Brazilian Finance Minister Haddad: There was no discussion on the independence of the central bank.

ING: The Bank of Japan is expected to maintain its YCC policy and negative interest rate policy unchanged at its January meeting. Inflation is likely to slow further in January as caution following the recent earthquakes will prevail.

Sri Lanka kept its benchmark lending rate unchanged at 10%.

The main contract of iron ore expanded to 2.00% during the day and is now quoted at 971.50 yuan/ton.

A Thai government spokesman said that Thailand’s GDP will grow by 1.8% in 2023.

Market news: Asia Genesis hedge fund will close its macro fund.

According to Nikkei: Nippon Steel sent a delegation to Washington last week to discuss the acquisition of U.S. Steel (XN).

Illinois State Police: Seven people were killed in shootings in two places in Illinois.

The Nikkei 225 opened 0.2% higher.

Goldman Sachs Chief Economist Harzius: We don’t see a major blow that will lead to a recession in the U.S. economy.

Goldman Sachs Chief Economist Hartius: The Fed is on the way to a soft landing.

U.S. officials: The Houthis have eliminated important strike capabilities.

Hon Pak, Samsung Mobile Digital Health Director: Samsung is exploring blood sugar and blood pressure monitoring technology.

U.S. military officials: The strike against the Houthi rebels in Yemen was successful and had a "good impact" on all eight target locations.

Market News: Riot Games will lay off 530 people, accounting for 11% of the total number of employees

The United States, the United Kingdom, Bahrain and other countries jointly stated that they carried out a round of moderate and necessary strikes against eight Houthi armed targets in Yemen, specifically targeting locations related to the Houthi armed forces’ underground storage facilities, missiles and aerial surveillance capabilities.

The Houthi armed media stated that the US and British attacks targeted the Yemeni capital Sanaa and several other provinces.

According to the Financial Times: British train drivers have canceled plans for additional strikes.