Market Minutes
Read snapshots of the latest market news
Tariffs drama
The dollar dropped after the Washington Post reported that Donald Trump’s aides are exploring tariffs that would apply to every country, but only cover critical imports.
European currencies under pressure amid energy crisis and trade tensions
European currencies face mounting headwinds as economic uncertainties deepen. The euro teeters near its lowest level since 2022 against the dollar, while the British pound struggles near a nine-month low. Energy woes and trade tensions compound challenges for the region's fragile economies.
Global markets show mixed signals amid persistent uncertainty
Global stock markets presented a mixed picture on Friday as Asian equities rallied and European futures slipped. Investors remained cautious, navigating geopolitical tensions and reassessing economic prospects ahead of key US manufacturing data.
UK manufacturing PMI drops to 47 as economic pressures mount
The UK's Manufacturing PMI slipped to 47.0 in December, down from 48.0 in November, marking the third straight month of contraction and the lowest sentiment in two years.
China manufacturing slows as global markets start 2025 on cautious note
China’s manufacturing expansion eased in December, setting a cautious tone for global markets as investors weigh geopolitical tensions, U.S. policy shifts, and China’s economic outlook for 2025.
Gold surges 26% in 2024
Gold posts a 26% annual gain, its strongest performance since 2010, driven by easing U.S. monetary policy, geopolitical tensions, and record central bank purchases.
Major indices are set to close 2024 with strong gains
The S&P 500 and Dow are set to end the year with gains of over 23% and 14%, respectively, marking their best performances since 2021, while the Nasdaq has surged roughly 30%.
Nikkei climbs on Yen weakness; Oil poised for weekly gain
The Nikkei 225 advanced as a weak yen lifted exporters, while Tokyo inflation hinted at possible rate hikes. Oil steadied on China's stimulus bets and inventory declines, despite broader stagnation in crude prices.
Turkey delivers 250bps rate cut
US stock futures traded flat in holiday-thinned markets as Asian shares gained. Turkey cut rates sharply, citing moderating inflation, while Russia dismissed a ceasefire in Ukraine but left room for negotiations.
RBA minutes stoke speculation of February rate cut
RBA minutes reveal cautious optimism on inflation but hint a February rate cut hinges on key economic data.