Asian Markets End Year on AI Optimism as Precious Metals and Currencies Shine 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech and Financial Stocks Weigh on Markets Amid Thin Holiday Trading 
Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations 
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. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
Oil Prices Slide in 2025 as Oversupply and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
Russian stocks closed flat on Saturday, reflecting a quiet session on the Moscow Exchange as market activity remained muted across key sectors. At the close in Moscow, the MOEX Russia Index finished unchanged at 0.00%, highlighting a lack of clear direction among investors amid stable domestic and global signals.
Among the notable performers on the MOEX Russia Index, AFK Sistema PJSC traded flat, ending the session unchanged at 12.94. Aeroflot PJSC also closed without movement, finishing at 57.25, while ROSSETI PJSC remained steady at 0.08 in late trading. Interestingly, the same stocks appeared among both the best and worst performers of the day, underlining the overall stagnation and low volatility that characterized the session.
Market breadth further emphasized the lack of momentum, as falling stocks did not outnumber advancing ones, with a neutral ratio of 0 to 0 recorded on the Moscow Stock Exchange. Investor caution was also reflected in volatility indicators, with the Russian Volatility Index (RVI), which tracks implied volatility of MOEX Russia Index options, remaining unchanged at 23.74. This level marked a new 52-week low, suggesting subdued expectations for near-term market swings.
In contrast to the flat equity market, commodities posted solid gains. Gold futures for February delivery climbed 0.90%, rising by 40.20 to settle at $4,500.90 per troy ounce, supported by ongoing demand for safe-haven assets. Oil prices also moved higher, with February crude oil futures advancing 2.35% to $59.12 per barrel. Meanwhile, March Brent crude gained 2.18%, ending the session at $63.34 per barrel, reflecting optimism around energy demand.
In currency markets, the Russian ruble strengthened against major peers. The USD/RUB pair fell 1.39% to 79.00, while EUR/RUB declined 1.57% to 91.94. The US Dollar Index Futures edged higher by 0.20% to 98.89, indicating modest dollar strength globally despite losses against the ruble.
Overall, the Russian stock market’s flat close contrasted with active moves in commodities and currencies, painting a picture of cautious equity investors amid shifting global market dynamics.
