Asian stocks opened cautiously on Friday, largely continuing an end-of-year rally that has been boosted by investors' expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut as early as March.

Global stocks were mixed Thursday on the penultimate trading day of 2023, while oil prices fell on easing worries about shipping disruptions in the Red Sea.

Global stocks mostly rose Wednesday as several more major markets returned from the Christmas holiday break as investors remained broadly optimistic in light of easing pressure from central banks.

Wall Street stocks resumed their upward climb on Thursday following a brief pullback while oil prices declined after Angola quit the OPEC oil cartel.

Despite slashing oil production for months on end and announcing new cuts in late November, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its ten allies have struggled to boost flagging prices.

Asian stocks rallied Wednesday, following another record performance on Wall Street as traders continue to bet on the US Federal Reserve slashing interest rates several times next year.

The Gonjeshke Darande hacking group warned that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is "playing with fire" as payment systems are hacked across Iran.

Stocks on Wall Street finished the day mostly higher Monday as traders reacted to news of a large steel acquisition and both caution and optimism from a number of senior US Federal Reserve officials about interest rates.

Iraq's Prime Minister greets President of the Chinese Tsingshan Holding Group, Mr. Zhang Jiming, and his delegation in Baghdad, 30 November 2023

The Dow rallied to an all-time record Wednesday while the dollar tumbled after the Federal Reserve signaled it expects interest rate cuts in 2024.

US stocks finished solidly higher Tuesday, shaking off early weakness on continued bullish sentiment as a mixed inflation report contributed to a drop in oil prices.

Wall Street stocks rose Monday ahead of a deluge of key economic news, extending a rally while the yen retreated from a recent advance.

US oil prices finished below $70 a barrel for the first time since July on Wednesday on a mixed day for global equities, as traders pondered hopes for interest rate cuts from the European Central Bank and the US Federal Reserve.

Global stocks were mixed Tuesday as investors digested data suggesting a slowing US labor market, while US crude prices sank to a five-month low amid lingering concerns about demand.

Gold hit a record high on Monday as growing optimism that the Federal Reserve will cut US interest rates in the new year has dented the dollar in recent weeks.

Data showing lower inflation in the United States and Europe lifted stocks Thursday, with the dollar advancing as traders bet on faster ECB interest rate cuts following the surprisingly big drop in European prices.

Oil prices rose again Wednesday following a report of possible additional output cuts by exporters as the OECD pared back its global growth forecast and warned of an economic hit from the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Wall Street stocks rebounded Tuesday behind solid retail data and reassuring comments from Federal Reserve officials, while oil prices rose and the dollar slid.

Asian markets dipped Monday as investors look ahead to the release this week of key US inflation data that could provide a guide for the Federal Reserve's plans for interest rates going into the new year.

Oil prices sank further Thursday after the shock decision by OPEC+ to delay a key policy meeting, suggesting fresh discord in the bloc.

International oil prices fell Wednesday after a key ministerial meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies was pushed back from Sunday to November 30.

Global stock markets gave up some recent gains Tuesday following mixed results from retailers as Wall Street digested Federal Reserve minutes that suggested interest rates could stay high for a while.

Wall Street stocks extended a heady run Monday, with tech shares leading the advance as US Treasury yields retreated and artificial intelligence stayed a hot commodity.

Wall Street stocks finished mixed on Monday while European markets recovered from heavy selling last week, as traders awaited key US inflation data amid concerns over the prospect of another interest rate hike next month.

US stock markets declined Thursday after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated interest rates may be hiked again, if needed, while European indexes finished the day with solid gains.

Brent crude fell below $80 per barrel for the first time since July on Wednesday, while stocks struggled, as concerns about the economic outlook weighed on investors.

Wall Street stocks pushed higher on Tuesday on continued hopes of an end to global interest-rate hikes but Europe and Asia were weighed down by concerns about weak growth.

A rally in stock markets on hopes that interest rates have peaked lost some ground Monday, as traders focused on concerns over weak economic data and conflict in the Middle East.

Stock markets and oil prices jumped while the dollar slid Thursday after the Federal Reserve hinted it was at an end of its rate-tightening cycle as inflation retreats.

Wall Street stocks rallied while the dollar pulled back against the yen as the Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady, opting against hiking for the second straight time.