The Albany Gazette - Wall Street stocks edge higher

US economic growth in the third quarter came in at 4.3 percent on an annualised basis, easily topping expectations, as consumer and government spending rose.

Equities have been buoyed in recent weeks by expectations the Federal Reserve will lower borrowing costs further in 2026, with data showing US unemployment rising and inflation easing.

The strong growth figures could persuade the US Federal Reserve to hold off on further interest rate cuts in 2026.

"The key takeaway from the report is that the US economy was certainly running on the warm side" in the third quarter, said Briefing.com analyst Patrick O'Hare.

"That will stir some concerns about the Fed's recent decision to cut rates in December and the risk of stoking increased inflation in pursuit of keeping the economy on a growth trajectory," he added.

Wall Street's main indices moved lower at the start of trading in New York, but pushed higher during the morning session.

Separate data showed US consumer confidence fell in December, with the Confidence Board noting the short-term expectations component indicates consumers fear a recession.

eToro investment analyst Bret Kenwell noted the headline figure has now declined for five straight months, and the component showing the confidence of consumers in their present situation is at its lowest since February 2021.

"Simply put, despite solid GDP figures and a stock market at record highs, consumers are feeling some anxiety," he said.

Before the US GDP data was released precious metals pushed higher on the back of expectations for more US rate cuts, which makes them more attractive to investors.

Gold jumped to a high above $4,497 per ounce, while silver was just short of $70 an ounce, with the US blockade against Venezuela and the Ukraine conflict adding support.

Copper, which is used in electric vehicle batteries and solar panels, hit a record price of $12,159.50 per tonne.

"Silver and above all copper are benefitting from structural support from the energy transition, electrification the colossal needs for digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence," said John Plassard, an analyst at Cite Gestion Private Bank.

Europe's main stock markets ended mixed.

"European stock markets appear to have entered a period of consolidation as we head into the final trading days of 2025," said Joshua Mahony, chief market analyst at Scope Markets.

"With the Santa rally period traditionally taking place over the final five days of the year, investors will be hoping that the bulls are gathering momentum for a final push tomorrow onwards," he added.

Asian markets enjoyed a bright start, although some stuttered as the day wore on.

Shanghai was higher, while Hong Kong dipped and Tokyo closed flat.

On currency markets, the yen extended gains after Japan's Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama flagged authorities' powers to step in to support the unit, citing speculative moves in markets.

The yen suffered heavy selling after Bank of Japan boss Kazuo Ueda held off signalling another rate hike anytime soon following last week's increase.

In company news, shares in Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk jumped more than eight percent after the US approved its popular GLP-1 anti-obesity drug Wegovy to be administered in pill form for weight loss.

- Key figures at around 1630 GMT -

New York - Dow: UP 0.1 percent at 48,420.28

New York - S&P 500: UP 0.2 percent at 6,894.70

New York - Nasdaq Composite: UP 0.3 percent at 23,494.85

London - FTSE 100: UP 0.2 at 9,889.22 (close)

Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 0.2 percent at 8,103.85 (close)

Frankfurt - DAX: UP 0.2 percent at 24,340.06 (close)

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: FLAT at 50,412.87 (close)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.1 percent at 25,774.14 (close)

Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.1 percent at 3,919.98 (close)

Dollar/yen: DOWN at 156.37 yen from 156.99 yen on Monday

Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1779 from $1.1756

Pound/dollar: UP at $1.3482 from $1.3458

Euro/pound: UP at 87.38 pence from 87.35 pence

West Texas Intermediate: UP 0.1 percent at $58.07 per barrel

Brent North Sea Crude: FLAT at $62.08 per barrel

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(Y.Harris--TAG)