The Hang Seng Index rose 192 points (+0.75%) to close at 25,690 on Friday, extending its rally to three consecutive sessions as nearly all sectors advanced. Sentiment was also boosted by the strengthening of mainland Chinese stocks, coupled with reports that ByteDance had reached an agreement with three major investors to form a joint venture…
The Nikkei 225 index closed higher on Friday, December 19, 2025, rising by around 1.16% to 49,568. This gain attracted attention because it occurred amidst news of a Bank of Japan (BOJ) interest rate hike, which typically depresses the stock market. The key factor: although the BOJ raised interest rates 25 bps to 0.75%, its…
Oil prices are headed for a second weekly decline as market concerns about oversupply outweigh potential supply disruptions. Brent fell below $60/barrel and fell more than 2% throughout the week, while WTI traded around $56/barrel. Nearly all major global traders expect the market to be oversupplied by early next year. Trafigura even predicts the benchmark…
Silver prices rallied above $65.5 per ounce on Friday, approaching a record high, amid a weakening dollar and strong fundamentals. The precious metal is on track for its fourth consecutive weekly gain and has risen more than 120% since the start of the year, reflecting strong investor appetite for safe-haven assets. Investor demand has increased…
Gold prices weakened in the Asian session on Friday, falling below $4,350. This movement occurred despite signs of easing in US inflation (CPI), which should have supported gold through the possibility of an interest rate cut. The main pressure came from profit-taking after the previous rally. Furthermore, there was liquidation of long positions by short-term…
