Latest Finance-Economy News
Global Trade Reaches Record $35 Trillion in 2025
Global trade in goods and services expanded by 7% to exceed USD 35 trillion, driven by 6% growth in goods and 9% in services. Growth slowed in Q4 due to weakening demand and external pressures, with China leading exports at +7%.
Risks like geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions cloud 2026 outlook.
AI Hardware Stocks Surge with Triple-Digit Gains in 2025
Sectors beyond Magnificent 7, like AI hardware, posted massive gains; Micron Technology up 210% on memory demand. Western Digital rose 275%, Lam Research 150% amid data infrastructure boom.
Palantir gained 157% from government contracts.
Gold and Mining Stocks Rally Sharply in 2025
Gold prices surged 70% year-to-date, boosting miners; Newmont up over 180%, Agnico Eagle 130%. Precious metals hit new highs even in late-year sessions, fueled by debasement trade.
Central banks, led by China, amplified diversification from USD assets.
Pending Home Sales Growth Expected to Slow Next Week
US pending home sales for November forecast at +1.0% vs prior +1.9%, per WSJ survey. Other data includes Dallas Fed Mfg (-10.4 prev), S&P/Case-Shiller HPI +1.1%.
Jobless claims seen at 218K, signaling labor market watch.
Weaker US Dollar Reshapes 2026 Asset Outlook
A weaker dollar is altering prospects for stocks, bonds, and global assets into 2026. This shift influences investor strategies amid evolving economic conditions.
Related forecasts highlight median expectations for upcoming US data releases.
Trump's Tariff Agenda Takes Effect with Muted Inflation Impact
Sweeping tariffs implemented on 'Liberation Day' aim to reshore manufacturing, facing Supreme Court challenge. Inflationary effects less severe than predicted, with adjustments and exclusions applied.
Economists note ongoing changes complicate economic picture.
Landmark Tax Legislation Boosts Business Investment
New tax bill permanently allows immediate deduction of R&D costs and full expensing for capital investments. Aimed at accelerating business spending on plants and machinery to spur growth.
Expected to yield higher tax revenues offsetting cuts.
Gold Hits $4500 in 2025 Metal Frenzy
Gold rallied from $1600 to over $4500, driven by rate cuts, Trump/AI catalysts, and central bank buying. Platinum, silver also at all-time highs; 2026 bull targets include gold $5500, silver $80.
Bear case still holds elevated prices amid debt risks.
Magnificent 7 Lags as Alphabet Leads with 60% Gain
Mag 7 averaged 20% gains in 2025, but Alphabet surged 60% on Gemini AI and Berkshire interest. Shift to infrastructure, safe-havens like gold creates new opportunities.
Retail trading boomed, Robinhood up 209%.
Fed Projections Revise 2026 Growth Higher, Inflation Lower
Statement of Economic Projections raised 2026 growth forecast while lowering inflation expectations. Unemployment rate outlook unchanged amid dual mandate balance.
Signals cautious optimism for US economy.
Key Economic Data Releases Scheduled for Week Ahead
Upcoming events include US Goods Trade Balance, Retail/Wholesale Inventories on Dec 28. Russia GDP YoY at 0.1% actual vs 2.0% forecast; China Industrial Profits.
Covers global GDP, PMI, trade, and labor metrics into year-end.