1. Gold prices rise to their highest level in over a month: Futures gold prices approached $2,750 per ounce, reaching their highest level in over a month, after the latest economic data from the US put pressure on bond yields.
2. Oil prices retreat after reaching multi-month highs: Oil prices fell after hitting their highest levels in months, due to concerns about consumption demand and the global economic situation.
3. S&P 500 breaks its winning streak as tech stocks decline sharply: The S&P 500 index fell, ending a streak of three consecutive days of gains, as major tech stocks declined.
4. China achieves 5% GDP growth target for 2024: China's economy closed 2024 with a Q4 GDP growth rate of 5.4%, far exceeding analysts' forecasts, helping the entire year meet the 5% target.
5. China's population declines for the third consecutive year: China's population decreased by more than 1.39 million, down to 1.408 billion by the end of 2024, marking the third consecutive year of decline.
6. Global government bond yields rise sharply: The sell-off in the global bond market is accelerating, raising concerns about the financial situation of governments worldwide and potentially driving up borrowing costs for consumers and businesses around the globe.
7. Brent crude oil prices expected to remain stable in the first half of 2025: Russian experts forecast that Brent crude oil prices will remain at their current levels in the first half of 2025, with minor fluctuations possible.
8. Inflation in the UK drops to 2.5%: Inflation in the United Kingdom fell to 2.5% in December 2024, lower than expected, with core price growth also continuing to slow down.
9. People's Bank of China increases gold reserves: Facing increasing uncertainties in the global economic and financial situation, China's foreign exchange and gold reserves are attracting widespread attention in the international market.
10. German economy contracts for the second consecutive year: The German economy contracted by 0.2% in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of decline, according to data from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany.
