Precious metals lead the global market rally, with platinum surpassing the $1800 mark

The global financial markets are brewing significant changes. As of today’s market close, the precious metals sector collectively gained strength, with platinum breaking through the historic key level of $1800 per ounce, reaching the highest level since 2008. Gold has risen for five consecutive trading days, currently at $4348 per ounce, up 1.13%, while silver surged over 3% to $63.71 per ounce.

UBS’s analysis team pointed out that the market’s expectation of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve in January is clearly insufficient. The upcoming non-farm payrolls and CPI reports will be the key indicators this week. This wave of precious metals rally reflects investors’ new expectations for monetary policy adjustments.

US stock futures steady, tech stocks lead gains but robot concept stocks crash

The US stock market outlook before opening is relatively optimistic. As of 5:02 AM Eastern Time, Dow futures rose 0.41%, S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq 100 futures both increased by 0.46%, showing a moderate but steady upward trend.

Among tech stocks, Nvidia (NVDA) pre-market up 1.17%, Tesla (TSLA) up 1.23%, with the two giants continuing their strong momentum. However, robot concept stock iRobot (IRBT) experienced an epic plunge, dropping 83.23% pre-market after officially filing for bankruptcy protection, sparking market concerns about the industry’s outlook.

Yen’s appreciation momentum is clear, central bank rate hike expectations boost exchange rate

The Bank of Japan will release its interest rate decision on December 19. The market consensus is that a 25 basis point hike to 0.75% is a certainty, which would mark the highest interest rate level in Japan in 30 years. Driven by rate hike expectations, the yen is appreciating against the dollar. USD/JPY has fallen over 0.50%, currently at 154.93, with the yen’s strength significantly increasing.

This policy shift will have profound impacts on global capital flows, with the risk of carry trades retreating increasing accordingly.

Bitcoin faces correction pressure, multiple factors create a market dilemma

The cryptocurrency market faces multiple challenges. Bitcoin, after breaching the psychological $90,000 level, has adjusted to around $93,840, with a 24-hour change of 0.98%. Following the Fed’s recent 25 basis point rate cut decision, market demand quickly waned, and liquidity tightening as the year-end approaches has further intensified downward pressure.

Changes in central bank policy environments are particularly noteworthy. The rate hike expectations from the Bank of Japan exert a clear dampening effect on risk assets. If subsequent policy statements signal a more hawkish stance, it could trigger a larger-scale sell-off of crypto assets. Crypto analysts generally warn that the market still needs to guard against negative policy shocks in the short term.

Central bank decisions intensify, global markets enter decision period

The coming week will be a busy period for central bank decisions worldwide. The US will release non-farm payrolls and related data for October on December 16, followed by CPI data on December 18. On the same day, the European Central Bank and Bank of England will also announce their rate decisions. The Bank of Japan’s policy meeting on December 19 will be the absolute focus of global market attention, with its decision and policy outlook likely to have a decisive impact on risk asset allocation.