Global Markets Focus on US Growth and PCE Data Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Investors are focused on the upcoming U.S.
fourth-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures and the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, which the Federal Reserve closely monitors as a key inflation indicator.
President Donald Trump stated that the direction of the situation with Iran would become clear within 10 days, warning of negative consequences if a comprehensive agreement is not reached.
While these remarks maintained a cautious stance in the markets, Trump also signed a new executive order aimed at protecting the domestic supply of strategically important elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides.
Economic Indicators and IMF Assessment International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spokesperson Julie Kozack emphasized that the U.S.
dollar maintains its dominance in global trade, reserves, and payments.
According to U.S.
foreign trade data, the trade deficit increased by 32.6% in the final month of last year, reaching $70.3 billion.
For the full year of 2025, the trade deficit decreased by 0.2% annually to $901.5 billion.
The Dow Jones index fell by 0.54%, the S&P 500 by 0.28%, and the Nasdaq by 0.31%.
A decision by alternative asset management firm Blue Owl Capital to restrict fund outflows created selling pressure across the sector.
Meanwhile, retail giant Walmart lost 1.4% in value as its future guidance remained weak despite reporting profits above expectations.
A similar negative picture prevailed in Europe.
Airbus shares dropped by 7% after the company postponed production targets for its popular A320 model.
Geopolitical risks and weak corporate balance sheets continue to keep risk perception high across Europe.
Latest Status in Bond and Commodity Markets Following these developments, the U.S.
10-year Treasury yield stabilized at 4.07%, while the dollar index hovered around 98.
Driven by geopolitical tensions, the price of Brent crude oil, which reached a six-month high, continues to trade around $71.6 per barrel.