The U.S. 2-year Treasury bond yield closed at 4.254% in 2023, down 11.3 basis points from the same period last year.

Hang Seng Index futures closed up 0.16% in night trading at 17,160 points, a 113-point premium.

Statement from the German Federal Government: Chancellor Scholz stressed that there is still an urgent need to improve the humanitarian situation of the people in the Gaza Strip and to make every effort to protect civilian lives. He also emphasized the importance of avoiding the spread of conflicts within the region.

German federal government statement: Benny Ganz briefed Chancellor Scholz on the latest developments on the northern border between Gaza and Israel.

The German federal government stated: German Chancellor Scholz had a telephone conversation today with Benny Gantz, a member of the Israeli war cabinet and leader of the National Unity Party.

The Fed accepted a total of $1.018 trillion from 102 counterparties in fixed-rate reverse repurchase operations.

Baker Hughes: U.S. drillers are adding oil and gas rigs for the first time in three weeks.

Baker Hughes: U.S. drillers cut oil and gas drilling rigs in 2023 after adding rigs in 2021 and 2022.

The total number of rigs drilled in the United States in the week ending December 29 was 622, compared with the previous value of 620.

Market News: Italian Parliament approves budget before end of 2023 deadline.

Market news: South Africa filed a legal case against the State of Israel at the International Court of Justice under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA): U.S. crude oil production fell in October for the first time since April.

According to Nikkei: Japanese camera manufacturers Nikon, Sony and Canon use new camera technology to combat artificial intelligence photo forgery.

US President Biden: Congress must step up efforts and provide more aid to Ukraine.

US President Biden: Russia’s air strikes on Ukraine are a stark warning to the world and Putin’s goals remain unchanged.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA): Daily natural gas production in 48 U.S. states fell by 0.1% month-on-month in October to 116.63 billion cubic feet; a year-on-year increase of 2.8%. Daily natural gas production in September was revised to 116.71 billion cubic feet, from the previously reported 116.30 billion cubic feet.

The White House of the United States: Pledged to provide assistance to Poland after missile-related reports.

US White House: President Joe Biden is paying close attention to reports that a missile temporarily entered Polish airspace.