US, China Extend Trade Truce to Jan. 10 Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit 
China’s ‘Lipstick King’ Says AI Won’t Replace Livestream Hosts 
Wall Street Falls as Treasury Yields Surge, Oil Rebounds on Iran Tensions 
Asian Stocks Fall as Bond Yields Surge Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit 
U.S. Dollar Hits Two-Month High as Oil, Treasury Yields Surge 
Japan Private-Sector Growth Slows as Domestic Demand Weakens 
Japanese Bank Stocks Surge as Bond Yields Fuel Rate Hike Bets 
European Stocks Fall as Bond Yields and Geopolitical Risks Weigh 
U.S. Treasury Yields Surge as 30-Year Hits 22-Year High 
Gold Holds Near $4,275 as Rising Treasury Yields Fuel Fed Rate Hike Bets 
Australia Unemployment Hits Five-Year High Despite Strong Jobs Growth 
RBI Uses $10 Billion Currency Swaps to Drain Excess Rupee Liquidity 
Trump, Xi Focus on Trade and AI at White House Summit 
Fed Unveils Stablecoin Rules Under GENIUS Act 
Oil Prices Ease as Iran Tensions Clash With Diplomacy Hopes 
Asian Stocks Fall as Surging Bond Yields Rattle Markets 
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Asian stock markets opened the week on a positive note, with major indices in Japan and South Korea reaching record highs, supported by strong momentum from U.S. equities. However, gains across the region were tempered by rising oil prices and ongoing uncertainty surrounding U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Investor sentiment was boosted after Wall Street posted fresh records, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 closing at all-time highs. This strong U.S. performance fueled demand for technology and AI-related stocks in Asia, particularly semiconductor companies. U.S. stock futures remained largely unchanged during Monday’s Asian trading session, reflecting cautious optimism ahead of key economic events.
South Korea’s KOSPI index surged 2.3% to hit a new record, driven by robust gains in major chipmakers. SK Hynix shares jumped more than 6%, reaching an all-time high, while Samsung Electronics advanced 2.5%. The KOSPI has climbed nearly 5% in the past week, supported by strong semiconductor earnings and continued growth in artificial intelligence technologies.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 also reached a historic peak, rising up to 1.6%, while the broader TOPIX index gained 0.7%. Market participants are closely watching the Bank of Japan’s policy meeting, where the central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates steady at 0.75%. Investors are particularly focused on forward guidance, with speculation growing around a potential rate hike in the coming months due to persistent inflation pressures.
Despite the bullish equity performance, concerns over global oil supply weighed on broader market sentiment. Brent crude prices remained elevated above $107 per barrel as U.S.-Iran talks stalled and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz raised supply risks. Geopolitical tensions continue to influence market dynamics, adding uncertainty to the outlook.
Elsewhere in Asia, markets showed mixed performance. China’s Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index remained flat, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index declined 0.5% and Australia’s ASX 200 slipped 0.2%. India’s Nifty 50 futures posted modest gains, reflecting cautious optimism.
Overall, Asian markets remain supported by strong global cues and tech sector growth, but rising oil prices and geopolitical risks continue to cap broader gains.
