
Asian Stock Markets Start New Year Higher as Tech and AI Shares Drive Gains
Jan 02, 2026 04:08 am UTC| Economy
Asian stock markets opened the new year on a positive note on Friday, with technology and semiconductor stocks leading gains across the region, despite subdued trading volumes caused by holiday closures in major markets....

Oil Prices Stabilize at Start of 2026 as OPEC+ Policy and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook
Jan 02, 2026 04:04 am UTC| Economy
Oil prices edged slightly higher on Friday, marking a steadier start to 2026 after suffering their steepest annual decline since 2020. Investors are cautiously balancing renewed geopolitical tensions with expectations that...

Asia Manufacturing PMI Rebounds as Exports and Tech Demand Drive Growth into 2026
Jan 02, 2026 04:02 am UTC| Economy
Asias major manufacturing economies ended 2025 on a stronger note, as factory activity rebounded across several key markets, supported by rising export orders, renewed global demand, and new product launches. Purchasing...

Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks
Jan 02, 2026 01:46 am UTC| Economy
Singapores economy delivered stronger-than-expected performance in late 2025, according to preliminary government data, although policymakers have warned that sustaining such momentum in 2026 will be challenging. Advance...

Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026
Jan 02, 2026 01:32 am UTC| Economy
Citi expects the post-pandemic bull market in U.S. equities to extend into 2026, though investors should brace for increased volatility along the way. In its latest outlook, the Wall Street bank characterizes the market...

U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations
Jan 02, 2026 01:27 am UTC| Economy
The U.S. dollar began 2026 on a soft note, extending the weakness it showed throughout much of 2025, as currency markets continue to adjust to narrowing interest rate differentials between the United States and other major...

South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound
Jan 02, 2026 01:24 am UTC| Economy
South Koreas manufacturing sector returned to expansion territory in December, ending two consecutive months of contraction, as stronger export demand lifted business conditions and boosted confidence among manufacturers,...