Asian Stock Markets Start New Year Higher as Tech and AI Shares Drive Gains 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
U.S. Stocks Slip as Gold Rebounds Ahead of Year-End, Markets Eye 2026 Outlook 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026 
U.S. stock futures edged lower on Thursday as investors remained cautious ahead of the release of crucial U.S. unemployment data. Market participants are closely watching the labor market figures for signals on the Federal Reserve’s next policy moves, particularly whether conditions could support additional interest rate cuts later this year. The data is expected to influence short-term market sentiment as traders reassess the outlook for economic growth, inflation, and monetary policy.
Despite the broader weakness in futures, several major U.S. stocks made notable moves in premarket trading. Alphabet shares rose 0.8%, extending recent gains after the Google parent’s market capitalization surpassed that of Apple for the first time since 2019. The milestone reinforced investor confidence in Alphabet’s long-term growth prospects, especially in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital advertising.
Nvidia stock advanced 0.4% following a Bloomberg report that China may soon approve certain purchases of the company’s H200 artificial intelligence chips. Approval could come as early as this quarter, potentially reopening access to a critical market for the U.S. chipmaker and boosting demand for its high-performance AI hardware.
Defense stocks also rallied strongly in premarket trading. RTX gained 4.9%, while Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman climbed 7% and 7.6%, respectively. The surge came after suggestions of a significant increase in the U.S. military budget for 2027, outweighing concerns over President Trump’s proposal to restrict dividends and share buybacks until defense contractors accelerate weapons production.
Applied Digital shares jumped 6.1% after the data center operator reported better-than-expected second-quarter revenue and announced new lease agreements with two hyperscale customers across its North Dakota campuses. Constellation Brands rose 2% after posting stronger-than-expected third-quarter sales and profit, supported by steady demand for Modelo Especial and Corona beers.
On the downside, Alcoa stock fell 3.4% following a JPMorgan downgrade, while Gap shares climbed 3.9% after a bullish UBS upgrade, reflecting improving expectations for sales and earnings growth.
