Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Holiday Economic Questions: What Bank of America Says You Should Expect 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Trump Meets Mexico and Canada Leaders After 2026 World Cup Draw Amid USMCA Tensions 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Russia Stocks Close Flat as MOEX Hits 1-Month High 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
US stock index futures inched higher in holiday-thinned trade on Monday, with investors wary of potential new trade tariffs and prolonged high interest rates. Limited trading volumes due to a US market holiday offered few cues from Wall Street. Investors focused on President Donald Trump’s renewed plans for reciprocal tariffs and the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates after persistent inflation data last week.
S&P 500 Futures rose 0.2% to 6,141.0 points, Nasdaq 100 Futures gained 0.1% to 22,220.0 points, and Dow Jones Futures climbed 0.2% to 44,712.0 points.
Trump reiterated his intention to impose tariffs matching duties on US exports, particularly targeting countries with a value-added tax system, affecting importers in Europe and Asia. Having recently imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum and 10% on Chinese goods, Trump signaled that new tariffs might be implemented by April, providing short-term relief to markets.
The S&P 500 closed flat at 6,114.63 points on Friday, while the NASDAQ Composite rose 0.4% to 20,026.77 points, and the Dow Jones fell 0.4% to 44,546.08 points.
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller downplayed the inflationary impact of Trump's tariffs but emphasized the need to maintain current interest rates due to persistent inflation and a robust labor market. After 1% in rate cuts through 2024, the Fed kept rates steady in January and is expected to maintain them in the near term.
Despite tariff concerns, investors remain cautious, with markets closely monitoring economic indicators and policy signals. As global trade tensions escalate, market volatility may persist, underscoring the importance of staying informed and prepared.
