Market Update

Global financial markets are heading into the final stretch of the year with a mix of cautious optimism and lingering uncertainty, as investors begin to position for 2026. After a volatile 2025 marked by shifting growth expectations, policy adjustments, and sharp price swings across asset classes, attention is now turning …

The latest U.S. inflation figures are not expected to significantly alter the Federal Reserve’s policy direction, as policymakers appear more focused on incoming data rather than reacting to a single report. While recent figures continue to show gradual easing in price pressures, they are widely seen as insufficient on their …

Gold prices ended the week moving sideways near the $4,350 level, reflecting a market caught between supportive expectations for easier monetary policy and the restraining force of a resilient U.S. dollar. After a brief surge earlier in the week, the precious metal struggled to build on its gains, settling into …

Inflation in the United States appears to be cooling and edging closer to the Federal Reserve’s long-standing target, according to the latest consumer price data. After running hotter through late summer, price pressures eased noticeably in the early fall, offering tentative relief to policymakers, markets, and households alike. Still, gaps …

U.S. stocks closed higher on Friday, fueled by a surge in technology shares for the second consecutive session, sparking a fresh upward wave on Wall Street this week. The rally was ignited by the semiconductor sector after Micron Technology, America’s largest memory chip producer, issued upbeat guidance for the current …

The U.S. dollar closed the week with renewed strength, advancing against all major currencies as global markets moved into a cautious, holiday-season mindset. Despite a brief setback earlier in the week, the greenback regained momentum as investors reassessed the broader economic picture and adjusted positions ahead of thinner trading conditions.A …

U.S. stock index futures edged higher on Friday, extending gains from the previous session after softer-than-expected November inflation data revived hopes of additional Federal Reserve rate cuts in the coming year. By 05:55 ET (10:55 GMT), Dow Jones futures were up 40 points (+0.1%), S&P 500 futures gained 0.3%, and …

European equities were largely flat on Friday as investors stepped back after a dense week of central-bank decisions and macro headlines, while the major indices still looked set to close the week in positive territory. By early trade, Germany’s DAX inched up 0.1%, while France’s CAC 40 and the UK’s …

Bitcoin traded in a narrow range on Friday, hovering near the $87,000 level, as investors continued to adopt a cautious stance despite softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data that reinforced expectations of future Federal Reserve rate cuts. The world’s largest cryptocurrency was last seen 0.6% higher at $87,121, but remained on track …

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) raised interest rates by 25 basis points on Friday, lifting its short-term policy rate to 0.75% from 0.5% in a widely expected move that marks the bank’s second hike of the year after January’s increase. The decision was unanimously approved by the BOJ’s policy board, …