Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
U.S. stocks closed with modest gains on Friday, reversing earlier losses after President Donald Trump signaled flexibility on upcoming tariffs and hinted at trade talks with China next week. Trump reiterated his intent to use tariffs to reduce the trade deficit, but his comments eased fears that the duties set for April would heavily impact the economy.
Market sentiment has been volatile amid shifting trade policy signals and uncertainty over the Federal Reserve’s next move. However, the S&P 500 posted a weekly gain of 0.5%, the Dow climbed 1.2%—its best in two months—and the Nasdaq edged up 0.17%, snapping a four-week losing streak for all three indexes.
Friday’s rally followed Wednesday’s boost, when the Fed kept interest rates steady and signaled two potential cuts this year. Fed officials, including Austan Goolsbee and John Williams, emphasized a patient approach, citing the need to assess the economic impact of Trump’s policies.
The Dow rose 32.03 points to 41,985.35, the S&P 500 added 4.67 points to 5,667.56, and the Nasdaq gained 92.43 points to 17,784.05. Earlier, the S&P had dropped as much as 1.06%.
Among corporate movers, FedEx tumbled 6.45% after slashing its outlook, dragging UPS down 1.61%. Nike slid 5.46% on weak revenue guidance, and Nucor sank 5.78% after a disappointing profit forecast. Boeing surged 3.06% after securing a fighter jet contract, while Lockheed Martin fell 5.79%.
Triple witching added to market volume, which hit 21.05 billion shares—well above the 20-day average.
Despite the rebound, market breadth remained weak with decliners outpacing advancers, signaling ongoing caution among investors as earnings season approaches and economic uncertainty lingers.
