Global Markets:
- Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei up 1.15%, Shanghai Composite up 0.30%, Hang Seng down 0.07% ASX down 0.06%
- Commodities : Gold at $4,473.89 (0.30%), Silver at $76.280 (1.49%), Brent Oil at $62.35 (0.58%), WTI Oil at $58.08 (0.54%)
- Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.178, UK 10-year yield at 4.3990, Germany 10-year yield at 2.8289
News & Data:
- (USD) Unemployment Claims 208K to 213K expected
Markets Update:
Asian stocks traded mostly higher in cautious dealings on Friday as investors awaited the release of crucial U.S. jobs data and a Supreme Court decision on the legality of President Donald Trump’s broad tariff measures. The employment report is expected to provide further clarity on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate outlook, with markets currently pricing in at least two quarter-point rate cuts in 2026.
The dollar strengthened after the U.S. Senate moved forward with a resolution aimed at limiting the president’s authority to undertake additional military action against Venezuela. Adding to policy developments, President Trump ordered the purchase of $200 billion worth of mortgage bonds in an effort to ease housing costs by pushing interest rates lower.
Gold edged slightly lower to around $4,470 an ounce in Asian trade. Meanwhile, WTI crude futures extended gains after surging more than 3 percent overnight on fears of supply disruptions. Concerns stemmed from potential Russia-related sanctions, the seizure of a Russian oil tanker by U.S. authorities, unrest in Iran, nationalization moves in Iraq, and a drone attack on a Russia-bound tanker near Turkey’s Black Sea coast.
China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.6 percent after data showed consumer inflation in December accelerated at the fastest pace in nearly three years, driven largely by higher food prices. Producer prices, however, fell 1.9 percent year-on-year, reinforcing expectations of further policy support.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added 0.2 percent, led by technology stocks. Japan’s Nikkei jumped nearly 1 percent after China reassured that export controls on dual-use items would not affect civilian use. South Korea’s Kospi was flat after five straight sessions of gains, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 climbed 0.2 percent for a third day. New Zealand’s S&P/NZX-50 was little changed.
Overnight, U.S. markets ended mixed as losses in major technology stocks offset gains in defense shares. European stocks also finished mixed, with modest declines in the broader region despite late-session support.
Upcoming Events:
- 01:30 PM GMT – USD Average Hourly Earnings m/m
- 01:30 PM GMT – USD Non-Farm Employment Change
- 01:30 PM GMT – USD Unemployment Rate
- 01:30 PM GMT – CAD Employment Change
- 01:30 PM GMT – CAD Unemployment Rate
