Financial markets remain subdued on the final day of 2024 with thin trading volumes and no major data releases. US Pending Home Sales rose by 2.2% in November, exceeding expectations, while China’s Manufacturing PMI inched up to 50.1 and Non-Manufacturing PMI improved to 52.2, signaling modest growth. The US Dollar Index holds near 108.00, poised for a third consecutive monthly gain, as US bond markets close early and stock futures edge lower following Monday’s Wall Street losses. In currency markets, EUR/USD stabilizes near 1.0400 after retreating from a 10-day high, GBP/USD consolidates around 1.2550, and USD/JPY trades below 156.50 after a sharp decline. Gold prices dipped below $2,600 to their lowest since December 20 but have steadied near $2,610. Markets are expected to resume normal activity after the New Year break.


