Asian stock markets slid sharply on Monday, led by significant losses in Australian and Hong Kong equities, as stronger-than-expected U.S. payroll data prompted investors to reconsider the likelihood of near-term interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong plunged significantly, while China’s Shanghai Shenzhen …

Delta Air Lines reported fourth-quarter earnings that outperformed Wall Street estimates, propelled by strong travel demand and solid operational performance. Following the announcement, the airline’s shares rose 1.5% in premarket trading. The company posted adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.85, surpassing the consensus estimate of $1.75. Revenue for the …

China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), announced on Friday the suspension of its treasury bond purchase operations, causing yields to surge and fueling speculation that the move is an attempt to stabilize the weakening yuan. The PBOC attributed the decision to a shortage of bonds in the …

European stock markets traded slightly lower on Friday as investors exercised caution ahead of the release of the U.S. monthly employment report, a critical indicator for shaping future Federal Reserve rate policy. By 03:10 ET (08:10 GMT), the German DAX index declined 0.1%, France’s CAC 40 dipped 0.1%, and the …

Oil prices rose in early Asian trade on Friday, continuing their upward trajectory for a third consecutive week. Harsh winter conditions in parts of the United States and Europe have intensified demand for heating fuels, adding to supply concerns amid tightening sanctions and global economic shifts. Brent crude futures increased …

Gold Market Highlights Gold Extends Weekly Gains Amid Uncertainty Spot gold rose 0.1% to $2,672.12 per ounce, while gold futures for February delivery gained 0.2% to $2,695.74 per ounce during early Asian trading. For the week, spot gold is up approximately 1.5%, as concerns over U.S. interest rates and trade …

Oil prices rose slightly on Thursday, with Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gaining 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively, as traders balanced strong winter demand expectations against rising U.S. fuel inventories and macroeconomic uncertainties. Key Market Drivers Demand Expectations and Supply Concerns Brent crude futures increased by 35 cents to …

Shares in leading UK retailers fell sharply on Thursday, erasing £2 billion ($2.45 billion) in market value, as concerns about weakening consumer confidence and mounting economic pressures overshadowed strong Christmas trading results. Key Highlights Pressure on Consumer Sentiment Retailers are bracing for higher employer taxes and minimum wage increases starting …

The U.S. dollar held firm on Thursday, bolstered by hawkish Federal Reserve minutes and strong economic data that fueled expectations of a slower pace of rate cuts in 2025. Global currencies, however, faced mixed fortunes due to varying economic and policy dynamics. Key Highlights Dollar Holds Ground Amid Strong Yields …

Germany, the eurozone’s largest economy, delivered better-than-expected export and industrial production data for November. However, underlying indicators suggest that the outlook remains subdued. Key Data Highlights Exports: German exports rose by 2.1% in November, slightly exceeding the forecasted 2.0% increase. Trade with non-EU countries was the primary driver, with exports …