Market News

Global markets remain cautious as structural economic strains, trade policy uncertainty, and corporate supply chain adjustments continue to influence sentiment across major economies.

Japan opened 2026 with a clear shift in price momentum.

Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the UK labor market entered 2026 on a softer footing.

Global food prices continued to fall at the start of 2026, with the FAO Food Price Index dropping 0.4% in January to 123.9 points. This marked the fifth consecutive monthly decline and the lowest level since August 2024, signaling a further easing in global food inflation pressures.

President Donald Trump announced plans to hike tariffs on South Korean imports to 25%, up from the current 15%. He cited the South Korean legislature’s failure to ratify a trade deal finalized in late 2025 as the primary reason for the increase. The move targets key sectors including automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and lumber.

U.S. inflation showed little change in November, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve can maintain a cautious policy stance into 2026.

Producer prices in Germany continued their decline at the end of 2025, reinforcing the disinflationary pattern that characterized much of the year.

The UK economy expanded by 0.3% in November 2025, a stronger recovery following October’s 0.1% dip. This performance outpaced market forecasts of a minor 0.1% uptick, signaling that the economy regained its footing as the year drew to a close.