A quiet session for Asian share markets as we head into the low volume Christmas period with local shares the only dour note, falling back after a previously solid effort yesterday as the Australian dollar hits a new monthly high above the 67 cent level.
Oil markets remain unstable with some errant bids seeing Brent crude push back above the $61USD per barrel level while gold has continued its recent breakout too new record highs, this time above the $4500USD per ounce level as upside momentum builds amid low volume trading:
Mainland Chinese share markets are seeing flat trading in morning trade with the Shanghai Composite holding above 3900 points while the Hang Seng Index has lifted just 0.2% to 25816 points. Japanese stock markets are lifting a bit better after a staid session yesterday with the Nikkei 225 up 0.4% to 50625 points with the USDPY pair now falling below the 156 level:
Australian stocks are doing poorly in afternoon trade with the ASX200 down more than 0.5% to 8749 points while the Australian dollar is on a tear following the release of the RBA minutes, now above the 67 cent level against USD:
S&P and Eurostoxx futures are wanting to move higher after recent volatility with the S&P500 four hourly chart showing support at the 6800 key level as momentum remains overbought:
The economic calendar includes weekly US initial jobless claims and not much else.
Have a safe Christmas and get ready for a volatile 2026!