Asian Markets End Year on AI Optimism as Precious Metals and Currencies Shine 
South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026 
Asia Manufacturing PMI Rebounds as Exports and Tech Demand Drive Growth into 2026 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
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 
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are neck-and-neck in North Carolina, with a mere two-point gap between them, according to a new poll from The Washington Post.
The survey indicates that Trump holds 50% support among likely voters, while Harris is backed by 48%. This slim difference falls within the poll’s margin of error, suggesting a highly competitive race in a state considered pivotal for the upcoming election.
Approximately 1% of respondents expressed support for another candidate, while 2% remained undecided, The Washington Post reported.
North Carolina, a key swing state, is expected to play a significant role in determining the outcome of the presidential race. Another survey from East Carolina University reflects a similarly close contest, with Trump leading Harris by two points.
Stein Leads Robinson in Gubernatorial Race
In the state’s gubernatorial race, Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein leads Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson by a considerable margin, garnering 54% of the vote compared to Robinson's 38%, according to the poll.
Voter Motivation Remains High
Voter motivation is high, with 80% of registered voters indicating they are "extremely motivated" to participate in the upcoming election. Within this group, 83% of Trump supporters and 81% of Harris supporters expressed strong motivation to vote.
The Washington Post poll, conducted from September 25 to 29, surveyed 1,001 individuals and carries a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points.
