U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
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 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
Oil Prices Stabilize at Start of 2026 as OPEC+ Policy and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
Asian Stock Markets Start New Year Higher as Tech and AI Shares Drive Gains 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
Russian stocks ended Monday’s trading session higher, with the MOEX Russia Index posting moderate gains as strong performances in the mining, oil and gas, and power sectors supported overall market sentiment. By the close of trading in Moscow, the benchmark MOEX Russia Index advanced 0.60%, reflecting improved investor appetite for commodity-linked and energy stocks.
Leading the rally were major mining companies. AK ALROSA PJSC climbed 2.08% to close at 42.29, benefiting from renewed interest in raw material producers. Polyus PJSC followed closely, gaining 1.91% to finish at 2,610.00, while MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC added 1.51% to end the session at 158.70. Notably, Norilsk Nickel shares reached a new 52-week high, underscoring strong momentum in the metals sector.
On the downside, real estate and technology stocks faced selling pressure. PIK SHb PJSC fell 1.89% to 462.50, making it one of the weakest performers of the day. VK Company Ltd declined 1.58% to 292.60, while Rostelekom PJSC dropped 1.42% to close at 63.20. Despite these losses, advancing stocks significantly outnumbered declining ones on the Moscow Stock Exchange, with 161 gainers versus 80 losers, indicating broadly positive market breadth.
Market volatility continued to ease, as the Russian Volatility Index (RVI) slipped 0.79% to 22.61, marking a fresh 52-week low. In commodities, gold futures surged 1.77% to $4,676.70 per troy ounce, supporting mining stocks. Oil prices were mixed, with March crude oil rising 0.15% to $59.43 per barrel and Brent crude edging up to $64.15.
In currency markets, the Russian ruble strengthened against major currencies, with USD/RUB falling 0.63% to 77.51 and EUR/RUB down 0.24% to 90.23. Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index futures declined 0.36%, adding support to emerging market assets, including Russian equities.
