US stocks maintained their sluggish momentum on Tuesday afternoon, expected to close the year relatively close to recent record highs as the market assessed the prospects for strong economic growth and the Fed's interest rate cuts amid concerns about excessive valuations for AI companies. The S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow held off from deviating significantly from the flatline. The minutes from the Fed's latest meeting confirmed that the FOMC was divided on how to weigh the conflicting risks of high inflation and unemployment next year, although there was broad consensus that there was...
European stocks picked up steam on Tuesday, extending gains to notch a fresh record high. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index provisionally closed 0.7% higher, having earlier broken through 590 points to hit a new record. The U.K.'s FTSE, France's CAC 40, and Germany's DAX all ended the session more than 0.6% higher, while Italy's FTSE MIB gained 1.2%. Mining stocks were the top performers, with London-listed Fresnillo gaining 6%. Peer miners Anglo American, Antofagasta, and Glencore rose around 3%, respectively. Precious metals, notably gold and silver, were firmly in focus for investors...
US stocks held their muted momentum on Tuesday, set to close the year relatively near recent record highs as markets assessed the outlook of robust economic growth and rate cuts by the Fed against concerns of exaggerated valuations for AI companies. The S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow refrained from deviating too much from the flatline. The thin holiday trading and data schedule removed catalysts for markets, maintaining the spotlight on miners as supply concerns and speculative bets lifted copper and silver futures toward record highs, although Freeport McMoRan extended losses. In the...
The Hang Seng rose 219 points, or 0.9%, to end at 25,855 on Tuesday, reversing prior losses with broad-based sector gains. Tech stocks led the rally, up 1.7% on strong moves from SMIC (4.5%), Horizon Robotics (3.3%), Trip.com (1.9%), and Kuaishou Tech (1.0%). Consumer shares also advanced, while financials edged higher after Hong Kong's November trade data showed exports and imports rising the most in four years, underscoring firm demand both abroad and at home. Sentiment was further boosted by six Chinese firms debuting in Hong Kong, most opening above IPO prices, capping a strong year...
The Nikkei 225 rose 132 points, or 0.25%, to close at 50,420 on Tuesday, the final trading day of the year, reversing previous losses and securing a robust 28.1% gain for 2025. It marked the index's third straight annual advance, supported by Japan's steady economic recovery, resilient corporate earnings, and easing global trade headwinds, which helped offset growing concerns over the Bank of Japan's gradual rate-hike path amid lingering cost pressures. Gains were driven by select heavyweight stocks despite broader sector weakness, with Fujitsu jumping 2.3%, Murata Manufacturing rising...