US Inflation Data Sparks Speculation on Fed Rate Policy 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
S&P 500 Rises Amid Cyclical Stock Gains, Inflation Data Looms 
Asian Markets React to Tariff Reports and Fed Policy Shifts 
South Korea Inflation Edges Up in November as Food and Service Costs Climb 
U.S. Stocks Slip as Investors Await Fed Rate Decision and Monitor Market Shifts 
Key Date for Tariff Policy Changes 
Deutsche Bank Warns of Persistent Inflation Risks in 2025 
Global Currencies Stabilize as U.S. Tariff Uncertainty Persists 
Japan’s Finance Minister Signals Alignment With BOJ as Rate Hike Speculation Grows 
U.S. Stocks Hit Unprecedented Peaks Amid Growing Speculation of Federal Rate Cuts 
Gold Hits Record High as Investors Eye Fed Chair Powell’s Speech on Tariffs 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Bullish Start for S&P 500 Sparks Optimism for 2025, Despite Risks 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Teladoc Shares Rise on Amazon Collaboration for Health Programs 
U.S. Soybean Shipments to China Gain Momentum as Trade Tensions Ease 
The S&P 500 closed marginally higher on Wednesday, supported by tech stocks rebounding from earlier losses as Treasury yields steadied. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 94 points (0.2%), the S&P 500 gained 0.1%, and the NASDAQ slipped 0.1%.
Minutes from the Federal Reserve's December meeting revealed a slower pace of rate cuts ahead due to concerns over stalling disinflation. Policymakers emphasized caution, noting slower progress toward the 2% inflation target. Meanwhile, Fed Governor Christopher Waller supported further cuts, expecting continued inflation declines, stabilizing Treasury yields after a recent surge.
Tech stocks ended above session lows, though major players like Apple, Alphabet, and Meta closed in the red. NVIDIA hovered near flat, while Palantir dropped further, extending a 16% decline since its peak last month.
Employment data highlighted labor market strength. Initial unemployment claims dropped to 201,000, the lowest since February, while private payrolls rose by 122,000 in December, signaling resilience despite sticky inflation. These indicators fueled speculation that the Fed may delay additional rate cuts in 2025.
In the corporate sector, Exxon Mobil slid 1.7% after warning of a $1.75 billion hit to Q4 earnings due to weaker refining profits. Shell also dropped 1.9%, citing a $1.3 billion charge related to permits and weaker integrated gas earnings.
Investors await Fed commentary and the upcoming US employment report for further clarity on economic and policy trends.
