Vi e w p o i n t | 14 Jan 2026 04:29:13 ET │ 11 pages China Economics Strong Exports Likely Support the Renminbi and Delay Rate Cut CITI'S TAKE China's trade sector ended 2025 strongly, with both exports and imports beating expectations. On an annual basis, exports grew 5.5% to US$3.8trn, defying earlier concerns around tariffs and payback, and trade surplus reached US$1.2trn, both the new record in modern history. Strong exports gave another push for headline GDP to achieve 5% growth, our long-held forecas ...

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. economy benefits from an independent Federal Reserve that makes monetary policy decisions based solely on data and analysis [1] Group 1 - Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari emphasized the importance of the Federal Reserve's independence during a virtual conversation with the Wisconsin Bankers Association [1]

Core Viewpoint - Doubts are emerging on Wall Street regarding the alignment of current tariff levels with the Trump administration's new affordability initiative [1] Group 1 - The Trump administration is pushing for increased affordability, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing tariff levels [1]

If you're an investor with a holding that's exposed to negative decisions from the second Trump administration, let me offer two thoughts on how to cope. Take a breath. Don't make any hasty decisions. Why? Because time may be on your side. Defense contractors and financial institutions are stocks to watch I make these observations because of two possible decisions coming along that may affect two sets of stocks: defense contractors and financial institutions. The defense shares were hit last week ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the expertise and background of John M. Mason, highlighting his extensive experience in finance and economics, which positions him as a knowledgeable commentator on current monetary and financial events [1]. Group 1: Professional Background - John M. Mason is the founder and CEO of New Finance, LLC, with a history of leadership roles in publicly traded financial institutions [1]. - He has served as a special assistant to the secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and as a senior economist within the Federal Reserve System [1]. - Mason has academic experience, having taught at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn State University [1]. Group 2: Industry Involvement - He has been involved with venture capital funds and private equity funds, indicating a strong connection to investment and entrepreneurial activities [1]. - Mason has worked with young entrepreneurs, particularly in urban environments, focusing on companies related to Information Technology [1].

US Nov retail sales rose +0.6% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.5% m/m. Also, Nov retail sales ex-autos rose +0.5% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.4% m/m.US Nov PPI final demand rose +3.0% y/y, stronger than expectations of +2.7% y/y. Nov PPI ex-food and energy also rose +3.0% y/y, stronger than expectations of +2.7% y/yStocks maintained their losses after stronger-than-expected US economic news on Nov retail sales, Nov producer prices, and Dec existing home sales, along with hawkish comments fro ...

Wall Street broker Bernstein is kicking off 2026 by naming blockchain lender Figure Technology (FIGR) its top investment idea, citing the company's potential for rapid growth in a new market. Bernstein's bullish call is driven by Figure’s role in modernizing legacy banking infrastructure by moving traditional ledgers onto blockchain rails, a theme the analysts believe is gaining urgency amid banking sector uncertainty and a more assertive regulatory framework for crypto. "Figure upgrades legacy banking ...

Market Overview - U.S. stocks traded lower, with the Nasdaq Composite falling more than 100 points on Wednesday. The Dow decreased by 0.21% to 49,090.31, the NASDAQ declined by 0.67% to 23,551.77, and the S&P 500 fell by 0.47% to 6,931.31 [1] Company Earnings - Bank of America Corp reported a net income of $7.6 billion for Q4 fiscal 2025, down from $6.80 billion a year ago. The EPS was 98 cents, beating the analyst consensus estimate of 96 cents. Revenue increased by 7% year-over-year to $28.532 billion, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $27.944 billion [2] Commodity Prices - Oil prices increased by 1% to $61.73, gold rose by 1% to $4,643.70, silver surged by 5.8% to $91.365, and copper gained 0.5% to $6.0450 [5] Stock Movements - High Roller Technologies, Inc. shares surged by 322% to $14.65 after announcing a partnership with Crypto.com. Lottery.com Inc shares increased by 87% to $0.96, while Inspire Veterinary Partners Inc shares rose by 99% to $0.046 following an increase in authorized common stock. Conversely, Briacell Therapeutics Corp shares dropped by 53% to $5.11 after pricing a public offering at $5.59 per unit. Plus Therapeutics Inc shares fell by 41% to $0.28 after announcing a public offering at $0.38 per unit. Hub Cyber Security Ltd shares decreased by 40% to $0.32 after a reverse stock split announcement [8]

Sanae Takaichi has called Margaret Thatcher her political idol - Eugene Hoshiko/AFP via Getty Images The Japanese stock market has surged to a record high as Sanae Takaichi, the country’s prime minister, prepares to gamble on an election in early February. Stock market investors are piling into the so-called “Takaichi trade”, betting that an election victory will empower her to rev up the economy with higher spending or tax cuts. But bond and currency investors pulled back, fearing that any fresh fisca ...

Core Insights - Silver has surged past $90 an ounce for the first time, while gold is trading near its all-time high, driven by expectations of further US rate cuts, political pressure on the Federal Reserve, and heightened geopolitical tensions [1][2][4]. Price Movements - Silver jumped as much as 5.3% to $91.5535 an ounce, while gold traded within $10 of its record peak [2][12]. - As of 12:31 p.m. in Singapore, silver was up 4.6% at $90.9590 an ounce, and gold climbed 0.9% to $6,626.43, close to its record high of $4,634.55 [12]. Economic Factors - Lower US inflation data has contributed to bullish sentiment in precious metals, although the figures were noted to be artificially suppressed by a prolonged government shutdown [3]. - The Federal Reserve is expected to pause rate cuts for several months, but swaps markets are pricing in at least two additional cuts later this year [3]. Political and Geopolitical Influences - Political pressure on the Federal Reserve has increased demand for safe-haven assets, with concerns over the independence of the Fed following potential criminal charges against Chair Jerome Powell [4]. - Geopolitical tensions, including US actions in Venezuela and threats regarding Greenland, as well as protests in Iran, have further driven investors towards gold and silver [7]. Market Predictions - Citigroup has raised its three-month price forecasts for gold and silver to $5,000 and $100 an ounce, respectively [8]. - Analysts suggest that silver could reach $150 an ounce by year-end, supported by strong speculative buying and a broader rotation into commodities [9]. Supply Dynamics - Silver's performance has been influenced by ongoing supply tightness and fears of potential tariffs from a US Section 232 investigation, which could limit silver flows into the global market [10][11]. - Heavy speculative buying and elevated trading volumes on major exchanges indicate strong investment inflows [11].