Latest Finance-Economy News
No Major Macroeconomic Data Released on January 4
On Sunday, January 4, 2026, no significant macroeconomic statistics are scheduled, as government institutions and central banks pause for holidays. Markets await fresh guidance next week amid holiday lull.
Federal Reserve Signals Policy Easing After 2025 Rate Cuts
The Fed confirmed at its December meeting intentions to ease policy following 2025 rate cuts, supported by slowing inflation and stable labor market. This bolsters appetite for riskier assets globally.
Investors eye weekend comments from Fed or ECB on rate outlook.
European Banks Report Profit Growth Amid High Rates
Q4 results show European banks with profit growth due to high interest rates, contrasting industrial firms facing high energy costs. Investors await January data on business activity and consumer confidence for Q1 profit prospects.
Mixed dynamics observed in corporate sectors.
China's December PMI Indicates Services Growth, Weak Industry
China's PMI indices show moderate services sector growth amid weak industrial recovery, signaling gradual economic stabilization. Authorities promise additional stimulus in 2026.
Data impacts global risk appetite.
Japan's Nikkei at Multi-Year Highs on Weak Yen
Nikkei 225 holds multi-year highs thanks to weak yen and Bank of Japan's ultra-loose policy, despite inflation over 2%. No policy rollback supports exporters' profitability.
Asian exchanges closed January 4.
Trump Announces US Will Run Venezuela for Safe Transition
US President Donald Trump states the US will manage Venezuela until a safe transition, involving large US oil companies to fix infrastructure. Comments follow Maduro's reported capture, with Trump posting a photo of blindfolded Maduro on a US ship.
Aims to generate revenue for the country.
Venezuelan VP Delcy Rodriguez Eyed as US Partner
Trump downplays opposition leader Maria Corina Machado while consulting Venezuelan VP Delcy Rodriguez as potential partner. Maduro faces US charges including naroterrorism conspiracy and cocaine trafficking.
Highlights shift in US-Venezuela relations.
Asian Markets Closed, Focus on China Economic Signals
Key Asian exchanges closed on January 4, but investors monitor China's PMI and trade figures for global impact. Unexpected data could influence Asia, Europe, and US trading.
Reflects world's second-largest economy status.
Investors Await Central Bank Rhetoric on Rates
Markets price in Fed and ECB policy easing; surprises in weekend statements could alter optimism. Essential for sentiment at week start.
No new events today.
European Q4 Corporate Results Mixed
Banks show profit growth from high rates, while industrials struggle with energy costs in Europe. New January indices to gauge Q1 outlook.
Impacts Euro Stoxx 50.
Global Indices like S&P 500, Nikkei in Focus
Key indices including S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, and MOEX impacted by lack of data. Holiday break leaves markets without benchmarks.
Attention on upcoming releases.
Venezuela Oil Infrastructure Overhaul by US Firms Planned
Trump highlights US oil giants spending billions to repair Venezuela's broken oil infrastructure. Part of broader transition strategy post-Maduro.
Expected to boost economic output.