Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady as Markets Await Fed Policy Clues in Holiday-Thinned Trade 
Asian Markets End Year on AI Optimism as Precious Metals and Currencies Shine 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
Oil Prices Slide in 2025 as Oversupply and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
Asia Manufacturing PMI Rebounds as Exports and Tech Demand Drive Growth into 2026 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
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 
The euro rebounded from a 2.5-week low against the U.S. dollar on Monday, gaining 0.4% to $1.0415 as European leaders moved towards a Ukraine peace plan. Sterling also advanced 0.2% to $1.2602 after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed Europe's initiative to present a peace proposal to Washington.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin surged nearly 11% to $92,905, briefly touching $94,852.56. The rally followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s social media post naming Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano as part of a new strategic cryptocurrency reserve. Bitcoin had dipped to $78,273.03 on Friday, its lowest since mid-November, before rebounding.
The Canadian dollar and Mexican peso each rose 0.2%, trading at C$1.4439 and 20.4891 pesos per U.S. dollar. The gains came after U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted that planned 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico might be reduced. Trump is still expected to impose additional 10% levies on China.
The Australian and New Zealand dollars bounced from one-month lows, rising 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively, to $0.6220 and $0.5606. The yen slipped 0.1% to 150.52 per dollar, while China's yuan edged up 0.1% to 7.2873 per dollar in offshore trading.
The U.S. dollar index eased 0.1% to 107.21. However, analysts at Commonwealth Bank of Australia predict the dollar’s rally will resume as the U.S.-China trade war escalates, with "peak tariff" levels yet to be reached.
