Latest Finance-Economy News
US Futures Slip as Fed Chair Powell Faces DOJ Legal Threat
US stock futures declined with S&P 500 futures down 0.6-0.7%, Dow futures 0.5-0.6%, and Nasdaq futures 0.9-1.1% amid reports of DOJ subpoenas against Fed Chair Powell. Markets took the news in stride, though gold rose 1.9-2.3% to record highs as a hedge against uncertainty.
Powell vows to stand firm, per Bloomberg reports.
Asian Shares Surge on Reports of Chinese Economic Stimulus
Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 1.2-1.4% to 26,547-26,608, while Shanghai Composite jumped 1-1.1% to 4,163-4,165 after news of more Chinese economic support. Tokyo markets closed for holiday; Japanese yen steady around 158.
Speculation rises on Japan's snap election impacting policy.
S&P 500 and Dow Hit Record Highs Friday Despite Soft Jobs Data
S&P 500 rose 0.6% to record 6,966.28, Dow added 0.5% to 49,504.07, Nasdaq up 0.8% to 23,671.35. December jobs report showed fewer hires than expected but unemployment improved, supporting Fed rate cut expectations.
Vistra soared 10.5% on Meta nuclear power deal.
Trump Announces Plan to Lower Mortgage Rates Boosting Homebuilders
President Trump proposed buying $200B in mortgage bonds to cut rates, lifting homebuilders: Lennar +8.9%, D.R. Horton +7.8%, PulteGroup +7.3%, Builders FirstSource +12%. This mirrors past Fed actions to ease housing market pressures.
Trump denied using Powell investigation to pressure rates.
OECD Headline Inflation Declines to 3.9% in November 2025
Year-on-year CPI inflation in OECD fell to 3.9% in November 2025 from 4.2% in September, signaling easing price pressures. US consumer inflation data due Tuesday, wholesale prices Wednesday.
This supports expectations for continued Fed rate cuts.
Gold and Silver Surge to Records Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Gold rose 1.9-2.3%, silver jumped 6.3-6.4% as safe-haven demand grew from Iran tensions and US data. Copper up 1.4%; used as uncertainty hedge alongside Powell news.
Oil mixed: WTI at $59.00-59.20, Brent $63.25-63.43.
Financial Institutions Forecast US-Led Global Growth in 2026
2026 outlooks predict US as growth pillar via lower rates, deregulation; Asia strong with AI, defense; Europe modest amid politics. Easing trade tensions stabilize economy post-2025 uncertainties.
Tech and defense sectors to drive productivity and investment.
Euro Strengthens, Dollar Mixed Against Yen Early Monday
Euro climbed to $1.1671-1.1690 from $1.1635; dollar near 157.77-158.02 yen. European markets mixed: DAX flat, CAC 40 -0.5%, FTSE 100 -0.1%.
Reflects cautious sentiment ahead of US inflation data.
Vistra Leads Market on 20-Year Nuclear Deal with Meta
Power firm Vistra surged 10.5% after signing deal for three nuclear plants to supply Meta's AI data centers. Big Tech's electrification push boosts energy stocks.
Highlights AI infrastructure investment trend into 2026.
Oil Traders Eye Iran Tensions and Venezuela Risks
US WTI crude at $59.00-59.20, Brent $63.25-63.43 amid Iran protests and Venezuela concerns. Prices dipped slightly early Monday after initial gains.
Trump mulls US options on Iran, per reports.
Japan Snap Election Speculation Grows with Coalition Pressures
PM's support wanes, ruling coalition adds to snap election talk, potentially shifting economic policy. Yen stable but markets watch for volatility.
Ties into broader Asian positive start.