U.S. Stocks Slip as Gold Rebounds Ahead of Year-End, Markets Eye 2026 Outlook 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
Asia Manufacturing PMI Rebounds as Exports and Tech Demand Drive Growth into 2026 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
Asian Markets End Year on AI Optimism as Precious Metals and Currencies Shine 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
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 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
South Korea may ease some construction rules such as those related to residential floor area ratio and floor-to-floor height per apartment building to supply more homes in Seoul and the neighboring area.
According to Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki, the government will draw up comprehensive measures to encourage the construction of residential structures in Seoul and the neighboring area.
Hong met with senior policymakers last week to discuss solutions for the housing shortage in the densely populated area.
With Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo joining the meeting, there were speculations that military-owned land may be utilized to build homes.
The ruling Democratic Party said that the government would announce measures that could create over 100,000 new homes on August 4.
Among those that would be announced the government's plan to develop policies aimed at preventing speculative home purchases by foreigners.
