Market News

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.

New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that U.S. producer prices increased by 0.2% month-over-month in November, aligning with analyst predictions. This follow-up to October's 0.1% rise suggests that while inflation at the factory gate is not accelerating rapidly, it remains on a gradual upward trajectory.

Donald Trump’s foreign policy is being questioned again, both in Washington and in financial markets.

Eurozone retail activity offered a steady signal in November 2025, with sales rising 0.2% month over month.