European defence stocks reached all-time highs on Thursday, while oil prices and the U.S. dollar climbed as geopolitical uncertainties—from Venezuela to Greenland—kept investors on edge. Market participants are closely watching global events and U.S. economic indicators, which are expected to influence currency markets, equities, and commodities in the coming days. Record-Breaking Gains in European Defence

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The Indian rupee slipped on Thursday, reversing earlier gains despite active intervention by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as global tariff concerns and capital outflows weighed heavily on the currency. Analysts say that while RBI efforts temporarily supported the rupee, underlying external pressures have continued to challenge its stability. Rupee Movement and RBI Intervention

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Fast Retailing, the Japanese operator of the globally popular Uniqlo clothing brand, reported a 34% surge in quarterly operating profit, prompting the company to raise its full-year earnings forecast. The company cited robust global sales growth and a strategic expansion in international markets as key drivers behind the strong performance, allowing it to absorb additional

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British consumers focused their festive spending on food and groceries over Christmas, while scaling back on clothing, gifts, and other non-essential items. Retailers including Tesco, Marks & Spencer (M&S), and Primark reported strong food sales, but warned of ongoing consumer caution and economic pressures that could weigh on trading in 2026. Christmas Food Sales Boost

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India’s consumer price inflation (CPI) is expected to have risen to 1.50% in December 2025, marking a second consecutive month of increase, according to a recent Reuters poll. The uptick in inflation is attributed to a broad-based rise in food prices and the fading effects of previously low inflation rates. Economists suggest that the recent

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London’s stock market edged lower on Thursday, with the FTSE 100 index down about 0.3% as a slump in major oil stocks weighed on broader investor sentiment. The domestically focused FTSE 250 index also fell about 0.4%, reflecting weakness in energy and retail stocks amid mixed economic signals. Oil Sector Weakness Holds Back Market Shares

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Gold prices fell sharply on Thursday as investors prepared for major futures selling linked to annual commodity index rebalancing, while a firmer U.S. dollar made bullion more expensive for buyers using other currencies. Traders are also eyeing key U.S. economic data that could influence monetary policy and market sentiment. Index Rebalancing Weighs on Precious Metals

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U.S. importers, customs brokers, and trade lawyers are preparing for a potential $150 billion tariff refund battle following a Supreme Court ruling on the legality of tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). If the court strikes down the tariffs, importers may face a complex process to

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Japan’s real wages fell sharply in November 2025, marking the fastest decline since last January, according to preliminary data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The drop was largely influenced by a sharp fall in one-off bonus payments, highlighting the ongoing challenge of inflation outpacing wage growth in the country. Real Wage Decline

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The Bank of Japan (BOJ) signaled optimism about the Japanese economy on Thursday, citing gradual recovery in regional economies and the continued expectation of wage growth among firms in fiscal 2026. At the same time, escalating tensions with China present a potential risk to Japan’s fragile economic recovery. Wage Growth and Inflation Outlook According to

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