Latest Finance-Economy News
US Stock Futures Rise as Tech Sector Rebounds Ahead of Christmas
US stock futures climbed with Nasdaq 100 up 0.34%, Dow 0.15%, and S&P 500 0.21%, driven by tech recovery including Oracle's TikTok deal and NVIDIA's AI chip prospects. Markets closed higher last week with S&P 500 up 0.1% and Nasdaq 0.5% amid holiday-shortened week.
NYSE closes early at 1 PM Wednesday and fully on Christmas Day.
US Inflation Cools to 2.7% in November, Below Expectations
Consumer prices rose 2.7% annualized, less than the expected 3.1%, with core CPI at 2.6% versus 3% forecast. This fuels hopes for further Fed easing despite government shutdown distortions.
Data from delayed Bureau of Labor Statistics report.
US Unemployment Hits 4.6%, Highest in Over Four Years
November added 64,000 jobs but unemployment rose to 4.6%, offsetting October's 105,000 job losses. Seasonal adjustments and lack of holiday hiring noted, with malls seeing high job seekers for few spots.
Fuels concerns on economy's strength.
Prolonged US Government Shutdown Delays Key Economic Data
44-day shutdown disrupted BLS and BEA data on employment and inflation, reducing Q4 GDP by ~1% point. Markets showed resilience with S&P 500 gains during period.
Impacts Fed policy clarity.
US Q3 GDP Initial Estimate Due Tuesday Amid High Expectations
Delayed Q3 GDP report forecast at 3.2% QoQ annualized, down from Q2's 3.8% but above recent average. Released December 23 due to prior shutdown; strong data may delay Fed cuts.
Paired with PCE inflation update.
Gold and Silver Hit Record Highs on Geopolitical Tensions
Precious metals surged in Asia amid tensions, boosted by central bank buying expectations and Fed rate cut hopes. Safe-haven demand rises with global risks.
UK Private Sector Faces Sharp Downturn Entering 2026
CBI reports predicted fall in economic activity next three months, continuing negative forecasts since late 2024. Chancellor's tax statement failed to boost optimism.
Japan 10-Year Bond Yield Hits 2.1%, Highest Since 1999
Yield reaches peak as government eyes $7 trillion household savings for bond demand via new products. Fills void from reduced BoJ buying.
Bank of Japan Raises Rates to 30-Year High
BoJ policy diverges with rate hike; minutes due Wednesday provide normalization context. Amid improving economy and retail sales data Friday.
Fed Cuts Rates to 3.50%-3.75% But Signals Hawkish Caution
December meeting 25bp cut amid speculation on Kevin Hassett as next Chair with 49% nomination odds. Shifts markets to short-duration bonds and small-caps.
Russia War Spending Reaches 5.1% of GDP in 2025
Defense bill hits 11 trillion rubles; deploys full nuclear icebreaker fleet for Arctic oil/LNG flows. Highlights war economy pressures.
Argentina Achieves First Trade Surplus Since 2006
Rebalancing macro fundamentals with fiscal consolidation, O&G/mining gains driving positive 2026 outlook. New fiscal regime attracts business.