Real-time News

The yield on Japan's 40-year government bonds fell 7 basis points to 3.62%, a new low since November 17.

December 25th Futures News: 1. WTI crude oil futures trading volume was 280,226 lots, a decrease of 246,230 lots from the previous trading day. Open interest was 1,869,520 lots, an increase of 5,977 lots from the previous trading day. 2. Brent crude oil futures trading volume was 60,567 lots, a decrease of 43,089 lots from the previous trading day. Open interest was 225,901 lots, an increase of 2,415 lots from the previous trading day. 3. Natural gas futures trading volume was 355,649 lots, a decrease of 249,250 lots from the previous trading day. Open interest was 1,555,473 lots, a decrease of 2,176 lots from the previous trading day.

The yield on Japan's five-year government bonds rose 3 basis points to 1.52%.

Saudi government data: Saudi Arabia's imports grew by 4.3% in October.

Saudi government data shows that Saudi merchandise exports grew by 11.8% in October, with oil exports increasing by 4.0%.

Saudi government data: Non-oil exports grew by 32.3% in October.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi: The budget for the next fiscal year will be 24.2% dependent on debt.

December 25th - As of the midday close on December 25th, the Guotai Junan Silver Futures (LOF) fund hit its daily limit down after consecutive limit-up days. This drop was anticipated by industry insiders. "After the A-share purchase limit was relaxed on November 22nd, arbitrage funds actively subscribed, and since they could be converted to exchange-traded units on T+2, these funds rushed to cash out. This arbitrage activity likely reduced the high premium, causing the exchange-traded price to fall. Although this fund has seen significant gains in the past month, the investment risk is also high," said an industry insider.

December 25th - Entering December, traditionally a crucial window for year-end sales surges in the automotive market, the end-of-year period is remarkably quiet compared to the bustling activity of previous years. A strong wait-and-see attitude among consumers is prevalent. A reporter visited nearly ten new energy vehicle brands, including Tesla, Xiaomi, HarmonyOS, and Avita, and found that showrooms were generally sparsely populated and somewhat deserted. An employee at a Xiaomi car store revealed that sales had slightly decreased in December, with only two or three units sold per week. The company's "instant car purchase" promotion had not significantly boosted sales. In fact, industry experts had generally predicted since November that the year-end car market would not see a surge. The rising expectations for a new subsidy policy in 2026 have further reinforced consumers' waiting mentality.

Saudi Arabia has stated that the Kingdom still hopes the Southern Transitional Council will take proactive steps to halt the escalation of the situation and withdraw its troops from the provinces.

Japan's construction orders rose 9.5% year-on-year in November, compared with a previous reading of -10.1%.

Japan's housing starts fell 8.5% year-on-year in November, compared to a forecast of 0.4% and a previous reading of 3.20%.

December 25th - Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda reiterated on Thursday that the bank is prepared to continue raising interest rates as economic activity and prices improve. Last week, the Bank of Japan raised interest rates to a 30-year high of 0.75%. In his remarks, Ueda stated that the Bank of Japan believes adjusting the degree of monetary easing will support "long-term growth," thereby providing confidence to businesses.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi: We are maintaining close communication with the United States through various channels and may arrange a visit to the United States early next year.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi: We have decided to introduce tax breaks for capital expenditures to help build key supply chains.

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda: I hope Japan will get closer to the economic state that the Bank of Japan is pursuing next year.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi: The budget will focus on policy priorities to ensure market confidence.