Today's News Update - 2nd Jan 2025 Asia Asia-Pacific markets fell Tuesday as China’s manufacturing growth missed expectations, though the CSI 300 ended a three-year losing streak with a 15% annual gain despite dropping 1.6% to 3,934.91. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index edged up to 20,059.95, ending 2024 with an 18% gain, snapping a four-year losing streak. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dropped 0.92% to 8,159.1 but posted an 8.5% annual rise, its second straight year of growth. December’s PMI for China was 50.1, below expectations of 50.3, signaling weak impact from stimulus efforts. US U.S. stocks declined, ending a strong year on a weaker note. Trading was volatile, with the Dow dropping over 700 points at its session low, though there was no clear catalyst for Monday’s sell-off. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 418.48 points, or 0.97%, to 42,573.73. The S&P 500 dropped 1.07% to 5,906.94, while the Nasdaq Composite lost 1.19% to close at 19,486.78. Commodity Gold prices were set for their largest annual gain since 2010, surging over 26% due to safe-haven demand and central bank rate cuts, though sentiment may shift depending on policy changes under a second Trump presidency. Spot gold rose 0.7% to $2,622.85 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures gained 0.8% to $2,638.10. Oil prices dropped about 3% in 2024, marking a second consecutive annual decline as demand recovery stalled, China’s economy struggled, and non-OPEC producers increased output. On the year’s final trading day, Brent crude rose 65 cents, or 0.88%, to $74.64 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate gained 73 cents, or 1.03%, to $71.72 a barrel. 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