U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
Asia Manufacturing PMI Rebounds as Exports and Tech Demand Drive Growth into 2026 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
Asian Markets End Year on AI Optimism as Precious Metals and Currencies Shine 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady as Markets Await Fed Policy Clues in Holiday-Thinned Trade 
Oil Prices Stabilize at Start of 2026 as OPEC+ Policy and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
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 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
Indian farmers are turning to illegal moneylenders charging exorbitant rates as banks are shunning them due to rising bad loans.
Higher interest rates are pulling down farm earnings, which are key to reviving the economy.
Agriculture accounts for nearly 15 percent of India’s $2.8 trillion-economy and is a source of livelihood for over half of its 1.3 billion people.
Indian banks typically charge between 4 to 10 percent for crop-related loans.
Private moneylenders now ask for 48-60 percent as more farmers seek loans. Last year, they charged 24-36 percent interest.
The Indian government has instructed banks to increase lending, but bankers are choosing to be cautious.
The banks complain that they are caught up by farm loan waiver schemes done by several states ahead of elections to win over farmers.
