentum, as falling stocks did not outnumber advancing ones, with a neutral ratio of 0 to 0 recorded on the Moscow Stock Exchange. Investor caution was also reflected in volatility indicators, with the Russian Volatility Index (RVI), which tracks implied volatility of MOEX Russia Index options, remaining unchanged at 23.74. This level marked a new 52-week low, suggesting subdued expectations for near-term market swings.
In contrast to the flat equity market, commodities posted solid gains. Gold futures for February delivery climbed 0.90%, rising by 40.20 to settle at $4,500.90 per troy ounce, supported by ongoing demand for safe-haven assets. Oil prices also moved higher, with February crude oil futures advancing 2.35% to $59.12 per barrel. Meanwhile, March Brent crude gained 2.18%, ending the session at $63.34 per barrel, reflecting optimism around energy demand.
In currency markets, the Russian ruble strengthened against major peers. The USD/RUB pair fell 1.39% to 79.00, while EUR/RUB declined 1.57% to 91.94. The US Dollar Index Futures edged higher by 0.20% to 98.89, indicating modest dollar strength globally despite losses against the ruble.
Overall, the Russian stock market’s flat close contrasted with active moves in commodities and currencies, painting a picture of cautious equity investors amid shifting global market dynamics.
