U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
Asia Manufacturing PMI Rebounds as Exports and Tech Demand Drive Growth into 2026 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Markets End Year on AI Optimism as Precious Metals and Currencies Shine 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
Oil Prices Stabilize at Start of 2026 as OPEC+ Policy and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
U.S. stock futures traded mostly flat on Monday night after Wall Street closed higher, supported by a strong rally in energy stocks following major geopolitical developments involving Venezuela. Futures tied to the S&P 500 hovered near 6,943 points, Nasdaq 100 futures held steady around 25,572 points, and Dow Jones futures were little changed at approximately 49,215 points during evening trading.
During the regular trading session, U.S. equities posted solid gains, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumping 1.2% to close at a fresh record high. The rally was driven largely by energy and industrial stocks as investors reacted to reports of a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. The S&P 500 advanced about 0.6%, while the Nasdaq Composite gained roughly 0.7%, reflecting broad-based optimism across major sectors.
Energy stocks outperformed as markets speculated that a potential political transition in Venezuela could eventually open the country’s massive oil reserves to foreign investment. Investors believe this shift may benefit U.S. oil companies with experience operating in the region. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela’s transition and encouraged American energy firms to help rebuild the nation’s oil industry, citing their technical expertise and ability to stabilize production in the OPEC-member country.
Chevron shares surged more than 5%, while Exxon Mobil gained over 2%. Oilfield services companies, including Halliburton and Schlumberger, also posted strong advances as traders priced in the possibility of increased drilling activity and infrastructure investment over the longer term. The positive momentum in energy stocks played a key role in lifting overall market sentiment.
Looking ahead, investors are turning their attention to the upcoming U.S. December jobs report, scheduled for release on Friday. The labor market data is expected to be closely watched after recent indicators suggested slowing employment growth. The report could significantly influence expectations around Federal Reserve interest rate cuts later this year, making it a critical catalyst for stock market direction in the near term.
