- Japanese shares rise with Nikkei up nearly 1% on news of a $735 billion budget to address social security and debt.
- Japan reveals a 115.5 trillion yen budget draft as BOJ hints at rate hikes toward a 2% inflation target.
- Holiday closures in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand due to Christmas and Boxing Day.
- U.S. stock index futures steady during light Asian trading, reflecting the Fed’s slower interest rate cut plans for 2025.
- Chinese markets stable despite news of a 3 trillion yuan special treasury bond stimulus.
- Minimal movements in South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore, with Singapore’s index down 0.2%.
- Investor caution remains high in India due to elevated valuations and recent market losses
