Today's News Update - 17th Dec 2024 Asia Asia-Pacific markets mostly declined on Monday, reversing earlier gains as investors awaited central bank decisions this week, including from the Bank of Japan and the People’s Bank of China. The Federal Reserve’s meeting on December 18 is also in focus, with a 96% chance of a 25-basis-point rate cut expected. Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropped 1%, mainland China's CSI 300 fell 0.54%, and Japan’s Nikkei 225 edged lower. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.56%, marking a five-day losing streak. Investors are also reviewing key economic data from China, including industrial production, retail sales, and home prices. US The Nasdaq Composite reached a record high on Monday, with tech stocks starting the week strong as investors looked ahead to a crucial Federal Reserve meeting. The tech-heavy index climbed 1.2%, while the S&P 500 rose 0.5%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, slipped 25 points, or 0.06%, extending its seven-day losing streak. Commodity Spot gold prices rose on Monday, buoyed by ongoing geopolitical tensions and lower U.S. Treasury yields, as investors awaited the Federal Reserve's upcoming policy meeting, where a third rate cut and insights into the 2025 outlook are anticipated. Spot gold increased 0.3% to $2,655.39 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures edged down 0.1% to $2,674.10. Oil futures pulled back from recent highs on Monday, weighed down by weaker consumer spending in China, the world’s largest oil importer. Brent crude dropped 35 cents, or 0.47%, to $74.14 a barrel, following its highest close since November 22. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell 35 cents, or 0.49%, to $70.94, after its highest close since November 7. The above analysis is only for the views of market researchers and is for reference only and is not Regarded as a specific investment suggestion. #Forex #trading #tradingforex