Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
Asian Markets End Year on AI Optimism as Precious Metals and Currencies Shine 
Asia Manufacturing PMI Rebounds as Exports and Tech Demand Drive Growth into 2026 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
U.S. Stocks Slip as Gold Rebounds Ahead of Year-End, Markets Eye 2026 Outlook 
Oil Prices Stabilize at Start of 2026 as OPEC+ Policy and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech and Financial Stocks Weigh on Markets Amid Thin Holiday Trading 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
Retail sales in South Korea surged 4.4 percent in July from last year as online platforms enjoyed increased demand for groceries and home appliances.
The 26 major offline and online retailers posted combined sales of 11.46 trillion won last month, up from 10.98 trillion won from a year earlier.
According to the data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, online platforms led the growth with revenues advancing 13.4 percent over the period.
Sales of foodstuffs online jumped 46 percent on-year as more people avoided supermarkets.
Consumers also bought more daily items and furniture online, with the segment advancing 26.3 percent.
However, sales of tour packages plunged 16.3 percent from online platforms with global air travel virtually being suspended.
Offline stores, which were being outsold by online shops even before the virus outbreak, continued to lose ground, with sales dropping a further 2.1 percent on-year in July.
Convenience stores were the bright spot among offline shops with their revenue edging up 3.7 percent due to rising demand for sanitary items.
Supermarkets suffered a 5.5 percent on-year drop on sales in July due to the rainy season and pandemic.
Sales of clothes and sports goods plummeted 21.2 percent and 24.4 percent.
