Friday
- European markets extended gains for the fourth consecutive session, driven by strong German factory orders that exceeded expectations. Asian markets closed mixed with China’s Shanghai Composite up 0.7% while Japan’s Nikkei fell 1.05% on concerns over potential Bank of Japan rate hikes.
- Gold prices climbed 0.4% supported by a weaker dollar, while the dollar index remained under pressure near six-week lows. Copper hit record highs after Citi upgraded its price outlook.
- Markets await the release of September PCE inflation data, which could influence the Fed’s final policy decision scheduled for December 9-10. Markets are pricing in an 87% probability of a 25-basis-point Fed cut next week.
Thursday
- European markets gained 2.35% in December 2025 with subdued eurozone inflation around ECB targets. The automotive sector led gains after the Trump administration proposed slashing fuel economy standards.
- U.S. markets posted their seventh gain in eight sessions driven by weaker employment data reinforcing Fed rate cut expectations. The Nasdaq approached the 25,700 resistance level as investors rotated into growth and tech stocks.
- Japan’s Nikkei surged 2.3% led by AI and robotics companies while Chinese markets remained flat.
- The U.S. dollar weakened significantly after ADP reported a surprise 32,000 job loss in November. Oil prices firmed on supply concerns following Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
Wednesday
- Eurozone industrial producer prices rose 0.1% month-over-month in October after two consecutive declines. European markets opened higher with the STOXX 600 gaining 0.4%, driven by technology and industrial stocks.
- Markets are pricing in an 85% probability for Federal Reserve rate cuts at next week’s meeting. The US dollar weakened for the ninth consecutive session as traders positioned for dovish Fed policy, with the euro rising 0.18% to $1.1642.
- Bitcoin climbed back above $93,000 as institutional investors including Vanguard opened access to crypto ETF trading for clients.
Tuesday
- Euro area inflation rose to 2.2% in November from 2.1% in October, exceeding market expectations of 2.1%. Services inflation accelerated to 3.5%, its highest level since April, while energy price declines slowed.
- Global bond markets stabilized after Monday’s selloff triggered by Bank of Japan Governor Ueda’s hints at potential December rate hikes. US Federal Reserve rate cut expectations strengthened to 87% probability for December following weak manufacturing data showing contraction for the ninth straight month.
- Cryptocurrency markets remained under pressure with Bitcoin trading around $87,000 after failing to hold above $93,000. Major crypto liquidations totaled $870 million in 24 hours as institutional flows weakened.
Monday
- European equity markets opened lower with major indices declining 0.3-0.9%. Defense stocks underperformed following reports of productive Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations.
- The dollar index fell toward two-week lows near 99.30 while the euro strengthened above $1.16. Oil prices rose over 2% on OPEC+ production decisions while gold reached six-week highs above $4,250.
- Bitcoin fell below $86,000 from recent highs near $92,000 with market liquidations exceeding $500 million.
