Friday 19th December 2025: Asian Markets Rise on Fed Rate-Cut Hopes, Australia and Japan Lead Gains
Global Markets:
- Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei up 1.28%, Shanghai Composite up 1.59%, Hang Seng up 0.71% ASX up 0.53%
- Commodities : Gold at $4,346.30 (-0.41%), Silver at $65.118 (-0.17%), Brent Oil at $59.68 (-0.23%), WTI Oil at $55.86 (-0.25%)
- Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.136, UK 10-year yield at 4.4830, Germany 10-year yield at 2.8491
- Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei up 1.28%, Shanghai Composite up 1.59%, Hang Seng up 0.71% ASX up 0.53%
- Commodities : Gold at $4,346.30 (-0.41%), Silver at $65.118 (-0.17%), Brent Oil at $59.68 (-0.23%), WTI Oil at $55.86 (-0.25%)
- Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.136, UK 10-year yield at 4.4830, Germany 10-year yield at 2.8491
News & Data:
- (USD) CPI y/y -1.3M to -2.4M expected
- (USD) Unemployment Claims -1.3M to -2.4M expected
- (USD) CPI y/y -1.3M to -2.4M expected
- (USD) Unemployment Claims -1.3M to -2.4M expected
Markets Update:
Asian stock markets are trading mostly higher on Friday, buoyed by broadly positive cues from Wall Street after softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data reinforced confidence that the U.S. Federal Reserve may continue cutting interest rates next year. Asian markets had ended mostly lower in the previous session.
Asian stock markets are trading mostly higher on Friday, buoyed by broadly positive cues from Wall Street after softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data reinforced confidence that the U.S. Federal Reserve may continue cutting interest rates next year. Asian markets had ended mostly lower in the previous session.
The Australian share market is modestly higher, extending Thursday’s gains. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 is trading above the 8,600 level, supported by strength in technology and financial stocks, though losses in gold miners are limiting upside. The index is up about 0.4 percent, while the broader All Ordinaries Index is also trading higher.
Mining stocks are mixed, with modest losses in BHP Group and Fortescue offset by gains in Rio Tinto and Mineral Resources. Oil stocks are also mixed, as gains in Origin Energy and Beach Energy counter declines in Santos and Woodside Energy. Technology stocks are broadly higher, while major banks are posting solid gains across the board. Gold miners, however, are mostly lower.
In Japan, the market is trading sharply higher, rebounding from the previous session’s losses. The Nikkei 225 has climbed to near the 49,600 level, led by strong gains in automakers, financials and technology stocks. Investors are also watching closely as the Bank of Japan concludes its monetary policy meeting, with expectations of a 25 basis point rate hike.
Elsewhere in Asia, markets across Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Southeast Asia are trading mostly higher. On Wall Street overnight, U.S. stocks rebounded strongly, led by the Nasdaq, while European markets also closed higher. Crude oil prices edged up slightly amid ongoing geopolitical concerns.
Upcoming Events:01:30 PM GMT – CAD Retail Sales m/m01:30 PM GMT – CAD Core Retail Sales m/m
Disclaimer:
Raw Trading Ltd is regulated by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) with Securities Dealer’s license number SD018.Risk Warning: Trading Forex and CFDs carries a high level of risk to your capital and you should only trade with money you can afford to lose. Trading Forex and CFDs may not be suitable for all investors, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved and seek independent advice if necessary. Please read and ensure you fully understand our Risk Disclosure.Restricted Countries: Raw Trading Ltd does not provide services for residents of certain countries such as the United States of America, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, Iran and North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) or a country where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.You must be 18 years old, or of legal age as determined in your country. Upon registering an account with Raw Trading Ltd, you acknowledge that you are registering at your own free will, without solicitation on behalf of Raw Trading Ltd.Raw Trading Ltd does not direct its website and services to any individual in any country in which the use of its website and services are prohibited by local laws or regulations. When accessing this website from a country in which its use may or may not be prohibited, it is the user’s responsibility to ensure that any use of the website or services adheres to local laws or regulations. Raw Trading Ltd does not affirm that the information on its website is suitable for all jurisdictions.
Publication date: