Dear Client,

Please note that the dividends of the following products will be adjusted accordingly. Index dividends will be executed separately through a balance statement directly to your trading account, and the comment will be in the following format “Div & Product Name & Net Volume”.

Please refer to the table below for more details:

The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.

If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected].

Australia’s S&P Global Manufacturing PMI dropped to 51.6 in December, down from 52.2 in November. This decline suggests a slowdown in manufacturing, indicating possible challenges as the year comes to a close. The PMI is a key indicator of the manufacturing sector’s health, based on surveys from private firms. A score above 50 indicates growth, while below 50 signals a decline. The current decrease raises concerns about economic stability and future growth.

Year Ended Analysis

As 2025 wraps up, all eyes will be on manufacturing for insights into Australia’s wider economic trends. Analysts will closely watch how this PMI drop impacts other sectors and the economy as we move into 2026. The December 2025 PMI of 51.6 still shows expansion but signals a slowdown for the Australian economy. This could present challenges for the S&P/ASX 200, especially for industrial and materials companies, which are sensitive to economic changes. We are considering protective measures, like buying put options on the XJO index, to guard against a potential market downturn in early 2026. This economic slowdown is putting pressure on the Australian dollar, which is also influenced by outside factors. Iron ore prices, a key export, fell below $110 USD per tonne in the last quarter of 2025 due to weaker demand from China. As a result, we are exploring bearish positions on the AUD/USD pair—possibly through futures contracts—anticipating the currency may drop further.

Reserve Bank Of Australia Considerations

The weak manufacturing data will play a significant role in upcoming meetings of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). After keeping the cash rate steady at 4.35% through late 2025, this new information makes additional rate hikes less likely. Traders should watch the bond market since expectations for a more cautious RBA could create attractive opportunities in Australian government bond futures. This manufacturing slowdown isn’t happening in a vacuum; retail sales growth was flat in November 2025, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This trend of weakening consumer and business activity suggests increased economic uncertainty ahead. Increased market volatility is likely, making strategies that benefit from price swings, such as VIX-related derivatives, worth considering. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

Australia’s S&P Global Manufacturing PMI dropped to 51.6 in December, down from 52.2 in November. This decline suggests a slowdown in manufacturing, indicating possible challenges as the year comes to a close. The PMI is a key indicator of the manufacturing sector’s health, based on surveys from private firms. A score above 50 indicates growth, while below 50 signals a decline. The current decrease raises concerns about economic stability and future growth.

Year Ended Analysis

As 2025 wraps up, all eyes will be on manufacturing for insights into Australia’s wider economic trends. Analysts will closely watch how this PMI drop impacts other sectors and the economy as we move into 2026. The December 2025 PMI of 51.6 still shows expansion but signals a slowdown for the Australian economy. This could present challenges for the S&P/ASX 200, especially for industrial and materials companies, which are sensitive to economic changes. We are considering protective measures, like buying put options on the XJO index, to guard against a potential market downturn in early 2026. This economic slowdown is putting pressure on the Australian dollar, which is also influenced by outside factors. Iron ore prices, a key export, fell below $110 USD per tonne in the last quarter of 2025 due to weaker demand from China. As a result, we are exploring bearish positions on the AUD/USD pair—possibly through futures contracts—anticipating the currency may drop further.

Reserve Bank Of Australia Considerations

The weak manufacturing data will play a significant role in upcoming meetings of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). After keeping the cash rate steady at 4.35% through late 2025, this new information makes additional rate hikes less likely. Traders should watch the bond market since expectations for a more cautious RBA could create attractive opportunities in Australian government bond futures. This manufacturing slowdown isn’t happening in a vacuum; retail sales growth was flat in November 2025, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This trend of weakening consumer and business activity suggests increased economic uncertainty ahead. Increased market volatility is likely, making strategies that benefit from price swings, such as VIX-related derivatives, worth considering. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

<Click here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

Dear Client,

Please note that the dividends of the following products will be adjusted accordingly. Index dividends will be executed separately through a balance statement directly to your trading account, and the comment will be in the following format “Div & Product Name & Net Volume”.

Please refer to the table below for more details:

The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.

If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected].

Dear Client,

Affected by international holidays, the trading hours of some VT Markets products will be adjusted. Please check the following link for the affected products:

Holiday Trading Adjustment Notice

Note: The dash sign (-) indicates normal trading hours.

Friendly Reminder:
The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.

If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected]

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell on the last trading day of 2025. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also saw declines, but the overall performance for the year was strong. The S&P 500 is set to rise by 17%, marking its third year in a row with double-digit gains. The Nasdaq increased by 21%, fueled by excitement around artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones rose by 13%, benefiting from less exposure to tech stocks.

December Market Insights

December was a profitable month for stocks, with both the Dow and the S&P 500 on course for their eighth consecutive winning month. The Nasdaq stayed flat, indicating selective gains. Mixed news from companies and the economy created a generally stable environment. Nike’s share prices went up, and initial jobless claims dropped to 199,000, showing a resilient labor market. Artificial intelligence continued to shape market trends, though technology sector returns varied. Alphabet’s shares gained over 65%, while Amazon faced challenges. Commodities performed well, with gold rising more than 64% and silver increasing over 140%. This trend suggests that future returns might lean more on traditional fundamentals. The Dow Jones, created by Charles Dow, is a price-weighted index that includes 30 major U.S. companies. Its performance can be affected by company earnings, economic data, interest rates, and inflation. Various trading methods, like ETFs, futures, and options, allow investors to engage with the Dow Jones Index. The market’s small pullback at the end of the year, despite a strong 2025, hints at potential volatility for January 2026. The S&P 500 has enjoyed an impressive eight-month winning streak, which historically can lead to a period of consolidation. With the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) around a low of 12, buying call options on the VIX could serve as an affordable hedge against sudden market drops.

Commodities Versus Technology Stocks

We should closely monitor the gap between rising commodities and mixed performance in technology stocks. While the Nasdaq was flat in December, gold achieved an astonishing 64% gain this year—the best performance since the late 1970s during high inflation. This indicates that traders might consider using options to create spread positions, such as going long on commodity ETFs like GLD while possibly hedging with puts on tech funds like QQQ. The strength in the labor market, highlighted by initial jobless claims dropping to 199,000, will direct attention to the upcoming January jobs report. This data will be vital for the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions in early 2026. Traders can use options straddles on index ETFs like SPY or DIA ahead of the report to benefit from significant market movements, regardless of the news being strong or weak. After a 17% gain in the S&P 500, it is essential to recognize that valuations are now high, with the index’s forward price-to-earnings ratio at 21, which is above the ten-year average. For those holding substantial long equity positions, it’s a good time to protect gains from 2025. This can be done by buying protective put options on major indices or implementing collar strategies, which involve selling call options to fund the purchase of puts. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

The United States saw a natural gas storage drop of 38 billion cubic feet, which was less than the predicted drop of 53 billion. This information could influence energy markets and trading strategies in related areas. In the currency markets, the EUR/USD pair is recovering towards 1.1750, despite earlier downward trends, with low trading activity as the year wraps up. Meanwhile, the GBP/USD is weak around 1.3450, partly because of a slight recovery in the US Dollar made during year-end trading adjustments.

Gold And Cryptocurrencies

Gold prices have pulled back to around $4,300 due to profit-taking and shifts in position. However, they are still on track to show gains for December. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple have held steady, showing potential for gains as they deal with important resistance levels. The economic outlook for 2026-2027 in advanced countries looks bright, with expectations for continued support from 2025. In 2025, the crypto market was volatile, impacted by favorable regulatory changes and a rise in AI and tokenization use. The smaller-than-expected natural gas withdrawal of 38 billion cubic feet hints at lower demand as January approaches. Short positions on Henry Hub futures or buying puts may be wise since this suggests a milder winter so far. A similar pattern happened in winter 2022-2023, leading to a notable price drop in the first quarter.

Equity Markets And The US Dollar Index

As equity markets like the Dow Jones slip in low holiday trading volume, we should brace for more volatility in the new year. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) has been low, akin to late 2023, but this calm won’t likely last as institutional traders return. It may be prudent to buy VIX call options or collars on major index positions to protect against possible January disruptions. The US Dollar Index is moving without clear direction, which is typical for the year’s final week. This quiet period is an opportunity to prepare for the first big data release of 2026, likely the Non-Farm Payrolls report in early January. A strong jobs report, exceeding the 2025 monthly average gain of about 180,000, could boost bullish dollar bets and pressure pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD. Gold’s pullback to the $4,300 area seems to be standard year-end profit-taking after a solid five-month rally. While the longer-term outlook is positive, the favorable economic predictions for 2026 might diminish gold’s appeal as a safe haven in the short term. This dip could be an opportunity to sell some out-of-the-money covered calls against long positions to earn income while waiting for the next move. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

The 4-week U.S. Treasury bill auction is steady at 3.59%, unchanged from before. This comes as the end-of-year markets show various ups and downs in financial instruments and currencies. As we near the end of 2025, we’re seeing movements in currency pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD. The EUR/USD has bounced back a bit to around 1.1750, while GBP/USD remains near 1.3450 due to year-end adjustments. Gold is trading around $4,300. Although profit-taking is affecting it, it looks set to finish the month with gains. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple are stable, holding onto slight increases with hopes for a rebound in the New Year.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we look ahead to 2026, the economic outlook for advanced countries seems bright after a strong 2025. Likewise, the cryptocurrency market is ready for new developments after the ups and downs experienced over the past year. The best brokers for 2025 are ranked across various categories, such as Forex and CFDs, as well as by region. This review looks at important factors like spreads, leverage, and trading platforms to help traders choose the right options. With holiday trading wrapping up, we’re seeing low volatility in the markets, but this quiet period likely won’t last into the new year. Historically, January often sees a jump in the VIX as institutional traders return with new capital. We should anticipate increased market activity following this calm end-of-year stretch.

Federal Reserve Interest Rate Strategy

The 4-week Treasury bill rate at 3.59% shows that the Federal Reserve is on hold after adjusting rates earlier in 2025. Recent data shows core inflation stable at around 2.8% and GDP growth at a solid 2.2%. This stability suggests that the Fed may not act soon. Therefore, we’re likely to see interest rate futures stay range-bound, but we should keep an eye out for any forward guidance that may hint at changes. The US Dollar Index (DXY) falling below 98.30 indicates this interest rate stability, making it difficult for the dollar to rise significantly. This has kept currency pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD in tight ranges, but this low volatility is unusual and may precede a breakout. We might want to consider options strategies that could benefit from a sharp move in either direction soon. Even though the Dow dipped on the last trading day, this seems to be normal profit-taking rather than the start of a bearish trend. The overall economic outlook for 2026 is optimistic, which could lead to a “January effect” rally when the new year starts. We can use index options to prepare for a potential upward trend while managing our risk. Gold’s drop to the $4,300 area should be seen in light of its five-month winning streak, reflecting a strong uptrend. This strength is backed by low real yields, making gold, a non-yielding asset, more appealing. Those holding long positions in gold futures might consider buying protective puts to secure some of the significant gains from late 2025. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

Pound Sterling is currently trading higher compared to its major peers. This rise is driven by expectations that it will perform well in 2026, as fewer interest rate cuts are anticipated from the Bank of England. The GBP/USD is currently at 1.3460 during the Asian trading hours, which indicates a weakening bullish sentiment since it is below the lower boundary of the ascending channel. On Wednesday morning, the Pound is steady around 1.3465. The Bank of England’s policy points toward a gradual decline, which may support the Pound against the US Dollar. With low trading volumes expected due to the upcoming New Year holiday, investors are beginning year-end adjustments.

Market Indicators And Adjustments

The US Dollar Index has dipped below 98.30, while other major market indicators show mixed movements. The EUR/USD has rebounded to 1.1750, the Dow Jones has softened, and Gold prices have decreased by about $4,300, all reflecting quiet year-end conditions. Insights and forecasts suggest trends as we move toward 2026, such as anticipated rebounds in gold and cryptocurrency markets, although economic stability is still under challenge. Forex and commodities brokers offer various options as traders look for the best platforms as the new year approaches. As we close in on the final hours of 2025, the Pound Sterling is showing slight weakness against the US Dollar, trading around 1.3460. Trading volumes are expected to be low due to the holidays, but liquidity and volatility should sharply increase in the first weeks of January 2026. This calm period could be a good time to prepare for future movements.

Bank Of England Rate Decisions

The general view is that the Bank of England will be slower to cut interest rates compared to other central banks, especially the US Federal Reserve. This expectation grew after the latest UK inflation data for November 2025 remained high at 3.1%, significantly above the 2% target. In contrast, US inflation has decreased, giving the Fed more space to ease its policies. This difference in policy is the main reason we expect the Pound to do well in the new year. However, the GBP/USD chart shows a slight weakening of its bullish trend, which presents a tactical challenge. This temporary softness could provide a buying opportunity for those who trust the overall outlook despite the thin trading conditions. For derivative traders, the lower volatility at year-end makes buying GBP/USD call options an appealing strategy for the coming weeks. This approach allows traders to position for a potential rally above 1.3500 in January while controlling downside risks. The cost of these options is likely lower now than it will be once full market activity resumes. Nonetheless, we also need to consider the risk of a stronger US economy. The solid US jobs report for November 2025, which added 199,000 jobs, highlights underlying strength that could bolster the dollar. Therefore, a balanced strategy might include using spreads or buying some protective put options to safeguard against unexpected drops in the GBP/USD pair. We’ve seen similar situations in the past, such as in 2022 when policy differences influenced currency markets. Historically, once a trend based on central bank disparities establishes itself, it can last for several quarters. The first weeks of 2026 will be crucial in determining if this emerging trend is sustainable. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

Under Armour’s stock has dropped over 18% since August, approaching its all-time lows. Recently, however, it rose by 8.59% after Prem Watsa, a Canadian investor, bought 15.6 million shares, hinting at a possible short-term breakout. The stock is now above a downward trendline at $4.89, which dates back to May 2020. To confirm a breakout, it needs to break through resistance levels at $5.15 and $5.51. This will require strong buying activity and may involve a short squeeze. Additionally, a separate downward trendline from December 2024 crosses these resistance points, adding more obstacles. The article includes a disclaimer from FXStreet, urging caution and careful consideration for investors. The opinions expressed are independent of FXStreet’s views, and investing carries risks. FXStreet does not provide personalized investment advice and is not liable for any losses that may arise from the information shared. The large share purchase in Under Armour signals a significant change. After a rough stretch in 2025 and nearing historic lows, this investment suggests a potential floor may have been reached. We see this as a possible turning point after a long period of uncertainty in the market. The break above the long-term $4.89 trendline has caught our attention. We are considering out-of-the-money call options, possibly with February 2026 expirations, to take advantage of a potential uptrend. This strategy allows for greater returns if momentum continues while clearly outlining our risk based on the premium paid. The chance for a sharp rise is heightened by the stock’s current short interest. Recent data shows over 15% of the public float is sold short, so any sustained increase beyond the resistance levels might trigger a short squeeze. This could help move through the tough $5.15 and $5.51 levels. It’s important to remember that this comes after a challenging year, reflected in a mixed third-quarter earnings report from November 2025. While international sales looked promising, weakness in North America has kept many investors at bay. This context of low expectations makes the recent institutional buying significant. We should also be aware that the 8.6% surge may have increased implied volatility, making options pricier. If the stock cannot hold above the $4.89 breakout level, the bullish outlook might quickly deteriorate. Therefore, traders should consider strategies like call spreads to lower entry costs and manage the risk of a false breakout.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now