USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
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 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
Asian Markets End Year on AI Optimism as Precious Metals and Currencies Shine 
U.S. Stocks Slip as Gold Rebounds Ahead of Year-End, Markets Eye 2026 Outlook 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations 
U.S. stock index futures were little changed on Sunday evening as investors weighed heightened geopolitical risks following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela and the detention of President Nicolas Maduro. Market participants remained cautious at the start of the first full trading week of January, balancing global uncertainty with anticipation ahead of key U.S. economic data.
S&P 500 futures edged up 0.1% to 6,908.25 points, while Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.3% to 25,461.75 points. Dow Jones futures slipped 0.1% to 48,581.0 points, reflecting mixed sentiment as traders assessed potential market implications of the developing situation.
Wall Street closed last week without a traditional year-end rally. On Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.7%, the S&P 500 added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq Composite finished largely unchanged. Thin liquidity and a lack of conviction kept gains modest as investors avoided large bets ahead of new catalysts.
Market uncertainty intensified over the weekend after U.S. forces reportedly launched strikes in Venezuela and captured President Maduro, who was flown out of the country to face charges. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation via social media, describing it as decisive action against a criminal regime and stating that the U.S. would oversee a safe and orderly political transition. While senior officials later emphasized there were no plans for long-term involvement, investor concerns lingered over potential regional and global spillovers.
Energy markets drew particular attention, given Venezuela’s position as home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Any disruption to supply could influence oil prices and inflation expectations, adding another layer of complexity to the outlook for equities.
Beyond geopolitics, investors are looking ahead to the U.S. December jobs report due Friday, a key indicator for Federal Reserve policy. Markets are currently pricing in two additional 25-basis-point rate cuts in 2026 following December’s easing, though divisions among policymakers have kept expectations fluid. As a result, volatility may remain elevated as traders navigate both global risks and domestic economic signals.
