- On the final trading day of the year, European stocks fell along with US index futures. The 10-Year Treasury yield remained above 1.5%, and the dollar remained stable.
- With most European markets closed or closing early on Friday, trading was light as investors marked the end of a great year for global equities as countries recovered from the pandemic.
- Emerging markets and Asian benchmarks lagged, owing in part to regulatory pressures and a faltering economy in China. Bond investors are suffering losses as numerous central banks tighten monetary policy in order to combat inflation. The impact of the coronavirus and policy shifts on economic recovery is critical for the outlook.
- After gaining more than 22% this year, the STOXX Europe 600 index fell less than 0.1%, hovering near a record level. Only the United Kingdom and France were open for trading, and both are closing early. Contracts on the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ 100 fell. The S&P 500 fell from a record high on Thursday, but it is still up 27% for the year.
- Paxlovid, an oral COVID antiviral, has been approved by the UK authority.
- China Graft Enforcement Agency warns Walmart and Sam's Club over the supposed withdrawal of Xinjiang products.
- Evergrande Wealth releases new plan for the next 3 months, which focuses on the principals before the interest payment.
