Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Lithium Market Poised for Recovery Amid Supply Cuts and Rising Demand 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Oil Prices Surge Amid U.S. Sanctions on Russian Crude Exports 
IMF Warns Japan of Market Volatility and Interest Rate Risks 
U.S. Stocks Hit Unprecedented Peaks Amid Growing Speculation of Federal Rate Cuts 
Bullish Start for S&P 500 Sparks Optimism for 2025, Despite Risks 
S&P 500 Relies on Tech for Growth in Q4 2024, Says Barclays 
Gold Prices Set to Hit New Highs in 2025 Amid Market Volatility 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
[Editorial Cartoon] “Tariff Chicken Game” – U.S. and China Speed Toward Economic Catastrophe 
Gold Soars to One-Month High as Weak Jobs Data Fuels Fed Rate Cut Speculation 
The S&P 500 closed marginally higher on Wednesday, supported by tech stocks rebounding from earlier losses as Treasury yields steadied. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 94 points (0.2%), the S&P 500 gained 0.1%, and the NASDAQ slipped 0.1%.
Minutes from the Federal Reserve's December meeting revealed a slower pace of rate cuts ahead due to concerns over stalling disinflation. Policymakers emphasized caution, noting slower progress toward the 2% inflation target. Meanwhile, Fed Governor Christopher Waller supported further cuts, expecting continued inflation declines, stabilizing Treasury yields after a recent surge.
Tech stocks ended above session lows, though major players like Apple, Alphabet, and Meta closed in the red. NVIDIA hovered near flat, while Palantir dropped further, extending a 16% decline since its peak last month.
Employment data highlighted labor market strength. Initial unemployment claims dropped to 201,000, the lowest since February, while private payrolls rose by 122,000 in December, signaling resilience despite sticky inflation. These indicators fueled speculation that the Fed may delay additional rate cuts in 2025.
In the corporate sector, Exxon Mobil slid 1.7% after warning of a $1.75 billion hit to Q4 earnings due to weaker refining profits. Shell also dropped 1.9%, citing a $1.3 billion charge related to permits and weaker integrated gas earnings.
Investors await Fed commentary and the upcoming US employment report for further clarity on economic and policy trends.
