Japan Tech Stocks Surge as AI Optimism Lifts SoftBank, Chipmakers 
U.S.-China Beef Trade Deal Hopes Rise Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit 
Asian Currencies Slip as US Dollar Gains on Rising Iran Tensions and Awaited Jobs Data 
Gold Prices Rise as Weaker Dollar and Iran Ceasefire Hopes Boost Safe-Haven Demand 
Wall Street Hits Record High as AI Chip Stocks and Strong U.S. Jobs Data Boost Markets 
Wall Street Futures Edge Higher as Iran Tensions and AI Optimism Shape Markets 
European Stocks Edge Higher as Iran-U.S. Peace Talks Boost Market Sentiment 
The U.S. Treasuries jumped during Wednesday’s afternoon session amid a muted trading session that witnessed data of little economic significance. Also, a speech by Federal Reserve President Evans, due later in the day shall add further direction into the bond market.
The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield slumped 2 basis points to 1.870 percent, the super-long 30-year bond yield also suffered nearly 2 basis points to 2.299 percent and the yield on the short-term 2-year lost 1 basis point to 1.623 percent by 14:00GMT.
On a quiet day for US economic releases, today will just see Fed Governor Brainard speak at an ECB conference in honour of departing Executive Board member Cœuré, Daiwa Capital Markets reported.
Fixed income markets remained supported in early trade today and the GBP extended recent losses on fears over the risk of a no-deal Brexit. Focus today is on Germany’s IFO business climate index for December, Eurobank Economic Analysis & Financial Markets Research reported.
Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Futures remained flat at 3,196.62 by 14:05GMT.
