UBS Warns of Short-Term Risks as Precious Metals Rally to Record Highs 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as Strong U.S. Growth and Supply Risks Support Market 
Japan Plans $189 Billion Bond Issuance as Record Budget Signals Expansionary Fiscal Policy 
U.S. Stocks Rally to Record Highs as AI Rebound Fuels Holiday-Shortened Session 
BOJ Minutes Reveal Growing Debate Over Interest Rate Hikes and Inflation Risks 
Yen Stabilizes Near Lows as Japan Signals Readiness to Intervene Amid Dollar Weakness 
IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement With Egypt, Opening Path to $3.8 Billion in Funding 
Tokyo Core Inflation Stays Above BOJ Target, Strengthening Case for Further Rate Hikes 
BOJ Governor Signals Gradual Rate Hikes as Japan’s Inflation Nears 2% Target 
Wall Street Ends Higher as S&P 500, Nasdaq Extend Gains Ahead of Holiday Week 
Asian Stock Markets Trade Flat as Holiday Liquidity Thins and BOJ Minutes Watched 
Oil Prices Rise on Venezuela Sanctions and Nigeria Airstrikes Despite Annual Losses 
U.S. Dollar Slips as Yen Finds Support on Intervention Signals and Geopolitical Risks Rise 
RBA Signals Possible Interest Rate Hike in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Taiwan Stock Market Ends Higher as Semiconductor and Energy Shares Lead Gains 
Russian Stocks End Lower as Energy and Mining Shares Weigh on MOEX Index 
U.S. stock futures moved modestly higher on Thursday evening following the Christmas holiday, as subdued activity and thin trading volumes continued to shape market behavior ahead of a shortened New Year’s trading week. With many global markets closed or operating at reduced capacity, investors largely stayed on the sidelines, keeping futures within a narrow range.
S&P 500 futures rose about 0.1% to hover near 6,987 points, while Nasdaq 100 futures also climbed roughly 0.1% to around 25,908 points. Dow Jones futures followed the same trend, gaining 0.1% to trade close to 49,057 points. U.S. equity markets were closed on Thursday for Christmas Day after an early close on Wednesday, a schedule that typically results in lighter volumes and muted price action.
Market participants noted that many institutional trading desks remain lightly staffed, and several major markets across Europe and Asia are also observing holidays. This combination has reduced liquidity and limited volatility, contributing to the cautious tone in U.S. stock index futures. Despite the quiet trading environment, broader sentiment remains constructive.
Earlier in the week, the S&P 500 notched a fresh record closing high, supported by optimism surrounding robust U.S. economic data. Third-quarter gross domestic product growth came in at an annualized rate of 4.3%, the fastest pace in two years, reinforcing confidence in the resilience of the U.S. economy. Strong economic growth has helped offset concerns about tighter financial conditions and supported risk appetite across equities.
Additional tailwinds have come from renewed enthusiasm for technology and artificial intelligence-related stocks, which continue to attract investor interest. Speculation that the Federal Reserve could begin cutting interest rates in 2026 has also underpinned equity sentiment, particularly for growth-oriented sectors.
As markets prepare to return to a full trading schedule on Friday, investors will keep an eye on incoming economic data, year-end positioning, and seasonal patterns. Historically light volumes and the possibility of a late-December “Santa Claus rally” may continue to influence price movements as the year draws to a close.
