Skip to main content

Featured

Beijing’s Show of Force: China Launches Major Drills Around Taiwan

  A ship fires a weapon during drills east of Taiwan in this screenshot from a video released by the Eastern Theater Command of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Dec. 29, 2025. China has initiated large‑scale military exercises around Taiwan, framing the operation as a direct warning to what it calls separatist forces and foreign supporters. The drills, conducted by the Eastern Theatre Command, involve naval vessels, fighter jets, and missile units operating across multiple zones encircling the island. According to Chinese military statements, the exercises are designed to test joint combat readiness and simulate scenarios such as blockades and precision strikes. The move follows heightened tensions over international engagement with Taiwan, including recent arms sales and diplomatic exchanges that Beijing views as challenges to its sovereignty claims. Taiwan’s defense ministry denounced the drills as coercive and destabilizing, placing its military on alert and trac...

article

S&P 500 and Nasdaq Futures Steady Near Record Highs

US stock futures are holding near record-high levels as Wall Street remains bullish. Here are the key highlights:

  1. Tech-Fueled Rally Continues:

    • The S&P 500 and Nasdaq have been on a tear, driven by a tech-fueled rally.
    • Evercore ISI raised its year-end price target for the S&P 500 to 6,000, while Goldman Sachs increased its target to 5,600.
    • Last week, the S&P 500 crossed the 5,400 level for the first time.
  2. Market Catalysts:

    • After last week’s double dose of inflation reports and the Federal Reserve meeting, fewer catalysts are expected this week.
    • Wednesday’s retail sales report will provide insight into the health of the US consumer.
    • Fed policymakers may continue discussing rate cuts; Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari hinted at a possible December rate cut.
  3. Nasdaq’s “Perfect” Week:

    • The Nasdaq Composite achieved a fifth-straight record close last Friday.
    • Futures tied to the Nasdaq gained around 0.1%.
  4. Dow Jones Industrial Average:

    • Dow futures lost about 0.2%.

In summary, Wall Street remains optimistic, but investors are closely watching economic data and Fed decisions. Stay tuned for further updates!


Comments