Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
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 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
U.S. stocks ended flat on Friday as markets shook off initial jitters from a Financial Times report suggesting former President Donald Trump is pushing for steep tariffs—between 15% and 20%—on European Union goods. While the S&P 500 dipped 0.01% to 6,296.79, the Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.05% to 20,895.66. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.32% to 44,342.19.
Despite the tariff scare, investor confidence remains strong, with both the S&P and Nasdaq hovering near record highs. Analysts note a shift in sentiment, with markets showing less sensitivity to trade threats and more focus on hard economic data. BNP Paribas strategist Greg Boutle remarked that investors are now awaiting solid proof of policy impacts.
Economic reports painted a mixed picture: retail sales were strong, consumer inflation rose, and producer prices were flat in June. The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index also climbed, though inflation concerns persist.
Earnings season began with varied results. Of 59 S&P 500 companies reporting so far, 81.4% exceeded expectations. Yet, outperforming estimates hasn’t guaranteed stock gains—American Express and Netflix both fell despite beating forecasts. On the upside, Charles Schwab rose 2.9% on strong profits, and Regions Financial jumped 6.1% after raising its 2025 outlook.
Cryptocurrency stocks advanced after the U.S. House passed a bill to establish a crypto regulatory framework. Robinhood climbed 4.1%, and Coinbase rose 2.2%.
Sector-wise, utilities led gains with a 1.7% rise, hitting a record close. Energy lagged, down 1%, dragged by SLB and Exxon Mobil, which fell after disappointing earnings and a legal loss involving Hess.
For the week, the S&P 500 gained 0.59%, the Nasdaq rose 1.5%, and the Dow slipped 0.07%.
