IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement With Egypt, Opening Path to $3.8 Billion in Funding 
Taiwan Stock Market Ends Higher as Semiconductor and Energy Shares Lead Gains 
German Exports to the U.S. Decline Sharply as Tariffs Reshape Trade in 2025 
Global Markets Rise as Tech Stocks Lead, Yen Strengthens, and Commodities Hit Record Highs 
U.S. Dollar Slips as Yen Finds Support on Intervention Signals and Geopolitical Risks Rise 
Oil Prices Ease in Asia as Geopolitical Risks Clash With Weak Demand Outlook 
Tokyo Core Inflation Stays Above BOJ Target, Strengthening Case for Further Rate Hikes 
South Korea Central Bank Warns of Rising Financial Stability Risks Amid Won Volatility 
U.S. Stocks Rally to Record Highs as AI Rebound Fuels Holiday-Shortened Session 
Yen Stabilizes Near Lows as Japan Signals Readiness to Intervene Amid Dollar Weakness 
Why U.S. Coffee Prices Are Staying High Despite Trump’s Tariff Rollbacks 
Platinum Price Surges Past $2,000 as Demand and Supply Dynamics Tighten 
Asian Stock Markets Trade Flat as Holiday Liquidity Thins and BOJ Minutes Watched 
RBA Signals Possible Interest Rate Hike in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Japan Plans $189 Billion Bond Issuance as Record Budget Signals Expansionary Fiscal Policy 
Wall Street Ends Higher as S&P 500, Nasdaq Extend Gains Ahead of Holiday Week 
UBS Warns of Short-Term Risks as Precious Metals Rally to Record Highs 
The S&P 500 surged Friday, led by tech stocks, but still marked its fourth straight weekly loss amid trade war concerns and a sharp drop in consumer sentiment. The Dow Jones gained 674 points (1.7%), the S&P 500 rose 2%, and the NASDAQ climbed 2.6%.
NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) jumped over 5%, aiming to break a three-week losing streak. Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA) soared 13% on strong Q4 results, while Semtech (NASDAQ: SMTC) surged 21% after upbeat Q1 guidance.
Consumer sentiment plunged to its lowest level since November 2022, with the University of Michigan’s index dropping to 57.9 from 64.7, well below expectations. Inflation fears intensified as one-year inflation expectations spiked to 4.9%, marking three consecutive months of sharp increases. Long-term inflation expectations also jumped to 3.9%, the biggest monthly rise since 1993.
Trade war concerns escalated after former President Donald Trump threatened a 200% tariff on European alcoholic beverages, retaliating against the EU’s 50% tariff on American whiskey. Investors worry this could fuel inflation and slow economic growth.
Meanwhile, a government shutdown appears to have been averted as Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer backed a Republican-crafted funding bill.
Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) rose 3.9% after reports it plans to launch a more affordable Model Y in China to defend its market share. The EV giant has faced challenges, including a 30% stock decline this month, backlash over Elon Musk’s Dogecoin involvement, and protests at dealerships. Concerns also persist over trade war-related tariffs impacting Tesla’s business.
With inflation worries mounting, Federal Reserve hawkishness, and trade tensions intensifying, market volatility is expected to remain high.
