Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
Oil Prices Stabilize at Start of 2026 as OPEC+ Policy and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech and Financial Stocks Weigh on Markets Amid Thin Holiday Trading 
Asian Markets End Year on AI Optimism as Precious Metals and Currencies Shine 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
Oil Prices Slide in 2025 as Oversupply and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
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 
South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound 
Asia’s major manufacturing economies ended 2025 on a stronger note, as factory activity rebounded across several key markets, supported by rising export orders, renewed global demand, and new product launches. Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data released by S&P Global showed a notable return to growth in important technology-exporting economies, signaling cautious optimism for the year ahead.
According to the latest PMI figures, manufacturing activity in South Korea and Taiwan moved back into expansion territory in December after months of contraction. Taiwan’s PMI climbed to 50.9 from 48.8 in November, marking its first reading above the critical 50-point threshold in ten months. South Korea’s PMI also improved to 50.1 from 49.4, its first expansionary result since September. A PMI reading above 50 indicates growth, while levels below that signal contraction.
The recovery has been largely driven by stronger export demand, particularly for semiconductors, as both economies play a central role in the global technology supply chain. The booming artificial intelligence market has significantly boosted chip demand, benefiting manufacturers in both Taiwan and South Korea. Survey data highlighted rising production levels, increased new business, and improving confidence among manufacturers heading into 2026.
S&P Global analysts noted that firms in Taiwan have begun rebuilding inventories and expressed stronger optimism about future output, suggesting expectations of a sustained recovery. In South Korea, manufacturers reported the sharpest rise in new orders since late 2024, driven by improved external demand and successful new product launches. This renewed confidence encouraged companies to expand hiring and increase purchasing activity.
Across Southeast Asia, factory activity generally remained in growth territory, although Indonesia and Vietnam saw slightly slower expansion. Meanwhile, China’s earlier PMI data also showed an unexpected turnaround in manufacturing activity, supported by a pre-holiday surge in orders.
In related economic news, Singapore reported that its economy grew by 4.8% in 2025, up from 4.4% in 2024, reinforcing signs of regional resilience. Market participants now await Japan’s PMI release for further insight into Asia’s manufacturing outlook as global demand continues to stabilize.
