Asian Stock Markets Start New Year Higher as Tech and AI Shares Drive Gains 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
Oil Prices Stabilize at Start of 2026 as OPEC+ Policy and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
Asia Manufacturing PMI Rebounds as Exports and Tech Demand Drive Growth into 2026 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady as Markets Await Fed Policy Clues in Holiday-Thinned Trade 
USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
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 
Oil Prices Slide in 2025 as Oversupply and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
U.S. stocks closed sharply higher on Wednesday after President Donald Trump signaled a major easing of trade tensions with Europe, lifting investor sentiment and pushing major Wall Street indexes firmly into positive territory. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 588 points, or 1.2%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite each gained 1.2% by the 4:00 p.m. ET close.
Markets reacted positively after Trump said he would not impose new tariffs on European nations following the establishment of a framework for a future deal on Greenland. Speaking from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump said the agreement came after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and would address U.S. strategic interests in Greenland and the broader Arctic region.
According to Trump, the framework includes U.S. involvement in Greenland’s mineral rights and participation in the “Golden Dome,” a layered missile defense system for the United States. The announcement reduced fears of a renewed trade conflict with Europe, prompting a rally in equities and a sharp decline in U.S. Treasury yields.
In corporate news, Netflix shares slid after the streaming giant reported better-than-expected quarterly earnings but issued weaker first-quarter guidance. The company cited declining viewership for non-branded licensed content, signaling softer demand outside its core original programming. The update followed reports that Netflix had improved its $72 billion bid for Warner Bros Discovery’s studios and streaming assets as competition with Paramount Skydance intensifies.
United Airlines stock climbed after the carrier beat profit expectations and delivered a strong outlook, supported by robust demand from corporate and higher-income travelers. Halliburton and Travelers also posted gains after exceeding earnings estimates, while Kraft Heinz shares fell on speculation that Berkshire Hathaway may sell its long-held stake. Johnson & Johnson edged lower despite issuing upbeat 2026 guidance, citing expected costs from a U.S. drug pricing agreement.
Investors are now looking ahead to earnings from Procter & Gamble, GE Aerospace, Intel, Abbott Laboratories, and Intuitive Surgical, which are set to report next, potentially adding further momentum to U.S. stock markets.
