U.S. Stocks Slip as Gold Rebounds Ahead of Year-End, Markets Eye 2026 Outlook 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
BTC Dips on Trade Tension Ease, But 450 BTC/Day Whale Says “Buy More” – Eyes $107K Glory 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound 
Bitwise and Proficio Launch Currency Debasement ETF Focused on Gold, Bitcoin, and Hard Assets 
U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations 
Mastercard will randomly award its first non-fungible token (NFT) to a Mastercard cardholder who joins the UK sweepstake.
The NFT would be launched in partnership with the renowned football coach and Mastercard global ambassador José Mourinho.
Mastercard’s NFT is being used as a reward for being a cardholder, just like vacation trips, tickets to exclusive events, and cars.
There is still an aspect of exclusivity since only one NFT will be awarded. It also motivates consumers to get involved as there are no additional financial commitments.
Through Mastercard’s NFT project, cardholders can easily get involved with no background knowledge.
The addition of José Mourinho, an iconic sports figure, is likely to further promote the campaign’s success.
Competitor Visa took a different approach, publicly announcing its purchase of a CryptoPunk NFT.
