Latest Finance-Economy News
Global Stock Markets Surge on China's Record Trade Surplus
Major indices like Nikkei 225 hit all-time highs at 54,341.23 (+1.61%), FTSE 100 above 10,170 (+0.31%), and Hang Seng up 0.60%, driven by China's $1.2 trillion trade surplus despite US tariffs. Mining stocks such as Rio Tinto rallied on higher metal demand expectations, while gold reached $4,642.76 (+0.95%).
US bank futures softened ahead of earnings from Bank of America and Citigroup.
IMF Projects Global Growth Slowing to 3.1% in 2026
Global growth is forecast to decline from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.2% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026, with advanced economies at 1.5%. Inflation continues to fall but remains above target in the US; risks include protectionism and fiscal vulnerabilities.
Temporary 2025 supports like front-loading are fading amid volatile policy environment.
WEF: Economic Confrontation Top Threat to Global Stability in 2026
Escalating economic confrontation between major powers is the biggest risk to stability, per World Economic Forum report. Geoeconomic confrontation leads short-term risks, with economic downturn and inflation rising sharply in severity.
Asset bubble burst risk climbed seven places due to debts and AI investment uncertainties.
PNC: AI-Driven Productivity to Boost 2026 Markets
AI and technology innovation expected to drive productivity, margin expansion, and higher corporate earnings despite moderate growth. Disinflation trends from easing shelter costs and energy prices support Fed rate cuts; 2026 real GDP forecast upgraded to 2.3%.
Labor market softening may prompt dovish Fed policy.
Asian Markets Mixed Amid Wall Street Pullback and Trump Tariffs
Global benchmarks mostly rose despite Wall Street retreat; Trump announced 25% tax on imports from countries trading with Iran. US inflation data met expectations, boosting odds of two Fed rate cuts in 2026 to support jobs.
Dollar dipped to 158.78 yen.
BNP Paribas Forecasts 1.6% Growth in Advanced Economies
Advanced countries expected to grow 1.6% in 2026, above consensus, aided by falling inflation, ECB neutral policy, and German stimulus. US growth accelerates to 2.9% driven by AI, tax cuts, despite tariffs; Eurozone below 1%.
Euro strengthened on improved prospects versus weakening dollar.
Visa Outlook: Global GDP at 2.7% in 2026 with AI Transformation
Global GDP projected to grow 2.7%, down from 2.9% in 2025, masking AI adoption and shifting trade patterns. Steady growth hides structural changes from technology and trade shifts.
Global PMI Upturn Subdued by Financial Services Slowdown
Year-end global economic upturn weakened by slowdown in financial services, per S&P Global PMI bulletin.
First Command: Broader US Growth in 2026 from Tax Cuts
US economy poised for steadier growth with tax relief from OBBBA, broadening beyond AI investment to consumers and government spending. Fed may cut rates fewer times due to tariff inflation; unemployment stable.
Election stimulus and defense spending to support GDP.
Atlantic Council: Watch Trade Responses and Tokenized Payments in 2026
US tariffs to rise on semiconductors and minerals; key signal if China export partners add tariffs. Competing tokenized cross-border payment networks emerge in China, India, Brazil amid G20 talks.
China real GDP may be as low as 2.5%.
Precious Metals Rally to Records Amid Market Optimism
Gold hit $4,642.76 (+0.95%) and silver $90.43 (+4.05%), supported by international equities and dollar weakness.