Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech and Financial Stocks Weigh on Markets Amid Thin Holiday Trading 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady as Markets Await Fed Policy Clues in Holiday-Thinned Trade 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound 
Oil Prices Stabilize at Start of 2026 as OPEC+ Policy and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Markets End Year on AI Optimism as Precious Metals and Currencies Shine 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
Japan recorded the fastest pace of its economic growth, rising 5 percent in the third quarter from an 8.2 percent drop in the second quarter after lockdowns hit its manufacturing sector and consumer spending.
The second-quarter GDP was Japan's worst.
A rise in domestic demand and exports helped drive the country's economic growth.
If the growth continued for 12 months, it represents an expansion of 21.4 percent.
However, some analysts cautioned that further growth is likely to be modest. The Japanese economy is still expected to shrink by 5.6 percent for its full fiscal year ending in March.
Earlier this year, Japan provided two stimulus packages with a combined value of $2.2 trillion, including small business loans and cash payments to households.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has ordered another stimulus package to boost Japan's economy.
