The last trading week of the year has started positively for U.S. markets, with major technology stocks performing well. The S&P 500 rose by 0.73%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.16%, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.98%. This positive sentiment comes as investors prepare for the holiday season, with trading expected to be light due to early market closures for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Nissan and Honda have begun official merger discussions, which could create a powerhouse with projected revenues of 30 trillion yen and an operating profit exceeding 3 trillion yen.
Taiwan's Taiex index has been the top performer in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by its focus on technology and tech-related stocks.
The U.K. economy has faced challenges, with stagnant GDP growth and unexpected contraction in October.
MicroStrategy, a U.S. tech company, experienced a decline in shares due to the drop in bitcoin prices. However, the company remains one of the best-performing tech companies this year.
Economic indicators suggest a mixed outlook for various markets, but analysts are optimistic about continued growth in 2025. The interplay between traditional markets and the cryptocurrency sector will remain important for investors, along with developments in the automotive industry and the performance of Asian markets.