Oil Prices Edge Higher as Strong U.S. Growth and Supply Risks Support Market 
Global Markets Rise as Tech Stocks Lead, Yen Strengthens, and Commodities Hit Record Highs 
Japan Signals Possible Yen Intervention as Currency Weakens Despite BOJ Rate Hike 
Asian Stock Markets Trade Flat as Holiday Liquidity Thins and BOJ Minutes Watched 
Wall Street Ends Higher as S&P 500, Nasdaq Extend Gains Ahead of Holiday Week 
Japan Revises Economic Growth Forecast as Stimulus Fuels Consumption and Investment 
U.S. Dollar Slips as Yen Finds Support on Intervention Signals and Geopolitical Risks Rise 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady After S&P 500 Hits Record on Strong Economic Data 
Gold Prices Surge to Record Highs as Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
US and Japan Fast-Track $550 Billion Strategic Investment Initiative 
Asian Stocks Rise as Wall Street Tech Rally Lifts Markets, Yen Slumps Despite BOJ Rate Hike 
South Korea Central Bank Warns of Rising Financial Stability Risks Amid Won Volatility 
RBA Signals Possible Interest Rate Hike in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist 
China Keeps Benchmark Lending Rates Steady as Economic Outlook Remains Cautious 
Why U.S. Coffee Prices Are Staying High Despite Trump’s Tariff Rollbacks 
IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement With Egypt, Opening Path to $3.8 Billion in Funding 
Oil Prices Ease in Asia as Geopolitical Risks Clash With Weak Demand Outlook 
Asian Stocks React to Cooling Rally and Stimulus Talks
Asian stock markets showed little movement on Thursday, following a rally sparked by Donald Trump’s 2024 U.S. election victory, as attention shifted to stimulus measures in China and the upcoming U.S. Federal Reserve meeting.
Chinese Markets and NPC Focus
Chinese stocks saw modest gains, with the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite indexes both up 0.4%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose nearly 1%. Investors remained focused on the National People’s Congress (NPC) meeting, which began earlier this week, expecting an announcement on additional fiscal stimulus to support the economy. Chinese markets had initially been wary of Trump’s proposed 60% trade tariff on imports from China, but Beijing’s response, including a congratulatory message to Trump and a phone call with President Xi Jinping, helped stabilize sentiment.
Japan and Regional Market Movements
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index fell 0.3%, reversing some of the 2.6% gain from the previous session, while the TOPIX index gained 0.8%. The yen weakened against the dollar, contributing to gains in export-focused stocks like Toyota, despite a disappointing earnings report. Broader regional markets moved in a narrow range, as initial optimism from Trump’s election win faded.
Australian and South Korean Markets
Australia’s ASX 200 dropped 0.2%, reflecting a weak trade balance due to low demand from China. South Korea’s KOSPI also fell 0.2%, and Indian markets are expected to open flat after a sharp rebound earlier this week.
