The year has started with a mixed bag for investors, particularly following a robust performance in 2024. Despite the S&P 500 achieving its second consecutive year with more than a 20% gain, the final days of the trading year saw most major U.S. indexes dip considerably. Peculiarly, the anticipated Santa Claus rally—a tradition where stocks
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In recent developments surrounding the U.S. steel industry, the proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan’s Nippon Steel has hit a roadblock. President Joe Biden’s administration has made the significant decision to reject a $14.9 billion takeover bid, as indicated in reports from The Washington Post citing unnamed sources. This decision underscores the administration’s focus
In recent years, the automotive industry in China has witnessed a significant shift towards hybrid-powered vehicles, overshadowing the earlier trend dominated by battery-only electric vehicles (EVs). As consumer preferences evolve, former stalwarts like gasoline-driven cars are increasingly being sidelined. BYD, the largest player in this market, has reported that nearly 58% of its 4.3 million
The fixed income landscape is riddled with complexities as we approach 2025, a pivotal year for bond markets amid unprecedented U.S. debt levels. The impending maturity of nearly $3 trillion in short-term U.S. Treasury securities presents a significant test for investors who are already grappling with market volatility and rising yields. Understanding the dynamics at
In December, China’s factory activity revealed troubling indicators that contradicted analysts’ forecasts. The official purchasing managers’ index (PMI) registered at 50.1, slightly below the expected figure of 50.3, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics. This number is crucial; in the realm of manufacturing, a PM0 reading above 50 typically signifies growth, while a
The Asia-Pacific financial markets exhibited mixed results as the year drew to a close, reflecting a complex interplay of local and international dynamics. Despite external pressures from Wall Street’s decline, certain markets displayed resilience, notably in South Korea, where the Kospi and Kosdaq indices reported increases of 0.91% and 1.74%, respectively. This uptick occurred against
In a significant geopolitical maneuver, Gazprom, the Russian state-owned energy behemoth, announced an impending halt to gas supplies destined for Moldova effective from January 1. This decision is grounded in allegations of substantial unpaid debts owed by Moldova, which has ambitious plans to align itself with the European Union. The implications of this cut-off are
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, few topics have polarized public discourse quite like TikTok. As the app faces a potential ban in the United States due to its Chinese ownership, the implications stretch far beyond social media; they delve into the core of national security, the rights of free speech, and the precedents set
As China grapples with an array of economic challenges, the continuous decline in industrial profits resurfaces as a major concern. The latest report reveals a drop of 7.3% in November year-on-year, marking the fourth consecutive month of negative growth in industrial earnings. This decline, although less severe than previous months—where profits decreased by 10% in
The Asia-Pacific stock markets have exhibited a generally positive sentiment recently, with notable fluctuations across various indices. Despite several markets closing for the Boxing Day holiday, the performance of key stock indices indicates a mixture of optimistic growth and underlying economic challenges. Japan emerged as a significant highlight, with its Nikkei 225 index escalating by