- US equity futures edged higher while the dollar extended losses as trading resumed after the Christmas holiday amid investor expectations for earlier and deep interest rate cuts next year.
- In a light trading session, Asian stocks were mixed, with markets closed in Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Australia. Emerging Asian currencies saw gains against a weakening dollar that dropped for the third straight session to its lowest level in nearly five months, led by the won in South Korea and the ringgit in Malaysia.
- The S&P 500 recorded its longest winning streak in over five years on Friday, as price pressures in the US appeared to be abating. Treasuries were little changed in Asia trading. Some on Wall Street are positioning for further stock gains ahead as the session kicked off the start of the "Santa Claus rally" - a seasonal trend where equities tend to climb into the first few days of the new year.
- In mainland China, stocks continued to fall, with the benchmark CSI 300 Index on track for its first decrease in four days. This was despite a softening of the government's position following a move last week to impose restrictions on the videogame industry.
