As 2024 approaches its conclusion, Wall Street’s main indexes are displaying a promising start for the final trading session, hinting at the persistence of a bull market that has thrived over the past two years. The anticipated rise in stock indices reflects a blend of factors — notably the post-pandemic economic recovery, projections of reduced
Economy
On a seemingly typical Monday, European equity markets experienced a downturn, mirroring the trend set by Wall Street. Investors pulled back as government bond yields remained stubbornly high, shaking up their confidence in equities just before the year-end. The pan-European STOXX 600 index recorded a drop of 0.6%, primarily dragged down by losses in the
As we step into a new week, Asian markets demonstrated restrained movements amid a backdrop of high U.S. Treasury yields, which have implications for both equity valuations in Wall Street and the broader currency market. This article delves into the interplay of economic indicators, investor sentiment, and asset performance, while highlighting the ongoing volatility shaped
As we transition into January, investors are keenly observing the evolving landscape of the U.S. stock market, particularly after a remarkable performance in 2024. The S&P 500 experienced an impressive increase of approximately 25% by the end of December, while the tech-centric Nasdaq Composite index celebrated crossing the 20,000 mark, soaring over 31%. Such robust
As we approach 2025, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell finds himself in an intricate dance, trying to uphold the Federal Reserve’s independence while facing the political realities of a potential Trump-led administration. Striking this balance is not merely a bureaucratic exercise; it holds significant implications for the broader economy and financial markets. With a delicate
On Saturday, the Italian Senate approved a pivotal budget for 2025, which is an integral part of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s broader strategy to stabilize the nation’s faltering economy. This decision marks a significant legislative win, as the government endeavors to reduce the fiscal deficit from a concerning 3.8% of GDP in 2024 to 3.3%
The recent passing of Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, marks a poignant moment in Indian politics and society. At the age of 92, Singh’s death has evoked widespread grief across the nation, while also garnering commendations from global leaders reflecting on his significant contributions. His cremation, which took place along the picturesque
Recent data out of Japan has revealed a nuanced picture of the nation’s economic health, presenting both optimism and concern for policymakers. December saw a noticeable uptick in core inflation within Tokyo, which is often viewed as a bellwether for national trends, fuelling market speculation about potential interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan
In the aftermath of the recent holiday period, the U.S. dollar has shown a slight uptick, buoyed by expectations surrounding the forthcoming economic policies of the incoming administration led by Donald Trump. Analysts project that these policies could stimulate economic growth and elevate inflation rates, thereby strengthening the dollar’s position in the global market. However,
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) stands on the precipice of a significant policy shift shaped by evolving economic landscapes and heightened global uncertainties. As articulated by Governor Kazuo Ueda, there is an increasing optimism regarding Japan’s ability to sustain its inflation target of 2%. According to Ueda, the coming year presents an essential juncture where