Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Asian shares edged higher on Wednesday, rounding off a strong finish to 2025 as artificial intelligence-driven optimism continued to fuel global equity markets. The positive momentum followed an overnight rally on Wall Street, where the S&P 500 closed at a fresh record, signaling the long-awaited Santa Claus rally had finally taken hold despite thin year-end liquidity.
Investor sentiment was supported by robust U.S. economic data showing the economy expanded much faster than expected in the third quarter. While the data lifted risk assets such as stocks, it put pressure on bonds, contributing to shifts across global asset classes.
Commodities remained the standout performers. Gold prices surged to another all-time high, with spot gold climbing 0.8% to $4,524 per ounce, marking an extraordinary 72% gain for the year. Silver also extended its bullish run, jumping 1.2% to a record $72.27 per ounce and posting an annual increase of nearly 150%, making it one of the best-performing assets of 2025. The rally in precious metals reflects strong demand driven by inflation hedging, central bank buying, and sustained investor interest.
Across Asian equity markets, MSCI’s broad Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan rose 0.3% and ended the year up 26%, its strongest annual performance since 2017. Japan’s Nikkei advanced 0.4% on the day and also gained 26% for the year, while South Korea emerged as the regional outperformer with a remarkable 72% annual surge, supported by technology and semiconductor stocks.
In currency markets, the Japanese yen strengthened for a third consecutive session amid renewed speculation of potential intervention by Japanese authorities. The U.S. dollar weakened to 155.78 yen, retreating from levels that previously triggered action. The euro held steady near $1.18 after climbing 14% this year, while the dollar was down roughly 10% against major peers in 2025.
U.S. Treasury yields reflected expectations of continued Federal Reserve rate cuts, with the two-year yield down sharply for the year and the 10-year yield also ending lower. Meanwhile, oil prices were largely unchanged in early trading but remained on track for a third straight annual decline, underscoring ongoing concerns about global demand.
