Latest Finance-Economy News
US Stock Futures Sink on Trump Greenland Tariff Threats
U.S. stock futures skidded as President Trump threatened 10% extra tariffs on 8 countries over Greenland issues, with S&P 500 futures down 0.8% and Dow futures 0.7%. This tests US-Europe trade ties amid ongoing geopolitical strains.
Markets react to heightened uncertainty from tariff rhetoric.
Gold and Silver Surge to Record Highs
Gold jumped to fresh records above $4,600/oz and silver up 5.2% amid Trump-Greenland tensions, Fed independence concerns, and dollar aversion. Renewed geopolitical risks including Iran and Europe tariffs drive safe-haven demand.
Precious metals resume climb after Friday profit-taking.
IMF Projects Steady Global Growth at 3.3% for 2026
Global growth holds at 3.3% for 2026, up slightly from prior estimates, driven by tech investment, fiscal support, and private sector adaptability despite trade disruptions. US and China lead resilience amid AI boom and easing tensions.
Inflation to fall gradually, with US slower to target.
World Bank Lifts 2026 GDP Forecast to 2.6%
World Bank upgraded global GDP growth to 2.6% for 2026 and 2.7% for 2027, citing resilience despite trade tensions and better US performance. Nearly 90% of advanced economies recovered pre-pandemic incomes, though many emerging markets lag.
US inflation steady at 2.7% in December.
Equities Mixed as Chip Stocks Rise, Luxury Weakens
US equities ended flat on chip gains like Micron +7.8% from US-Taiwan deal; Europe steadied despite luxury woes; Hong Kong slipped. VIX futures up on trade rhetoric; semiconductors in focus.
Mastercard dipped on credit-card rate cap fears.
UBP Forecasts 3.2% Global Growth Led by US
Global economy to expand 3.2% in 2026, with US over 2%, Asia resilient, and eurozone at 1.1% amid tariff adjustments. Inflation to moderate to 2.5% in US, 2% in Europe; central banks to ease rates.
Asia at 4.1% with India, Indonesia bright spots.
Tech-Driven Boom Offsets Tariff Shocks
AI and IT investment surge boosts US and global activity, with IT share of output at highest since 2001, spilling over to Asia exports. Stock rallies since 2022 reflect optimism on productivity gains.
Risks include tech hype correction and trade escalation.
US Dollar Weakens, Yields Jump on Fed Chair Talk
USD weakens in Asia after initial strength; Treasury yields rise as Hassett less likely Fed Chair; Japan yields at new highs. Dollar slips to 157.87 yen; euro rises to $1.1631.
Carry trade risks from potential Fed pivot.
Chief Economists Note Trade Fragmentation Tension
WEF survey shows tension between negative geopolitics, trade fragmentation and rallying markets; tariffs less severe than feared due to delays, exemptions. US inflation higher, Europe at 2%; China faces deflation, weak demand.
Energy inflation decline aids outlook.
Oil Slips Amid Iran Protests, Coal Power Drops in China-India
US crude at $59.23, Brent $64 amid Iran volatility; first simultaneous coal drop in China (-1.6%) and India (-3%) since 1973 due to clean energy. US coal up 13% on gas prices, emissions rise 2.4%.
Energy cooperation mixed with trade declines.
Crypto Risk-Off but ETF Flows Resilient
Digital assets see risk-off mood, yet IBIT and ETHA inflows hold strong amid broader market caution. Volatility rises with VIX futures; SPX options price ±1% weekly move.
Geopolitical headlines weigh on sentiment.