Global equities advanced for a fourth consecutive session on Tuesday, building on gains in the US where the S&P 500 climbed another 0.6% in the previous session. Asian stocks rose about 0.5% on average, while European shares traded little changed. US equity futures pointed to a slightly weaker open, suggesting some consolidation after the recent rally.
In currency markets, the yen strengthened as much as 0.7% after Japan’s finance minister signaled readiness to intervene to support the currency, adding to volatility across foreign-exchange markets.
Economic data in Europe showed new car sales rose 2.4% year-on-year in November, supported by growing demand for lower-priced electric vehicles, as consumers continue to favor more affordable models amid still-elevated financing costs.
On the policy front, European Union governments agreed on a common position for the digital euro project, a step seen as pivotal in safeguarding the bloc’s monetary sovereignty as digital payments and private cryptocurrencies gain traction.
In commodities, gold climbed 1.1% to $4,519 an ounce, marking its 50th daily record of the year. The rally has been fueled largely by strong buying from central banks, reinforcing bullion’s role as a reserve asset amid shifting global financial and geopolitical dynamics.