Key events: Eurozone - ECB's De Guindos Speaks Australia - Retail Sales (MoM) (Dec) The S&P 500 concluded a five-session streak of record highs on Friday, marked by Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) slumping following a grim revenue forecast, and US economic data indicating moderated inflation. Despite both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closing lower, all three major indexes logged their third straight weekly gain and their 12th weekly advance out of 13.

Interest rates hold the distinction of being the lynchpin of the financial market. Often, the trajectory of these rates plays a pivotal role in shaping the market's performance. Take, for instance, the developments during the Covid-19 pandemic. As the Federal Reserve (Fed) initiated significant rate cuts and quantitative easing measures, the stock and cryptocurrency markets witnessed a remarkable surge. The combination of lowered interest rates and unconventional monetary policies spurred an unprecedented rally.

Key events: Eurozone - ECB President Lagarde Speaks USA - Existing Home Sales (Dec) USA - Michigan Consumer Sentiment USA - FOMC Member Daly Speaks On Thursday, the Dow managed to close higher despite a momentary stumble during the day, thanks to a resurgence in big tech, particularly fueled by a rally in Apple and chip stocks.

Key events:  Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand - Boxing Day US stocks experienced a mixed close on Friday as investors approached the Christmas holiday weekend. The market showed fluctuations after absorbing inflation data that was milder than anticipated, solidifying expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts in the upcoming year.

Key events: UK - GDP (YoY) (Q3) UK - GDP (QoQ) (Q3) USA - Building Permits USA - Core Durable Goods Orders (MoM) (Nov) USA - Core PCE Price Index (MoM) (Nov) USA - Core PCE Price Index (YoY) (Nov) USA - New Home Sales (Nov) On Thursday, the Dow experienced an upward surge as investors seized the opportunity to buy stocks following the previous day's sell-off. The market was buoyed by a notable uptick in tech stocks, led by Micron's robust quarterly results.

Key events: Australia - Retail Sales (MoM) (Oct) USA - CB Consumer Confidence (Nov) USA - Fed Waller Speaks USA - FOMC Member Bowman Speaks Eurozone - ECB President Lagarde Speaks UK - MPC Member Haskel Speaks On Monday, the Dow experienced a decline in a subdued market, with investors hesitating to make significant stock investments pending upcoming catalysts, notably key economic data scheduled for later in the week.

Key events:  Eurozone - CPI (YoY) (Oct) USA - Building Permits (Oct) On Thursday, US stocks experienced a decline, driven by a downturn in Walmart and concerns about the economy amidst a series of economic data that mostly fell below expectations. The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a decrease of 143 points, or 0.2%, with the S&P 500 and NASDAQ Composite both down 0.1%.

Key events: USA - OPEC Monthly Report USA - Crude Oil Inventories The major indices on Wall Street closed the week with substantial gains on Friday, bolstered by prominent technology and growth stocks as Treasury yields stabilized. Investors also looked ahead to next week's reports on inflation and other economic data. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite witnessed its most significant one-day percentage increase since May 26, showcasing the strength of the tech sector.

Key events: Canada - BoC Gov Council Member Lane Speaks UK - BoE MPC Member Pill Speaks USA - Initial Jobless Claims USA - Fed Chair Powell Speaks On Wednesday, the US stock market experienced a slight wobble as major indexes aimed to extend their longest winning streak in two years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average remained flat, with only a one-point change, while the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ Composite showed little movement, with both starting the day on an upward trajectory.

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