ASIA/PACIFIC
-The Australian stock market closed lower on Friday dragged down by banks, energy and tech-related stocks.
-Asian markets mostly fell as real household spending in Japan fell 0.4% year on year in November, and the average real income per household stood at 514,409 yen ($3,252.98).
-The People’s Bank of China announced a suspension of government bond purchases amid record-low bond yields.
. EUROPE
-Major European markets closed lower after the United States reported a much higher number of nonfarm payrolls than expected in December 2024.
-Euro zone government bond yields climbed to fresh multi-month highs following the release of December’s U.S. jobs report.
-The British pound plummeted against the dollar while gilt yields came under further pressure after new figures revealed the continued strength of the US economy.
. AMERICAS
North America
-Major stock market indices in the US tumbled due to heavy selling across the board as data showed the world’s largest economy added 256,000 roles in December, accelerating from November and well ahead of economists expectations.
Latin America
-Brazilian asset managers hold a negative view for the country’s assets in 2025, The Rio Times reported.
-Argentina moves to expand local bond market: Companies can now issue smaller amounts without seeking pre-approval from securities regulator, according to Latin Finance.
. AFRICA
-Ethiopia launched a stock exchange today. “In a historic milestone for our economic and financial landscape, we have officially rung the bell to launch the Ethiopian Securities Exchange,” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said in a post on the X platform.
-The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) is expected to achieve another remarkable performance in 2025, according to predictions from Data Bank research. In 2024, the market yielded a return of 26.13 per cent for investors in dollar terms.
-The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) issued treasury bills (T-bills) at a combined value of EGP 80 billion through two auctions on Thursday (Jan. 9).
. MIDDLE EAST
-The UAE banking sector will register robust lending growth in 2025, driven by the easing of the monetary policy and a supportive economic environment, Zawya reported citing S&P Global Ratings analyst Puneet Tuli.
– Riyad Bank plans to redeem its $1.5 billion 10-year sukuk five years early next month, the Saudi-listed bank announced.
-Shuaa Capital has sold its Saudi hospitality asset portfolio weeks after the Dubai-listed investment bank entered the final stage of its debt restructuring process.
. COMMODITIES
GOLD
Spot gold was up 0.6% to $2,685.38 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures rose 1.4% to $2,727.90, according to Reuters.
SILVER-PLATINUM-PALLADIUM
Spot silver gained 1% to $30.43 per ounce, platinum firmed 0.7% to $964.90 and palladium added 2.5% to $949.25.
OIL
Brent gained $1.92, or 2.5%, to $78.84 per barrel by 11:12 a.m. ET, while U.S. crude oil advanced $1.89, or 2.56%, to $75.81 per barrel.
