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Read snapshots of the latest market news
Western central banks adjust stance amid rising uncertainty
Prominent Western central banks have signalled a convergence towards more neutral policy stances for 2026 as economic and geopolitical uncertainty has risen. The Bank of Japan has moved in the opposite direction — tightening policy in response to persistent domestic inflation — while German consumer confidence weakened to its lowest level since April 2024.
19 Dec 2025, 23:39
US markets recover amid sharp inflation deceleration
US equity markets were supported by a pronounced deceleration in US inflation, which has increased the likelihood of additional Federal Reserve easing in 2026. The Bank of England (BoE) cut its policy rate by 25 basis points, citing continued uncertainty in the outlook, while the European Central Bank (ECB) held rates steady and reiterated a data-dependent approach.
19 Dec 2025, 02:09Gold, silver set new highs on economic and geopolitical fears
Gold and silver surged to record levels as investors sought safe havens amid renewed economic uncertainty and escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Concurrently, UK inflation softened materially, increasing the likelihood of Bank of England easing, while oil prices recovered on supply-risk considerations.
17 Dec 2025, 23:53US markets decline amid weak employment signals
US markets lost ground after fresh employment data underscored persistent weakness in the labour market. Non-farm payrolls recorded a sizable deterioration in October and provided only a modest rebound in November; the unemployment rate rose to its highest level since October 2021. Sterling and oil markets also reacted to regional labour and activity data, while investors await forthcoming inflation releases that will inform central-bank policy expectations.
16 Dec 2025, 22:25US markets slide amid heavy week of economic data
US equity indices retreated as investors positioned ahead of a busy macroeconomic calendar that includes delayed inflation and employment releases. Concerns about elevated valuations in technology stocks added to the caution. Meanwhile, Chinese activity indicators disappointed, underscoring persistent weakness in retail demand and manufacturing momentum.
16 Dec 2025, 03:02Fed cuts rates, signals new neutral stance; markets climb
The Federal Reserve reduced its policy rate by 25 basis points to 3.75 per cent and revised its economic projections, signalling a move to a more neutral stance for 2026. Although the Fed upgraded near-term GDP and lowered its PCE forecast, it emphasised the continued trade-off between persistently elevated inflation and emerging labour-market weakness. Markets responded positively: equities rose, yields fell and the dollar softened.
11 Dec 2025, 00:36JOLTs strength fuels market jitters before Fed meeting
The JOLTs survey showed a recovery in vacancies for September and October, rekindling debate over the Federal Reserve’s path even as market pricing for a December cut remains elevated. The Reserve Bank of Australia held rates at 3.6 per cent and signalled little appetite for further cuts, while German external trade produced mixed readings that underscore broader European stagnation.
10 Dec 2025, 00:10Chinese stocks climb on strong exports, trade balance
Chinese equities advanced after a surprise improvement in the trade balance, driven by stronger-than-expected exports to Europe and Asia. Markets elsewhere were mixed: US equities slipped while 10-year Treasury yields rose as investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s policy decision. Japan’s economy, by contrast, contracted in Q3, underscoring divergent regional dynamics.
8 Dec 2025, 23:12US PCE mixed; markets edge higher amid monetary easing hopes
The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index printed mixed results, with headline inflation rising modestly while core PCE eased slightly. Markets responded positively as investors continued to price a high probability of Federal Reserve easing in December, even though economic signals remain uneven. Consumer sentiment improved marginally and Canada reported a notable fall in unemployment, supporting the Canadian dollar.
5 Dec 2025, 23:34US jobless claims fall, but easing outlook stays unchanged
Initial US jobless claims fell to a three-year low, signalling intermittent strength in the labour market, yet the market’s priced outlook for Federal Reserve easing remains effectively unchanged. Oil and gas markets responded to geopolitical developments and demand expectations. Investors are awaiting upcoming Fed guidance before materially altering policy expectations.
5 Dec 2025, 00:22