South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound 
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 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech and Financial Stocks Weigh on Markets Amid Thin Holiday Trading 
South Korea and China are coordinating with Japan about fast-tracking the entry of business people who tested negative for COVID-19 before departure and after arrival.
Japan's Foreign Ministry has not commented on the move.
While South Korea and China have been easing border controls for those on business trips to bolster business activities, Japan is still implementing stringent border controls to avoid another spike in infections, and due to lack of testing kits.
The state of emergency has been abrogated for 39 of Japan's 47 prefectures, easing restrictions on 54 percent of the population.
But restrictions have not been lifted in the greater Tokyo area, which accounts for one-third of Japan's economy, and in other major cities.
Japan has 16,300 cases of the coronavirus infections, excluding those from the cruise ship quarantined in Yokohama port, and 748 deaths.
