US equity futures are slightly firmer, following Friday’s gains. European markets are trading higher. Asian equities ended mixed as optimism in South Korea and Taiwan tech sectors was offset by losses in Japan and China. Focus this week shifts to key US economic updates and policy signals. Markets will also monitor the 119th Congress for any developments on fiscal policy and Trump 2.0 legislative priorities. Other themes include positioning tailwinds, seasonal strength, and ongoing concerns about China’s economic outlook and tariff risks. Treasury supply and macro surprise momentum will also be closely watched as the week unfolds.

Companies Mentioned: Paycor HCM, Paychex, Smart Share Global, Colombier Acquisition Corp. II

US futures are indicating a higher open today. European equity markets have opened flat to lower, following mixed levels in Asian markets. US markets remaining cautious and waiting for more clarity on outlook, while sharp decline of Tesla, Apple stocks weighing on sentiment. US-China trade tension also in focus. Economic data releases now in spotlight for clues on pace of Fed rate cuts this year. ECB officials appear comfortable with gradual easing policy. BoE on course for four rate cuts this year.

Companies mentioned: United States Steel, Nippon Steel, SPS Commerce

US futures are pointing to a slightly higher open today. European equity markets have opened in the negative territory, following weak Asian markets. Global markets are struggling to sustain an upward momentum in the first trading day of the year. Tone of US market upbeat on back of strong aggregate 2024 gains. General caution largely blamed on uncertainties surrounding Trump policies, though positive fundamentals providing basis for 2025 optimism.

Companies Mentioned: Sphere Entertainment, Altice USA, Omega Therapeutics

S&P futures are indicating a higher open, up +0.28%. Asian equities posted gains almost across the board in a quiet Monday session. European markets opened softer this morning but are gaining traction. In Asia, Honda and Nissan are set to begin integration talks, with plans to create a holding company and finalize the merger by 2026. In Europe, UK Q3 GDP was revised downward to show no growth q/q, while business confidence surveys pointed to steep declines in private sector activity in early 2024.

Companies Mentioned: News Corp, Arm Holdings, TikTok, Alphabet

S&P futures are indicating a lower open, down (0.68%), as the fallout from the Federal Reserve’s hawkish tone continues to weigh on markets. Markets are now focused on November’s personal consumption data, following stronger-than-expected economic growth and consumer spending, which weakens the case for near-term Fed rate cuts. Asian markets ended mixed on Friday, but most major boards posted further losses to close out a tough week. European markets opened sharply lower on Friday, following Thursday’s broad declines.

Companies Mentioned: TPG, Aadi Bioscience, Boeing

S&P futures are indicating a higher open, up +0.41% as markets attempt to recover from yesterday’s sharp selloff following the Federal Reserve’s hawkish tone on rate cuts for 2025. Asian markets closed broadly lower today, and European markets are recording sharp declines in early trades. In Asia, the Bank of Japan left rates unchanged as expected. In Europe, the Riksbank cut rates by 25 basis points and signaled potential further cuts in the first half of 2025.

Companies Mentioned: General Mills, Sonoco Products, Apple, WM Technology

S&P futures are indicating a slightly higher open, up +0.11% as investors await the Federal Reserve’s rate decision later today. Markets expect a 25 bps rate cut, with keen attention on the accompanying dot plot and Chair Powell’s commentary, particularly regarding the Fed's outlook for 2025 rate adjustments. In Asia, Nissan and Honda are reportedly in merger talks, accelerating due to interest from Hon Hai Precision. European focus is on UK inflation data, with headline CPI accelerating in November as expected, though core and services inflation surprised on the downside.

Companies Mentioned: Nissan, Honda, Cousins Properties, NeuroMetrix

US equity futures are slightly weaker. European markets are trading lower, while Asian equities ended mostly lower. Market attention remains on this week’s central bank policy meetings. The Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut rates by 25-bp on Wednesday, though the updated Summary of Economic Projections and dot plot will likely draw more focus. Markets have been scaling back expectations for 2025 rate cuts. The BoE is set to update policy on Thursday, and the BoJ decision will follow on Friday, with both expected to keep rates unchanged. Weak Chinese activity data continues to highlight calls for further stimulus from Beijing, foreshadowing looser policy into 2025. Recent commentary from European Central Bank officials has supported the case for additional easing, though opinions remain divided on whether cuts will occur gradually.

Companies Mentioned: Alibaba Group, Youngor Fashion Co., McCormick & Co., Shein

US equity futures are slightly firmer on Monday. European markets are trading lower, with losses led by France. Asian equities ended mostly lower as China’s underwhelming activity data weighed on sentiment. Focus this week is on the Fed's anticipated 25-bp rate cut during Wednesday’s policy meeting, as inflation is seen sufficiently contained to support further easing. Goldman Sachs expects a pause in January, citing a slower pace of reductions ahead. SNB surprised markets last week with a 50-bp cut, while ECB also trimmed rates as expected but shifted to a more dovish tone, signaling the potential for additional cuts in Q1 2025. Political developments in Europe include a confidence vote for German Chancellor Scholz following coalition collapse and ongoing efforts by France’s new PM François Bayrou to stabilize governance amid economic challenges.

Companies Mentioned: Nippon Steel, US Steel, Capri Holdings, Berkshire Hills, Brookline

US equity futures are slightly higher, while European markets are trading higher and Asian markets ended mostly lower. The ECB cut rates by 25 bps for the third consecutive meeting, signaling a shift to a more neutral stance. Policymakers remain focused on managing inflation risks, while Bloomberg reports suggest further cuts may come in January and March. Meanwhile, US PPI data came in slightly hotter than expected, though it has not shifted expectations of a December rate cut, which the market sees as highly probable. Geopolitics are in focus as easing tensions in the Middle East bring hopes for a Gaza ceasefire deal. Investors are also looking ahead to next week’s FOMC meeting and updated economic projections.

Companies Mentioned: Carlyle Group, Upbound Group, Blackstone, Dexus Property Group