Latest Finance-Economy News
Global Shares Mixed After Wall Street Record Highs
Asian markets traded mixed following Wall Street's records on tech gains, with Japan's Nikkei 225 down 1.1% to 51,961.98 amid China tensions. Europe's CAC 40 shed 0.3%, Germany's DAX gained 0.4%, and FTSE 100 slipped 0.6%; US futures mixed.
S&P 500 rose 0.6% Tuesday, setting a new record.
China Bans Exports to Japan Over Military Tensions
China banned exports to Japan of goods usable for military purposes, worsening relations after Japan's PM warned of involvement in Taiwan conflict. This hit energy markets and contributed to Nikkei's 1.1% drop.
Beijing claims Taiwan as sovereign territory.
US Crude Oil Prices Fall Sharply
Benchmark US crude fell 65 cents to $56.48 per barrel, Brent crude down 47 cents to $60.23 amid bearish supply outlook. Oil down 1.1% in early trade after torpid 2025 gains.
Energy sector faces downward pressure.
Trump Secures Venezuela Oil Deal for 50M Barrels
US President Trump announced Venezuela will send up to 50 million barrels of oil to the US. This comes amid global energy shifts and Trump's trade plays.
Not ruling out military for Greenland acquisition.
Saudi Arabia Opens Stock and Real Estate Markets to Foreigners
Saudi Arabia is opening its stock market to all foreign investors and real estate to foreign buyers. This aims to boost investment amid Middle East economic shifts.
Guests highlight Nvidia-Siemens AI partnership expansion.
Fed Eases as Inflation Persists Above Target
Fed cut rates three times in late 2025 to 3.50%-3.75%, expected to hold steady in January despite elevated inflation. Growth accelerated in Q3 but reliant on narrow sectors like AI.
Upcoming US jobs data key for policy.
IMF Forecasts Steady Global GDP Growth at 3.1% for 2026
Global GDP growth at 3.1% in 2026, marginally below 2025, per IMF October Outlook. US growth hit 4.3% annualized in Q3 2025, expected to moderate then rebound.
Policy divergence among central banks returns.
AI Investment Drives US Economic Expansion and Markets
AI infrastructure spending boosted 2025 growth and stock records, broadening beyond Magnificent 7. Concerns over potential bubble as Fed relaxes regs.
Supports affluent consumer spending.
Trump Tax Cuts to Peak Impact in Early 2026
One Big, Beautiful Bill Act projects peak GDP boost of 2.3 points in Q1 2026 via fiscal policies. Tax refunds for tips, Social Security; corporate incentives for manufacturing.
Immigration enforcement spending rises.
AUD, NZD Gain on Commodity Prices and Growth
Australian dollar eyes 0.70 vs USD in 2026 on RBA hike odds, elevated inflation, commodities. NZD similarly supported; policy divergence aids Asia-Pacific currencies.
Risks include China slowdown, JPY volatility.
US Business Leaders Optimistic on 2026 Revenue
73% of US business leaders expect revenue growth, 64% higher profits, 48% workforce expansion in 2026. National economic optimism at 39%, global at 28%.
Aligns with AI, deglobalization trends.
Tariffs and Trade Tensions Dominate 2026 Themes
US-China tensions, ECB/Fed cuts, BoJ hikes key; Supreme Court may rule on Trump tariff powers. Deglobalization reshapes economy with AI/robotics.
Geopolitical risks linger.