Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
Gold Prices Ease After Record Highs as Dollar Firms, Broader Bullish Outlook Intact 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady as Markets Await Fed Policy Clues in Holiday-Thinned Trade 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
Silver Prices Hit Record Highs: How Silver Is Traded and Why Demand Is Surging 
Oil Prices Slide in 2025 as Oversupply and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
Asian Markets End Year on AI Optimism as Precious Metals and Currencies Shine 
U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
South Korea’s manufacturing sector returned to expansion territory in December, ending two consecutive months of contraction, as stronger export demand lifted business conditions and boosted confidence among manufacturers, according to a private-sector survey released on Friday.
The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for South Korean manufacturers, compiled by S&P Global, rose to 50.1 in December from 49.4 in November. A PMI reading above 50 signals expansion, while anything below that threshold indicates contraction. The latest data suggests that Asia’s fourth-largest economy is seeing early signs of stabilization in its factory sector, supported by improving global demand.
According to S&P Global Market Intelligence economist Usamah Bhatti, manufacturers reported that new product launches and stronger external demand played a key role in driving improved sales conditions. Export orders were highlighted as a major source of strength, underscoring the importance of overseas demand for South Korea’s trade-dependent economy.
New orders increased for the first time in three months, recording their strongest rise since November 2024. Export orders also rebounded, reflecting better conditions in key international markets. Although overall factory output continued to decline for a third straight month, the pace of contraction eased compared with November, suggesting that production levels may soon stabilize.
Other forward-looking indicators pointed to strengthening demand. Input purchases rose at their fastest pace since August 2024, while inventories of finished goods fell at the sharpest rate since May 2025, indicating that companies are drawing down stock to meet rising orders.
Optimism among manufacturers surged to its highest level since May 2022, driven by expectations of business expansion and continued new product development. The automobile and semiconductor industries were cited as key sectors expected to support growth in the year ahead.
On the inflation side, input prices climbed at the fastest rate since July 2022, largely due to currency weakness. This pushed output prices to a nine-month high, reversing the previous month’s decline. Overall, the December PMI data suggests improving momentum for South Korea’s manufacturing sector as exports regain strength.
