South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound 
USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
Asia Manufacturing PMI Rebounds as Exports and Tech Demand Drive Growth into 2026 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady as Markets Await Fed Policy Clues in Holiday-Thinned Trade 
Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
Japan’s yen surged sharply against the U.S. dollar on Friday as currency traders assessed the growing likelihood of official intervention to stabilize the weakening currency. The sudden move in the Japanese yen came amid heightened geopolitical tensions, rising oil prices, record-breaking gold, and cautious global equity markets, creating a complex backdrop for investors.
The yen showed extreme volatility, with two abrupt spikes that fueled speculation Japanese authorities may have conducted a rate check, often seen as a precursor to direct market intervention. According to a source cited by Reuters, the New York Federal Reserve carried out dollar-yen rate checks around midday, intensifying market chatter. The dollar eventually fell 1.66% against the yen to 155.77, while the dollar index dropped 0.84% to 97.47, reflecting broader dollar weakness.
Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan reiterated its readiness to continue raising interest rates despite political sensitivities ahead of a snap election. Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said she was closely monitoring currency markets but declined to confirm any intervention. Analysts remained divided on whether Friday’s move was actual intervention or traders positioning ahead of one.
In commodities, oil prices jumped nearly 3% after U.S. President Donald Trump increased pressure on Iran through sanctions on oil-transporting vessels and warned Tehran against escalating nuclear or domestic unrest. U.S. crude settled at $61.07 a barrel, while Brent crude closed at $65.88.
Safe-haven assets surged as well, with gold and silver hitting record highs amid geopolitical uncertainty and falling U.S. Treasury yields. Spot gold rose to $4,981.43 an ounce, approaching the $5,000 mark, while silver climbed above $100 an ounce for the first time. Treasury yields declined ahead of next week’s Federal Reserve meeting, where markets are pricing a 97% chance that interest rates will remain unchanged.
Global equities were mixed, with Wall Street showing muted movement after a volatile week. Investors remained cautious ahead of key economic data, earnings reports from major companies, and ongoing geopolitical developments, including stalled Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Overall, markets reflected a wait-and-see mood as currency intervention fears, geopolitical risks, and central bank decisions dominated investor focus.
