Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Tshisekedi Accuses Rwanda of Undermining U.S.-Brokered Peace Deal as Violence Escalates in Eastern Congo 
Japan’s Q3 Economic Contraction Deepens as Revised Data Signals Stronger Headwinds 
Boeing Executive Says Trump’s Equity Stake Plan Won’t Target Major Defense Contractors 
Honduras Issues International Arrest Warrant for Ex-President Juan Orlando Hernández After U.S. Pardon 
Netanyahu Says Second Phase of U.S. Gaza Plan Nearing but Key Issues Remain 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Thailand Intensifies Efforts to Expel Cambodian Forces as Border Clashes Escalate 
Honduras Awaits Crucial Election Results as Public Frustration Grows 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Markets Track Ukraine Peace Talks and U.S. Rate Decision 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth Defends Second Strike on Suspected Drug Boat Amid War-Crime Concerns 
Trump Criticizes Insurers as Debate Over Extending Obamacare Subsidies Intensifies 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Flávio Bolsonaro Secures Support from São Paulo Governor as 2026 Race Heats Up 
U.S. stock index futures gained on Monday evening as reports eased fears of disruptive trade tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump. Bloomberg reported that his team may propose a gradual tariff increase of 2%-5% monthly to enhance trade leverage while managing inflation risks, rather than imposing steep duties immediately. This approach, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, remains unconfirmed but could signal a tempered stance on trade policy.
Wall Street saw a mixed session, with cyclicals offsetting tech losses. The S&P 500 Futures rose 0.3% to 5,892.50 points, Nasdaq 100 Futures added 0.5% to 21,046.25, and Dow Jones Futures increased 0.2% to 42,607.0 by 18:13 ET.
Monday's gains come despite broader market caution over a slower pace of Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2025. December’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, due Wednesday, could offer insights into inflation trends following strong payroll numbers last week. These data points may solidify expectations of continued high interest rates.
Major earnings reports this week will also shape market sentiment, with JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, and Citigroup among those set to release results.
While the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.9% to 42,297.12 points and the S&P 500 edged up 0.2% to 5,836.0 points on Monday, the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.4%, closing at 19,087.82, near a two-month low.
Investor focus remains on inflation, earnings, and Trump’s evolving trade strategies, all of which could drive market volatility. Continued monitoring of tariff policy and Federal Reserve signals will be crucial for traders navigating early 2025's economic landscape.
