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 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
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 
Asian Stock Markets Start New Year Higher as Tech and AI Shares Drive Gains 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
Japan did not retract export restrictions on three critical industrial materials imposed on South Korea in a row over wartime forced labor as the end of the latter's May deadline lapsed.
Consequently, South Korea may resume its complaint at the World Trade Organization (WTO) that it suspended in November.
The WTO can open up a panel to look further into the case when the two sides fail to reach an agreement.
Japan imposed the export curbs as well as removed South Korea from its list of trusted partners after the latter's Supreme Court ordered Japanese firms to compensate Koreans forced into hard labor during the latter's colonization from 1910-45.
However, experts say it's unlikely that South Korea would withdraw from the military information-sharing pact with Japan dubbed GSOMIA (General Security of Military Information Agreement), as it caused criticism and a strong objection from the United States.
A South Korean trade ministry official said they have been opening dialogue channels and will first analyze Japan's response before making further decisions.
