Japan's Indexes Soared 3% After Tech and Defense Stocks Rallied On First Trading Day of 2026

Akira Ito
05 Jan, 2026
Tokyo

Stocks and gold prices soared, and crude oil prices traded volatile on the first day of trading in 2006 in Tokyo. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced 3%, and the broader Topix Index gained more than 2% after investors returned from the Christmas holiday. 

Investors overlooked rising geopolitical tensions in the Americas and bid up tech stocks in Tokyo and Seoul. 

Crude oil prices rebounded from the early decline in trading after the U.S. military conducted a surprise precision attack and captured Venezuela’s president, Nicolas Maduro.

The surprise attack over the weekend sent shock waves through the commodities trading in Asia, but prices rebounded after initial worries of global supply disruption waned.

Gold soared as much as 1.7% to $4,404.24 an ounce, and the crude oil price for the immediate month's delivery eased 0.4% to $56.95 a barrel.

Investors are worried that Venezuela may be destabilized for several years, impacting its crude oil production, which accounts for about one million barrels a day, or about 1% of global output. 

Japan's benchmark indexes soared 28% in 2025 after the U.S. eased its sky-high tariffs on Japanese goods and the newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi focused on providing additional stimulus to the economy. 

However, traders worried that the Japanese yen continued to hover near a recent low despite the Bank of Japan signaling higher interest rates in 2026.  

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

Stocks in Japan advanced after investors held out for a larger fiscal stimulus, gradual interest rate increase, and weakening Japanese yen. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared 3% to 51,849.53, and the broader Topix Index gained 2.1% to 3,479.32. 

The South Korea's Kospi Index advanced 3.2% to 4,443.10. 

Investors remained positive, driven by expectations that Japan's tech sector will benefit from global advances in artificial intelligence and related technologies. 

Softbank Group Corp. gained 4.4% to ¥4,595.0, Tokyo Electron jumped 7.6% to ¥36,930.0, and Advantest Corp. increased 7.8% to ¥21,175.0. 

Defense stocks advanced as the Japanese government ramped up its armament purchases and loosened export control. 

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries soared 9.1% to ¥4,190.0, IHI Corp. advanced 9.6% to ¥3,019.0, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries gained 6.6% to ¥11,060.0. 

Japan's Indexes Soared 3% After Tech and Defense Stocks Rallied On First Trading Day of 2026

Akira Ito
05 Jan, 2026
Tokyo

Stocks and gold prices soared, and crude oil prices traded volatile on the first day of trading in 2006 in Tokyo. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced 3%, and the broader Topix Index gained more than 2% after investors returned from the Christmas holiday. 

Investors overlooked rising geopolitical tensions in the Americas and bid up tech stocks in Tokyo and Seoul. 

Crude oil prices rebounded from the early decline in trading after the U.S. military conducted a surprise precision attack and captured Venezuela’s president, Nicolas Maduro.

The surprise attack over the weekend sent shock waves through the commodities trading in Asia, but prices rebounded after initial worries of global supply disruption waned.

Gold soared as much as 1.7% to $4,404.24 an ounce, and the crude oil price for the immediate month's delivery eased 0.4% to $56.95 a barrel.

Investors are worried that Venezuela may be destabilized for several years, impacting its crude oil production, which accounts for about one million barrels a day, or about 1% of global output. 

Japan's benchmark indexes soared 28% in 2025 after the U.S. eased its sky-high tariffs on Japanese goods and the newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi focused on providing additional stimulus to the economy. 

However, traders worried that the Japanese yen continued to hover near a recent low despite the Bank of Japan signaling higher interest rates in 2026.  

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

Stocks in Japan advanced after investors held out for a larger fiscal stimulus, gradual interest rate increase, and weakening Japanese yen. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared 3% to 51,849.53, and the broader Topix Index gained 2.1% to 3,479.32. 

The South Korea's Kospi Index advanced 3.2% to 4,443.10. 

Investors remained positive, driven by expectations that Japan's tech sector will benefit from global advances in artificial intelligence and related technologies. 

Softbank Group Corp. gained 4.4% to ¥4,595.0, Tokyo Electron jumped 7.6% to ¥36,930.0, and Advantest Corp. increased 7.8% to ¥21,175.0. 

Defense stocks advanced as the Japanese government ramped up its armament purchases and loosened export control. 

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries soared 9.1% to ¥4,190.0, IHI Corp. advanced 9.6% to ¥3,019.0, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries gained 6.6% to ¥11,060.0. 

Crude Oil and Gold Prices Diverged Following U.S. Attack on Venezuela

Li Chen
05 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong

Stocks in China and Hong Kong advanced on Monday as investors reviewed geopolitical developments.

Crude oil prices rebounded from the early decline in trading after the U.S. military conducted a surprise precision attack and captured Venezuela’s president, Nicolas Maduro.

The surprise attack sent shock waves in the commodities trading, but prices rebounded after initial worries of global supply disruption waned.

Gold soared as much as 1.6% to $4,403 an ounce, and the crude oil price for the immediate month's delivery eased 0.5% to $57.05 a barrel.

China’s tech stock dominated trading in Hong Kong and Shanghai, as investors held out for rapid adoption of AI-enabled applications. 

China Indexes and Stocks

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.1% to 26,313.06, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index advanced 1.6% to 4,703.41. 

Alibaba Group Holding rose 2.4% to HK $152.50, Tencent Holdings advanced 0.5% to $625.0, and Kuaishou Technology soared 10% to $72.90. 

Zijin Mining Group eased 0.3% to HK $36.30, PetroChina Company decreased 4.4% to HK $8.15, and CNOOC Ltd fell 4.4% to HK $21.10. 

Crude Oil and Gold Prices Diverged Following U.S. Attack on Venezuela

Li Chen
05 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong

Stocks in China and Hong Kong advanced on Monday as investors reviewed geopolitical developments.

Crude oil prices rebounded from the early decline in trading after the U.S. military conducted a surprise precision attack and captured Venezuela’s president, Nicolas Maduro.

The surprise attack sent shock waves in the commodities trading, but prices rebounded after initial worries of global supply disruption waned.

Gold soared as much as 1.6% to $4,403 an ounce, and the crude oil price for the immediate month's delivery eased 0.5% to $57.05 a barrel.

China’s tech stock dominated trading in Hong Kong and Shanghai, as investors held out for rapid adoption of AI-enabled applications. 

China Indexes and Stocks

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.1% to 26,313.06, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index advanced 1.6% to 4,703.41. 

Alibaba Group Holding rose 2.4% to HK $152.50, Tencent Holdings advanced 0.5% to $625.0, and Kuaishou Technology soared 10% to $72.90. 

Zijin Mining Group eased 0.3% to HK $36.30, PetroChina Company decreased 4.4% to HK $8.15, and CNOOC Ltd fell 4.4% to HK $21.10. 

China's Indexes Registered Solid Gains In 2025 Defying U.S. Tariff Headwinds

Li Chen
31 Dec, 2025
Hong Kong

On the final trading day of 2025, stocks in China and Hong Kong closed down in a year dominated by geopolitical tensions. 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.9%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index eased 0.5% as investors held out for additional policy support in the upcoming year.

The Hang Seng Index soared 28%, and the 89-member benchmark delivered its best performance since 2017, when the index advanced 36%. 

The mainland-focused CSI 300 index advanced 18% amid recovering sentiment after China's economic growth held up despite elevated trade tensions with the U.S. 

The CSI index registered its best annual gain since 2020.

Financial markets in China are closed on Thursday and Friday, and the Hong Kong Exchange remained closed in the afternoon session on Wednesday and all day Thursday. 

Benchmark indexes faced strong headwinds starting March 19 and dropped to their lowest levels on April 7, after the U.S. launched its global tariff war.

However, market indexes recovered over the next three months after the Trump administration rolled back its aggressive tariffs on China and other leading trade partners following a sharp sell-off in the U.S. Treasuries. 

Despite the elevated U.S. tariffs, China's global exports continued to advance in the first eleven months of 2025, and shipments to the European Union and the ASEAN region rose at the sharpest pace. 

In the year ahead, investors are hoping for more policy support for the housing market and investments in advanced technology and renewable energy-focused projects. 

China's official economic growth in the first three quarters was 5.2%, supporting the government to achieve its 2025 annual economic growth target rate of 5%. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.9% to 25,630.54, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index fell 0.5% to 4,629.18. 

The solid gains in commodities supported the surge in stocks of mining companies in 2025 in mainland China and Hong Kong. 

China Hongqiao Group and Zijin Mining Group soared 177% and 152%, respectively, the two best-performing stocks in the Hang Seng Index in 2025. 

On the downside, Meituan and Li Auto plunged 32% and 31%, respectively, after the intense price war eroded profit margins.

In Asia, the Kospi Index in Seoul catapulted 76% after the election of the new president removed political uncertainty, and the Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 28% after the election of the new prime minister raised hopes for additional stimulus. 

The S&P 500 index jumped 17%, the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite surged 21%, and they rebounded from sharp losses induced by the Trump administration's sky-high tariffs. 

China's Indexes Registered Solid Gains In 2025 Defying U.S. Tariff Headwinds

Li Chen
31 Dec, 2025
Hong Kong

On the final trading day of 2025, stocks in China and Hong Kong closed down in a year dominated by geopolitical tensions. 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.9%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index eased 0.5% as investors held out for additional policy support in the upcoming year.

The Hang Seng Index soared 28%, and the 89-member benchmark delivered its best performance since 2017, when the index advanced 36%. 

The mainland-focused CSI 300 index advanced 18% amid recovering sentiment after China's economic growth held up despite elevated trade tensions with the U.S. 

The CSI index registered its best annual gain since 2020.

Financial markets in China are closed on Thursday and Friday, and the Hong Kong Exchange remained closed in the afternoon session on Wednesday and all day Thursday. 

Benchmark indexes faced strong headwinds starting March 19 and dropped to their lowest levels on April 7, after the U.S. launched its global tariff war.

However, market indexes recovered over the next three months after the Trump administration rolled back its aggressive tariffs on China and other leading trade partners following a sharp sell-off in the U.S. Treasuries. 

Despite the elevated U.S. tariffs, China's global exports continued to advance in the first eleven months of 2025, and shipments to the European Union and the ASEAN region rose at the sharpest pace. 

In the year ahead, investors are hoping for more policy support for the housing market and investments in advanced technology and renewable energy-focused projects. 

China's official economic growth in the first three quarters was 5.2%, supporting the government to achieve its 2025 annual economic growth target rate of 5%. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.9% to 25,630.54, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index fell 0.5% to 4,629.18. 

The solid gains in commodities supported the surge in stocks of mining companies in 2025 in mainland China and Hong Kong. 

China Hongqiao Group and Zijin Mining Group soared 177% and 152%, respectively, the two best-performing stocks in the Hang Seng Index in 2025. 

On the downside, Meituan and Li Auto plunged 32% and 31%, respectively, after the intense price war eroded profit margins.

In Asia, the Kospi Index in Seoul catapulted 76% after the election of the new president removed political uncertainty, and the Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 28% after the election of the new prime minister raised hopes for additional stimulus. 

The S&P 500 index jumped 17%, the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite surged 21%, and they rebounded from sharp losses induced by the Trump administration's sky-high tariffs. 

Insilico Medicine and OneRobotics Lead Six Hong Kong IPOs

Li Chen
30 Dec, 2025
Hong Kong

Stocks in China and Hong Kong lacked direction in thin trading as investors stayed away for the New Year holiday.

The Hang Seng Index increased 0.5%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index was nearly unchanged as investors held out for more policy support in the new year.

In the year 2025, the Hang Seng Index has jumped 30%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index advanced 21.4% amid recovering market sentiment, the AI boom, and stable earnings growth.  

China Indexes and Stocks

 The Hang Seng Index gained 0.45% to 25,751.64, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index inched down 0.01% to 4,638.90. 

Six new companies began trading in Hong Kong, and the city's exchange retained the most favored place for stock listing. 

Tuesday, December 30, was the busiest listing day in 2025, and December was the busiest month since 2021.

Insilco Medicine soared more than 42% to HK $32.50, and the biotech company priced its initial public offering at HK $24.50 per share. 

The drug discovery and development company raised HK $2.3 billion in gross proceeds through the sale of 94.7 million shares. 

OneRobotics (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. was unchanged at HK $73.80, and the smart home robotics system provider in Japan priced its initial public offering at HK $73.80. 

The robotics company raised HK $1.6 billion in gross proceeds through the sale of 22.22 million shares. 

Beijing 51WORLD Digital Twin Technology jumped 18.6% to HK $36.16, and the company priced its initial public offering at HK $30.50 per share. 

The 3D, simulation, and AI technology development company raised $731.7 million in net proceeds through the sale of 23.97 million shares. 

Shanghai Forest Cabin Cosmetics Group advanced 14.5% to HK$88.95, and the beauty-focused company priced its initial public offering at HK $77.77.

The premium skincare brand company raised HK $1.1 billion in gross proceeds through the sale of 13.966 million shares. 

Shenzhen Xunce Technology was nearly unchanged at HK$47.98, and the real-time data infrastructure and analytics company priced its initial public offering at HK $48 per share. 

The system integration service provider raised HK $1.08 billion in gross proceeds through the sale of 22.5 million shares. 

USAS Building System (Shanghai) jumped 30% to HK$9.38, and the company priced its initial public offering at HK$7.10.

The prefabricated steel structure building subcontracting service provider raised HK $174.66 million through the sale of 24.6 million shares. 

Insilico Medicine and OneRobotics Lead Six Hong Kong IPOs

Li Chen
30 Dec, 2025
Hong Kong

Stocks in China and Hong Kong lacked direction in thin trading as investors stayed away for the New Year holiday.

The Hang Seng Index increased 0.5%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index was nearly unchanged as investors held out for more policy support in the new year.

In the year 2025, the Hang Seng Index has jumped 30%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index advanced 21.4% amid recovering market sentiment, the AI boom, and stable earnings growth.  

China Indexes and Stocks

 The Hang Seng Index gained 0.45% to 25,751.64, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index inched down 0.01% to 4,638.90. 

Six new companies began trading in Hong Kong, and the city's exchange retained the most favored place for stock listing. 

Tuesday, December 30, was the busiest listing day in 2025, and December was the busiest month since 2021.

Insilco Medicine soared more than 42% to HK $32.50, and the biotech company priced its initial public offering at HK $24.50 per share. 

The drug discovery and development company raised HK $2.3 billion in gross proceeds through the sale of 94.7 million shares. 

OneRobotics (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. was unchanged at HK $73.80, and the smart home robotics system provider in Japan priced its initial public offering at HK $73.80. 

The robotics company raised HK $1.6 billion in gross proceeds through the sale of 22.22 million shares. 

Beijing 51WORLD Digital Twin Technology jumped 18.6% to HK $36.16, and the company priced its initial public offering at HK $30.50 per share. 

The 3D, simulation, and AI technology development company raised $731.7 million in net proceeds through the sale of 23.97 million shares. 

Shanghai Forest Cabin Cosmetics Group advanced 14.4 percent to HK$88.95, and the beauty-focused company priced its initial public offering at HK $77.77.

The premium skincare brand company raised HK $1.1 billion in gross proceeds through the sale of 13.966 million shares. 

Shenzhen Xunce Technology was nearly unchanged at HK$47.98, and the real-time data infrastructure and analytics company priced its initial public offering at HK $48 per share. 

The system integration service provider raised HK $1.08 billion in gross proceeds through the sale of 22.5 million shares. 

USAS Building System (Shanghai) jumped 30% to HK$9.38, and the company priced its initial public offering at HK$7.10.

The prefabricated steel structure building subcontracting service provider raised HK $174.66 million through the sale of 24.6 million shares. 

Japan's Mixed Economic Updates Highlighted Uneven Recovery

Akira Ito
26 Dec, 2025
Tokyo

Japan's market indexes attempted to rebound on Friday after lackluster trading in three previous sessions. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced 0.7%, and the broader Topix inched slightly higher amid receding worries about an artificial intelligence bubble. 

Stock market indexes extended weekly gains as investors reviewed the latest updates on industrial production, retail sales, jobless rate, and Tokyo-area inflation. 

Industrial Output Weakened In November

Japan's industrial output decreased 2.1% from a year ago in November, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Investment said in its monthly report on Friday. 

Industrial production fell 2.6% from the previous month, weakened by a decline in production of personal computers and lithium-ion batteries.  

The government agency retained its cautious outlook, confirming that production "fluctuates indecisively."  

Jobless Rate Held Steady Amid Labor Shortage

Japan's jobless rate held steady at 2.6% in November, amid stable hiring conditions, according to the latest update from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 

The number of people without jobs fell 2.2% to 1.81 million, and those with jobs increased 0.1% to 68.51 million after adjusting for seasonal factors.  

The job seekers increased 4.0% to 520,000, and the agency said that many people may have acquired a job amid a labor shortage in manufacturing and related industries. 

New job offers declined 17.2% in retail and wholesale and fell 14.2% in accommodation and restaurant services as businesses adopt labor-saving technologies. 

The job availability ratio was unchanged from October at 1.18 in November, meaning 118 jobs were available for every 100 job seekers. 

Rising Wages Extend Retail Sales Gains 

Japan's retail sales increased for the third consecutive month, according to a separate report released by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. 

Retail sales growth slowed to an annual rate of 1% in November from a 1.7% increase in the previous month. 

Steady wage gains supported a rise in consumer spending ahead of the fast-approaching holiday period, and a rebound in inbound tourism contributed to the advance. 

Sales increased for automobiles by 3.9%, pharmaceuticals by 5.6%, and machinery and equipment by 7.1%; however, sales for apparel and personal goods decreased by 7.5%, fuel by 5.6%, and non-store retailers by 5.5%.  

Japan Indexes and Stocks

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 0.7% to 50,770.10, and the broader Topix edged up a fraction to 3,419.52. 

Stocks advanced, and the Japanese yen traded at 156.02 amid speculation that the Bank of Japan is likely to increase interest rates at a slower-than-expected pace in 2026.

Tokyo Electron increased 1% to ¥34,130.0, Advantest Corp. gained 2.2% to ¥20,230.0, Softbank Group jumped 2.2% to ¥17,895.0, and Fujitsu edged up 0.4% to ¥4,243.0. 

Fujitsu advanced on a report that the company has agreed to join a group led by Softbank to develop a next-generation memory for artificial intelligence and supercomputers.  

Japan's Mixed Economic Updates Highlighted Uneven Recover

Akira Ito
26 Dec, 2025
Tokyo

Japan's market indexes attempted to rebound on Friday after lackluster trading in three previous sessions. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced 0.7%, and the broader Topix inched slightly higher amid receding worries about an artificial intelligence bubble. 

Stock market indexes extended weekly gains as investors reviewed the latest updates on industrial production, retail sales, jobless rate, and Tokyo-area inflation. 

Industrial Output Weakened In November

Japan's industrial output decreased 2.1% from a year ago in November, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Investment said in its monthly report on Friday. 

Industrial production fell 2.6% from the previous month, weakened by a decline in production of personal computers and lithium-ion batteries.  

The government agency retained its cautious outlook, confirming that production "fluctuates indecisively."  

Jobless Rate Held Steady Amid Labor Shortage

Japan's jobless rate held steady at 2.6% in November, amid stable hiring conditions, according to the latest update from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 

The number of people without jobs fell 2.2% to 1.81 million, and those with jobs increased 0.1% to 68.51 million after adjusting for seasonal factors.  

The job seekers increased 4.0% to 520,000, and the agency said that many people may have acquired a job amid a labor shortage in manufacturing and related industries. 

New job offers declined 17.2% in retail and wholesale and fell 14.2% in accommodation and restaurant services as businesses adopt labor-saving technologies. 

The job availability ratio was unchanged from October at 1.18 in November, meaning 118 jobs were available for every 100 job seekers. 

Rising Wages Extend Retail Sales gains 

Japan's retail sales increased for the third consecutive month, according to a separate report released by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. 

Retail sales growth slowed to an annual rate of 1% in November from a 1.7% increase in the previous month. 

Steady wage gains supported a rise in consumer spending ahead of the fast-approaching holiday period, and a rebound in inbound tourism contributed to the advance. 

Sales increased for automobiles by 3.9%, pharmaceuticals by 5.6%, and machinery and equipment by 7.1%; however, sales for apparel and personal goods decreased by 7.5%, fuel by 5.6%, and non-store retailers by 5.5%.  

Japan Indexes and Stocks

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 0.7% to 50,770.10, and the broader Topix edged up a fraction to 3,419.52. 

Stocks advanced, and the Japanese yen traded at 156.02 amid speculation that the Bank of Japan is likely to increase interest rates at a slower-than-expected pace in 2026.

Tokyo Electron increased 1% to ¥34,130.0, Advantest Corp. gained 2.2% to ¥20,230.0, Softbank Group jumped 2.2% to ¥17,895.0, and Fujitsu edged up 0.4% to ¥4,243.0. 

Fujitsu advanced on a report that the company has agreed to join a group led by Softbank to develop a next-generation memory for artificial intelligence and supercomputers.  

Wall Street Indexes Hovered Near Record Highs as Investors Overlooked Economic Updates

Barry Adams
24 Dec, 2025
New York City

Stocks on Wall Street lacked momentum as investors avoided taking additional exposure ahead of the Christmas holiday.

The S&P 500 index edged up 0.1%, and the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite flatlined, and benchmark indexes hovered near record highs. 

Gold continued to scale new highs amid elevated and unresolved geopolitical tensions and persistent worries about the U.S. federal government debt. 

The S&P 500 index closed at a new record high in the previous session following a rebound in artificial intelligence-linked stocks. 

Investors remained cautious despite the U.S. economic growth accelerating in the third quarter, and economists signaled that GDP data are likely to be sharply revised in the months ahead. 

Moreover, economic growth in the fourth quarter is likely to take a hit because of the 43-day federal government shutdown. 

The New York Stock Exchange will close on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. ET and will be closed on Thursday for Christmas Day. 

However, federal government agencies are closed between December 24 and December 26 and reopen on Monday.   

U.S. GDP Growth Accelerated In Third Quarter

Market sentiment recovered after the preliminary estimate of the U.S. economic growth in the third quarter surpassed expectations. 

GDP in the third quarter expanded at an annual pace of 4.3%, accelerating from 3.8% in the second quarter, according to a Commerce Department report released Tuesday. 

The increase in economic activities was mainly driven by a 3.5% rise in consumer spending from 2.5% and exports expanding 8.8% from -1.8% in the second quarter, respectively. 

Government spending recovered to an increase of 2.2% from a decline of 0.1% in the previous quarter, driven by the persistent rise in defense spending as well as buyouts for federal workers. 

However, fourth-quarter GDP growth is likely to be sharply lower because of a 43-day federal government shutdown. 

Tuesday's report is likely to give the Federal Reserve fewer reasons to raise rates after the next policy in late January. 

U.S. Durable Goods Orders Edged Lower in October

Meanwhile, U.S. durable goods orders decreased 2.2% from the previous month, from 2.2% in October to $307.4 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported on Tuesday. 

Excluding transportation, new orders increased 0.2%, and excluding defense orders, they decreased 1.5% from the previous month, respectively. 

Orders excluding defense and volatile transportation, a closely watched proxy for business spending, increased 0.5% to $76.8 billion. 

In the first ten months to October, durable goods orders jumped 7.1% from a year ago to $2.9 trillion. 

Corporate Profits Growth Rebounded In Third Quarter 

Corporate profits increased by 4.2% in the third quarter, according to the preliminary estimate provided by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. 

Corporate profits represent the portion of the total income earned from current production that is accounted for by U.S. corporations. 

Seasonally adjusted corporate profits with inventory valuation adjustments increased to an annual pace of $4.19 trillion from $4.12 trillion in the third quarter a year ago. 

Profits at the domestic financial industry rose to $824.9 billion from $680.9 billion, and at the non-financial industry, they increased to $2.75 trillion from $2.66 trillion a year ago. 

Wall Street Indexes Hovered Near Record Highs as Investors Overlooked Economic Updates

Barry Adams
24 Dec, 2025
New York City

Stocks on Wall Street lacked momentum as investors avoided taking additional exposure ahead of the Christmas holiday.

The S&P 500 index edged up 0.1%, and the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite flatlined, and benchmark indexes hovered near record highs. 

Gold continued to scale new highs amid elevated and unresolved geopolitical tensions and persistent worries about the U.S. federal government debt. 

The S&P 500 index closed at a new record high in the previous session following a rebound in artificial intelligence-linked stocks. 

Investors remained cautious despite the U.S. economic growth accelerating in the third quarter, and economists signaled that GDP data are likely to be sharply revised in the months ahead. 

Moreover, economic growth in the fourth quarter is likely to take a hit because of the 43-day federal government shutdown. 

The New York Stock Exchange will close on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. ET and will be closed on Thursday for Christmas Day. 

However, federal government agencies are closed between December 24 and December 26 and reopen on Monday.   

U.S. GDP Growth Accelerated In Third Quarter

Market sentiment recovered after the preliminary estimate of the U.S. economic growth in the third quarter surpassed expectations. 

GDP in the third quarter expanded at an annual pace of 4.3%, accelerating from 3.8% in the second quarter, according to a Commerce Department report released Tuesday. 

The increase in economic activities was mainly driven by a 3.5% rise in consumer spending from 2.5% and exports expanding 8.8% from -1.8% in the second quarter, respectively. 

Government spending recovered to an increase of 2.2% from a decline of 0.1% in the previous quarter, driven by the persistent rise in defense spending as well as buyouts for federal workers. 

However, fourth-quarter GDP growth is likely to be sharply lower because of a 43-day federal government shutdown. 

Tuesday's report is likely to give the Federal Reserve fewer reasons to raise rates after the next policy in late January. 

U.S. Durable Goods Orders Edged Lower in October

Meanwhile, U.S. durable goods orders decreased 2.2% from the previous month, from 2.2% in October to $307.4 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported on Tuesday. 

Excluding transportation, new orders increased 0.2%, and excluding defense orders, they decreased 1.5% from the previous month, respectively. 

Orders excluding defense and volatile transportation, a closely watched proxy for business spending, increased 0.5% to $76.8 billion. 

In the first ten months to October, durable goods orders jumped 7.1% from a year ago to $2.9 trillion. 

Corporate Profits Growth Rebounded In Third Quarter 

Corporate profits increased by 4.2% in the third quarter, according to the preliminary estimate provided by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. 

Corporate profits represent the portion of the total income earned from current production that is accounted for by U.S. corporations. 

Seasonally adjusted corporate profits with inventory valuation adjustments increased to an annual pace of $4.19 trillion from $4.12 trillion in the third quarter a year ago. 

Profits at the domestic financial industry rose to $824.9 billion from $680.9 billion, and at the non-financial industry, they increased to $2.75 trillion from $2.66 trillion a year ago. 

Japan's Bond Yields Neared 27-Year High as Fiscal Policy Worries Mounted

Akira Ito
24 Dec, 2025
Tokyo

Japan's market indexes struggled to rebound from the previous session's close, as the domestic government inched closer to finalizing its upcoming fiscal year's budget. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average and the broader Topix traded around the flatline amid improving confidence as the year-end approached. 

Market sentiment recovered following a rise in overnight trading in New York after the preliminary estimate of the U.S. economic growth in the third quarter surpassed expectations. 

GDP in the third quarter expanded at an annual pace of 4.3%, accelerating from 3.8% in the second quarter, according to a Commerce Department report released Tuesday. 

The increase in economic activities was mainly driven by a 3.5% rise in consumer spending from 2.5% and exports expanding 8.8% from -1.8% in the second quarter, respectively. 

Government spending recovered to an increase of 2.2% from a decline of 0.1% in the previous quarter, driven by the persistent rise in defense spending as well as buyouts for federal workers. 

However, fourth-quarter GDP growth is likely to be sharply lower because of a 43-day federal government shutdown. 

Tuesday's report is likely to give the Federal Reserve fewer reasons to raise rates after the next policy in late January. 

The yield on 10-year Japanese government bonds hovered above 2%, and the Japanese yen weakened to 155.86 against the U.S. dollar. 

Closer to home, Japan's lawmakers inched closer to approving a record 122 billion yen budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2026, as the newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration plans to provide additional stimulus of 21.3 trillion yen to ease household costs.

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average edged up 0.03% to 50,429.56, and the broader Topix eased 0.4% to 3,410.57. 

Japan Post Bank rose 0.1% to ¥2,127.50, Daiichi Sankyo edged up 0.2% to ¥3,338.0, and Nomura Holdings decreased 0.3% to ¥1,293.50. 

Seven & I Holdings gained 0.1% to ¥2,235.50, Fast Retailing decreased 0.6% to ¥56,630.0, and Takashimaya Co. Ltd fell 0.1% to ¥1,632.0. 

Japan's Bond Yields Neared 27-Year High as Fiscal Policy Worries Mounted

Akira Ito
24 Dec, 2025
Tokyo

Japan's market indexes struggled to rebound from the previous session's close, as the domestic government inched closer to finalizing its upcoming fiscal year's budget. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average and the broader Topix traded around the flatline amid improving confidence as the year-end approached. 

Market sentiment recovered following a rise in overnight trading in New York after the preliminary estimate of the U.S. economic growth in the third quarter surpassed expectations. 

GDP in the third quarter expanded at an annual pace of 4.3%, accelerating from 3.8% in the second quarter, according to a Commerce Department report released Tuesday. 

The increase in economic activities was mainly driven by a 3.5% rise in consumer spending from 2.5% and exports expanding 8.8% from -1.8% in the second quarter, respectively. 

Government spending recovered to an increase of 2.2% from a decline of 0.1% in the previous quarter, driven by the persistent rise in defense spending as well as buyouts for federal workers. 

However, fourth-quarter GDP growth is likely to be sharply lower because of a 43-day federal government shutdown. 

Tuesday's report is likely to give the Federal Reserve fewer reasons to raise rates after the next policy in late January. 

The yield on 10-year Japanese government bonds hovered above 2%, and the Japanese yen weakened to 155.86 against the U.S. dollar. 

Closer to home, Japan's lawmakers inched closer to approving a record 122 billion yen budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2026, as the newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration plans to provide additional stimulus of 21.3 trillion yen to ease household costs.

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average edged up 0.03% to 50,429.56, and the broader Topix eased 0.4% to 3,410.57. 

Japan Post Bank rose 0.1% to ¥2,127.50, Daiichi Sankyo edged up 0.2% to ¥3,338.0, and Nomura Holdings decreased 0.3% to ¥1,293.50. 

Seven & I Holdings gained 0.1% to ¥2,235.50, Fast Retailing decreased 0.6% to ¥56,630.0, and Takashimaya Co. Ltd fell 0.1% to ¥1,632.0. 

Japan WEDNESDAY

Akira Ito
24 Dec, 2025
Tokyo

Japan's market indexes struggled to rebound from the previous session's close, as the domestic government inched closer to finalizing its upcoming fiscal year's budget. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average and the broader Topix traded around the flatline amid improving confidence as the year-end approached. 

Market sentiment recovered following a rise in overnight trading in New York after the preliminary estimate of the U.S. economic growth in the third quarter surpassed expectations. 

GDP in the third quarter expanded at an annual pace of 4.3%, accelerating from 3.8% in the second quarter, according to a Commerce Department report released Tuesday. 

The increase in economic activities was mainly driven by a 3.5% rise in consumer spending from 2.5% and exports expanding 8.8% from -1.8% in the second quarter, respectively. 

Government spending recovered to an increase of 2.2% from a decline of 0.1% in the previous quarter, driven by the persistent rise in defense spending as well as buyouts for federal workers. 

However, fourth-quarter GDP growth is likely to be sharply lower because of a 43-day federal government shutdown. 

Tuesday's report is likely to give the Federal Reserve fewer reasons to raise rates after the next policy in late January. 

The yield on 10-year Japanese government bonds hovered above 2%, and the Japanese yen weakened to 155.86 against the U.S. dollar. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average edged up 0.03% to 50,429.56, and the broader Topix eased 0.4% to 3,410.57. 

Japan Post Bank rose 0.1% to ¥2,127.50, Daiichi Sankyo edged up 0.2% to ¥3,338.0, and Nomura Holdings decreased 0.3% to ¥1,293.50. 

Seven & I Holdings gained 0.1% to ¥2,235.50, Fast Retailing decreased 0.6% to ¥56,630.0, and Takashimaya Co. Ltd fell 0.1% to ¥1,632.0.