BOJ Minutes Reveal Growing Debate Over Interest Rate Hikes and Inflation Risks 
Gold Prices Surge to Record Highs as Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
Asian Stock Markets Trade Flat as Holiday Liquidity Thins and BOJ Minutes Watched 
Oil Prices Ease in Asia as Geopolitical Risks Clash With Weak Demand Outlook 
Platinum Price Surges Past $2,000 as Demand and Supply Dynamics Tighten 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
UBS Warns of Short-Term Risks as Precious Metals Rally to Record Highs 
Wall Street Ends Higher as S&P 500, Nasdaq Extend Gains Ahead of Holiday Week 
Global Demand for Yuan Loans and Bonds Surges as China Pushes Currency Internationalization 
South Korea Central Bank Warns of Rising Financial Stability Risks Amid Won Volatility 
Yen Stabilizes Near Lows as Japan Signals Readiness to Intervene Amid Dollar Weakness 
UK Economy Grows 0.1% in Q3 2025 as Outlook Remains Fragile 
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 
Japan Plans $189 Billion Bond Issuance as Record Budget Signals Expansionary Fiscal Policy 
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 
U.S. stocks closed higher on Wednesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 finishing at record closing highs during a broad-based rally in a holiday-shortened trading session. All three major indexes notched their fifth consecutive day of gains, highlighting continued strength in U.S. equities despite lingering concerns about interest rates and valuations.
Market sentiment has improved in recent sessions, supported in part by a rebound in AI-related stocks after last week’s selloff. That pullback had been driven by worries over elevated valuations and heavy capital expenditures potentially weighing on future profits. Renewed optimism around artificial intelligence, including chatter about new models from major tech players such as OpenAI and Meta, helped lift investor confidence.
Recent economic data also reinforced the view that the U.S. economy remains resilient. New applications for U.S. jobless benefits unexpectedly declined last week, signaling ongoing labor market strength. Meanwhile, investors continue to price in around 50 basis points of Federal Reserve rate cuts next year, although expectations for a January cut remain low, according to CME Group’s FedWatch Tool. Analysts broadly agree that the Fed is unlikely to ease policy again in the near term.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 288.75 points, or 0.60%, to 48,731.16. The S&P 500 gained 22.26 points, or 0.32%, to 6,932.05, while the Nasdaq Composite added 51.46 points, or 0.22%, to 23,613.31. Trading volumes were notably light ahead of the Christmas holiday, with U.S. markets closed on Thursday.
Micron Technology shares climbed nearly 4% to a record close, extending gains after issuing a strong forecast last week. Financial stocks also supported the rally, while energy was the only S&P 500 sector to finish lower. Nike surged after news of insider buying, while Dynavax Technologies jumped sharply following a takeover announcement by Sanofi.
With stocks entering the traditionally strong “Santa Claus rally” period, optimism around AI, potential rate cuts, and economic resilience continues to underpin the bull market, which began in October 2022 and has kept U.S. stock indexes on track for another year of gains.
