Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
Asia Manufacturing PMI Rebounds as Exports and Tech Demand Drive Growth into 2026 
Asian Markets End Year on AI Optimism as Precious Metals and Currencies Shine 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady as Markets Await Fed Policy Clues in Holiday-Thinned Trade 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech and Financial Stocks Weigh on Markets Amid Thin Holiday Trading 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
Asian stock markets showed mixed but generally positive performance on Wednesday, led by strong gains in Japanese stocks and renewed optimism around China’s economy and technology sector. Japan’s equity markets surged to fresh record highs amid speculation of a snap election and expectations of increased fiscal stimulus from Tokyo, while Chinese stocks advanced on robust trade data and continued momentum in technology shares.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 1.6% to a record 54,442 points, while the TOPIX index rose 0.8% to a new peak of 3,630.76. Investor sentiment was buoyed by reports suggesting Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may dissolve the lower house of parliament to call a snap election as early as February. Markets interpreted this as a signal that the government could expand fiscal stimulus, particularly if Takaichi strengthens her parliamentary position. The prospect of looser fiscal policy pushed the Japanese yen to its weakest level in nearly two years, boosting export-heavy stocks and adding further support to equities, despite concerns that such policies may strain Japan’s long-term fiscal health.
Chinese markets also posted solid gains, supported by strong economic data and optimism around artificial intelligence and semiconductors. The Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and the Shanghai Composite Index rose more than 1% each, reaching multi-year highs, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index added 0.5%. Data showed China’s trade surplus hit a record $1.25 trillion in 2025, with strong demand from Europe offsetting weaker U.S. exports. A sharp rise in December imports further raised hopes that domestic demand is recovering under continued policy support from Beijing.
Technology stocks in China and Hong Kong extended their rally, fueled by recent high-profile AI-related IPOs and growing confidence in the country’s push toward self-reliance in advanced chips. Chipmaking shares rose after reports that Beijing plans to limit access to Nvidia’s H200 AI chips, even after Washington approved their sale to China, reinforcing support for local semiconductor firms.
Elsewhere in Asia, markets were more subdued. South Korea’s KOSPI fell 0.3% as a tech-led rally cooled, while Australia, Singapore, and India also edged lower amid cautious global sentiment and concerns over U.S. trade policies.
