Global Markets Focus on US Growth Data and Geopolitical Tensions

US President Donald Trump stated that the direction of the process would become clear within 10 days, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive agreement with Iran to avoid negative consequences.
These statements have led to a cautious stance in the markets and a decrease in risk appetite.
Additionally, Trump signed a new executive order aimed at protecting the domestic supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides to increase military readiness and secure agricultural production.
Economic Indicators and Data Expectations International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spokesperson Julie Kozack emphasized that the dollar maintains its central role in the international monetary system.
According to US foreign trade data, the trade deficit increased by 32.6 percent in the last month of last year, reaching $70.3 billion.
For the full year of 2025, the trade deficit decreased by 0.2 percent annually to $901.5 billion.
US growth data and the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, to be released today, are of critical importance for market direction.
Currently, the US 10-year bond yield stands at 4.07 percent, while the dollar index is around 98.
Brent crude oil prices stabilized at $71.6 after rising to $71.7 due to geopolitical tensions.
The Dow Jones index lost 0.54 percent, the S&P 500 index fell 0.28 percent, and the Nasdaq index decreased by 0.31 percent.
In the financial sector, Blue Owl Capital's decision to restrict fund withdrawals and sell assets led to declines in the shares of companies such as Blackstone and Apollo Global Management.
Retail giant Walmart lost 1.4 percent in value; despite exceeding revenue and profit expectations, its profit forecasts for the next fiscal year fell short of estimates.