U.S. Stock Futures Edge Lower as Tech Earnings and Fed Decision Shape Market Sentiment 
Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rate at 2.25% Amid Trade and Global Uncertainty 
Canada’s Trade Deficit Jumps in November as Exports Slide and Firms Diversify Away From U.S. 
Wall Street Slides as Warsh Fed Nomination, Hot Inflation, and Precious Metals Rout Shake Markets 
Indonesian Stocks Plunge as MSCI Downgrade Risk Sparks Investor Exodus 
Gold and Silver Prices Plunge as Trump Taps Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair 
Dollar Struggles as Policy Uncertainty Weighs on Markets Despite Official Support 
Trump Threatens 50% Tariff on Canadian Aircraft Amid Escalating U.S.-Canada Trade Dispute 
Philippine Economy Slows in Late 2025, Raising Expectations of Further Rate Cuts 
UK Vehicle Production Falls Sharply in 2025 Amid Cyberattack, Tariffs, and Industry Restructuring 
Oil Prices Surge Toward Biggest Monthly Gains in Years Amid Middle East Tensions 
U.S. Eases Venezuela Oil Sanctions to Boost American Investment After Maduro Ouster 
Gold Prices Pull Back After Record Highs as January Rally Remains Strong 
Gold Prices Hit Record High Above $5,500 as Iran Strike Fears Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
Wall Street Slips as Tech Stocks Slide on AI Spending Fears and Earnings Concerns 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Second Week as Tariff Threats and Iran Tensions Shake Markets 
Asian Currencies Hold Firm as Dollar Rebounds on Fed Chair Nomination Hopes 
European stock markets opened higher Monday, with investors focusing on upcoming eurozone inflation data and the European Central Bank’s (ECB) policy meeting. At 03:05 ET (08:05 GMT), Germany’s DAX gained 0.9%, France’s CAC 40 rose 0.2%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 climbed 0.4%.
The ECB is expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points to 2.50% on Thursday to stimulate the sluggish eurozone economy. Markets anticipate around 90 basis points of rate cuts by year-end, though uncertainty remains due to U.S. tariff risks, a potential Ukraine ceasefire, and increased European defense spending. Inflation data released later today may provide further clarity after signs of slowing price growth in major eurozone economies last week.
Investors are also watching U.S. tariff developments. President Donald Trump has announced additional 10% tariffs on China and reaffirmed plans for 25% levies on Mexico and Canada. However, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the final tariff levels would be determined on Tuesday, leaving room for adjustments.
The European defense sector is in focus as leaders agreed on a peace plan emphasizing increased military spending and a greater role in Ukraine’s defense. Meanwhile, UK-based Bunzl (LON:BNZL) reported quarterly earnings growth, citing an aggressive acquisition strategy, a dividend increase, and a share buyback program.
Oil prices edged higher, supported by strong Chinese manufacturing data. U.S. crude futures (WTI) rose 0.2% to $69.91 a barrel, while Brent gained 0.2% to $72.97. Manufacturing activity in China exceeded expectations, fueled by last year’s stimulus measures.
Meanwhile, uncertainty lingers over a potential Russia-Ukraine peace deal after tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, with European leaders reaffirming their support for Ukraine’s defense efforts.
