The dollar was steady against a basket of currencies in the absence of fresh catalysts in quiet, holiday-thinned trade. ...

Core Viewpoint - GAM Holding is opposing the planned takeover of a Honda subsidiary by Indian auto-parts maker Samvardhana Motherson International, arguing that the deal significantly undervalues the Japanese company [1] Company Summary - GAM Holding believes that the acquisition price does not reflect the true value of the Honda subsidiary [1]

Markets have been calm but concerns persist about a less independent, more divided central bank. ...

Core Viewpoint - Oil prices increased in early Asian trading due to escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, as noted by Nanhua Futures analysts [1] Industry Summary - The rise in oil prices is attributed to geopolitical factors, specifically the growing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela [1]

Group 1 - Gold prices fell in early Asian trade, indicating a potential shift in market sentiment [1] - Safe-haven demand for gold may remain elevated due to intensifying geopolitical tensions [1] - Expectations of a more accommodative U.S. monetary policy could further support gold prices [1]

Group 1 - The company, owned by Walmart, operates approximately 60 stores in China and is expanding its presence [1] - The e-commerce business of the company is experiencing rapid growth [1]

Core Insights - Recent deals have generated optimism for the upcoming year, indicating a potential recovery in the investment landscape [1] - Despite the positive sentiment, firms are still managing a surplus of portfolio companies, which may pose challenges for future growth [1] Group 1 - The recent transactions have led to increased confidence among firms regarding market conditions for the new year [1] - There is a notable concern regarding the excess of portfolio companies that firms currently hold, which could impact their operational strategies [1]

Core Insights - U.S. stock owners experienced significant gains at the beginning of the year, indicating a strong performance in the domestic market [1] - Foreign stocks outperformed U.S. stocks, suggesting that international investments provided even better returns for investors [1] Summary by Category U.S. Stocks - Investors who held U.S. stocks at the start of the year made substantial profits, reflecting a positive trend in the domestic equity market [1] Foreign Stocks - The performance of foreign stocks surpassed that of U.S. stocks, highlighting the advantages of diversifying investments internationally [1]

Core Viewpoint - Both Netflix and Paramount are expected to eventually reduce their theatrical releases due to changing market dynamics and strategic shifts in content distribution [1] Group 1: Company Strategies - Netflix is likely to focus more on streaming content rather than theatrical releases as consumer preferences shift towards on-demand viewing [1] - Paramount may also reconsider its theatrical release strategy, aligning with industry trends that favor digital distribution [1] Group 2: Industry Trends - The overall trend in the entertainment industry indicates a move away from traditional theatrical releases, influenced by the rise of streaming platforms [1] - As competition intensifies among streaming services, companies are adapting their release strategies to maximize viewer engagement and subscription growth [1]

Core Viewpoint - A significant weakening of the dollar against China's currency did not occur in 2025, but it remains a wild card to monitor in the upcoming year [1] Group 1 - Forecasters suggest that the dollar's performance against the yuan could be a critical factor to watch in the new year [1]