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Latest stock market data plus index, currencies, and commodities performance

Fed minutes show officials narrowly split on the December rate cut

Fresh minutes from the Federal Reserve’s December 9–10 meeting show policymakers viewed the decision to cut rates as a close call, with several officials signaling they could have backed no change. The debate is now shifting to how long the Fed should pause as inflation risks remain tilted higher and the data flow is still distorted by shutdown-related gaps.

European banks powered a record year for stocks, while Novo and Puma lagged

Europe’s equity rally in 2025 was broad, but it was banks that did the heavy lifting, delivering their strongest run in decades as earnings held up and payouts surged. Not everyone joined the party: Novo Nordisk and Puma were among the headline laggards as sector-specific headwinds piled up.

Gold and silver hit fresh records as geopolitics and a weaker dollar fuel the rally

Gold and silver climbed to new all-time highs as geopolitical tensions lifted haven demand and a broad pullback in the US dollar extended what is already a standout year for precious metals.

Nikkei slips as BOJ caution weigh on sentiment

The Nikkei 225 ended Wednesday’s session lower, falling 212 points, or 0.4%, to close at 50,255, after early gains faded amid a stronger yen and shifting expectations around Japan’s monetary policy. Currency strength pressured export-heavy sectors, while financial stocks pulled back after last week’s rally. Technology shares, however, offered some support, with selective gains driven by positive analyst upgrades and global tech momentum.

Yen faces pressure amid intervention signals, rate uncertainty, and inflation gap

The current weakness, combined with signals of possible intervention, keeps investors alert to currency market volatility. At the same time, Japan’s interest rate policy remains flexible, with additional hikes possible if economic conditions improve. However, inflation remains below the target level needed to justify aggressive tightening.

U.S. GDP forecasts fall slowing to 3.2%

U.S. prepares to release its advance estimate for third quarter GDP this week, economists are revising down the growth outlook. Earlier estimates suggested growth was near 3.8%, but many forecasters now expect a slower pace closer to 3.2% or below. This adjustment doesn’t signal recession, but it shows a moderation in economic momentum and reflects several important trends shaping the U.S. economy today.

Gold breaks $4400 for first time as rate-cut bets and Venezuela tensions fuel haven demand

Japan raises interest rates to 30-year high

Bank of Japan (BOJ) raised its key interest rate on Friday to 0.75%, the highest level seen in three decades. This move marks another step in ending years of ultra-loose monetary policy, and many policymakers indicated they are ready for more increases if inflation and economic data continue to justify it.

S&P 500 slides as tech and AI investment uncertainty mounts

U.S. equities came under broad pressure, with the S&P 500 falling 1.16%, as selling intensified across technology and semiconductor stocks. The decline highlights a shift in market sentiment, as investors move toward a more cautious, defensive stance following a prolonged period of gains. Losses were widespread across the index, reflecting growing concern about high-valuation sectors that have driven much of the market’s recent strength.

U.S. economic data points to gradual cooling

Yesterday’s economic data suggested that the U.S. economy is gradually slowing down. The Dollar Index (DXY) stayed under pressure and failed to reach recent highs, as investors reassessed expectations for Federal Reserve policy in the coming months. While the data did not indicate a sharp slowdown, it reinforced the view that economic momentum is easing, especially in the labor market and consumer spending.

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