USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
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Oil Prices Slide in 2025 as Oversupply and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
Retail sales for November grew the most in four months, up 0.2 percent. This modest increase is less than expectations but above October's 0.1 percent figure. However, excluding gas and autos the figure was up a robust 0.6 percent, a definitive reversal of several months of weakness.
Eight of the 13 primary categories in retail improved last month. (Clothing, bars, and restaurants led the way as consumers realized that they didn't have anything to wear and they could use a drink!) Analysts conclude this recent hike in spending is due to a strong labor market that has put millions back to work and a solid increase in holiday shopping.
"Wages are expected to grow in the upcoming months and further strengthen consumer spending. Consumers are the driving force of any economy and this report confirms the role the consumers play in retail sector", says Voya Global Perspective.
