From “Nasdaq”:

Asia-Pacific markets were mostly higher, except for South Korea’s KOSPI. The multi-decade peak in Japan’s Nikkei extended by 1.77%, reaching levels not seen in almost 34 years. Major European markets are up in midday trading, with US equity futures pointing to a positive open, pending the December CPI report at 8:30 AM ET. December CPI headline figure is forecasted to rise to +3.2% YoY. A preliminary reading for Japan’s index of leading economic indicators declined to 107.7 in November as recovery in the Japanese economy remained fragile. In the US, the Russell 2000 gained 0.11%, the Dow rose 0.45%, the S&P 500 added 0.57% and the Nasdaq Composite closed 0.75% higher. US investors can now access Bitcoin directly in the form of an ETF. No market-moving earnings reports are expected to be released before equities start trading later this morning. Pre-market breadth is slightly broader today as 237 names in the S&P 500 have traded hands so far this morning with 181 gainers and 56 decliners. No market-moving earnings reports are expected after equities stop trading today. China, Japan, and the UK are set to release economic data on Friday. The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.



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