Global Equity Markets Decline Amid Mixed Economic Data and Geopolitical Tensions, Coupang Rises | MarketReader Minute
Global equity markets decline amid mixed economic data, profit-taking, and geopolitical tensions.
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Monday, December 29
Noteworthy macro moves today: Gold -2.5%. Copper -3.5%. Oil (WTI) +2.1%.
Global equity markets are trading lower as investors react to mixed economic data and geopolitical developments. In the U.S., futures indicate a weaker open, driven by profit-taking after last week's record highs in major indices, particularly in tech stocks like Oracle and Nvidia.
In Europe, markets are mixed with notable declines in defense stocks following positive signals from Ukraine peace talks. France reported a decrease in unemployment claims, suggesting potential labor market improvement. Meanwhile, oil prices have surged amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and expectations of continued support for economic growth from China.
Asian markets are also experiencing declines, with the Nikkei falling significantly due to weak sentiment and profit-taking. The Shanghai Composite edged slightly higher but remains under pressure as traders await further clarity on economic conditions amidst holiday-thinned trading volumes.

SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) [-2.5%]
Gold prices have dropped significantly premarket, while silver has also experienced a notable decline. This downturn in precious metals coincides with reports of renewed volatility affecting safe-haven assets, particularly in light of developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Social media discussions surrounding GLD have highlighted recent price movements, including a prior all-time high for gold and bullish sentiment for precious metals reminiscent of the late 1970s. Additionally, users have noted the CME's decision to raise margins for gold and silver, which may lead to increased volatility. The demand for physical silver remains strong, although it is noted to be in backwardation. Meanwhile, silver's significant decline could be influencing behavior in gold due to their historical correlation.
iShares Silver Trust (SLV) [-5.3%]
Silver futures for March 2026 deliveries fell significantly, following a record high above $83 per ounce late Sunday. This decline is attributed to profit-taking and renewed optimism regarding peace talks in Ukraine. Retail sentiment on social media for iShares Silver Trust (SLV) remains extremely bullish despite the price drop. Recently, silver prices surged over 25% in ten days due to fears of supply disruptions from China, but now face short-term headwinds. Analysts have warned against buying into the rally without considering potential volatility from tax-related selling and increased margin requirements imposed by the CME. Discussions on social media reflect mixed sentiments, with some traders cautious about overbought conditions while others maintain bullish forecasts. Concurrently, platinum has experienced a notable decline, which may be influencing SLV's price movement amid broader market sentiment affecting precious metals.


CPNG | +3.4% | +1.5B
Coupang Inc | Broadline Retail
Coupang Inc. has announced a compensation plan totaling approximately KRW 1.685 trillion (around 1.18 billion) for 33.7 million customers affected by a significant data breach. The compensation will involve vouchers worth 50,000 won each for impacted users. Harold Rogers, Coupang's interim representative, expressed remorse regarding the privacy breach and emphasized the company's commitment to responsible measures for its customers. This announcement was made public today, December 29, 2025, and has contributed to a notable rise in the stock's pre-market trading. Conversations on social media reflect mixed sentiments, with concerns raised about long-term demographic issues in South Korea's second-largest city and discussions about the risk/reward profile for Coupang appearing attractive for short-term gains.
ORCL | -2.1% | -11.3B
Oracle Corp | Systems Software
Oracle Corp. is reportedly on track for its worst financial quarter since 2001, with shares declining over 30% in the past three months. Analyst Brent Thill from Jefferies raised concerns about the company's reliance on OpenAI, whose financial health is uncertain, contributing to Oracle's stock price drop. The stock has fallen significantly since October 1, closing at $197.99 as of December 26. Thill described this situation as a "rich uncle" problem, where investors cannot verify OpenAI's stability, leading to increased volatility for Oracle. The company's margins are under pressure, while capital expenditures are rising, amid shifting market demands for tangible revenue from AI investments. Social media discussions reflect mixed sentiments about Oracle, with some expressing optimism for future growth and others cautioning the company to focus on its core business. Additionally, the Nasdaq 100 Index has declined, which may be influencing Oracle's recent price movement.
JD | -1.7% | -1.3B
JD.Com Inc | Broadline Retail
JD.com Inc. has seen a notable decline in its Growth score, dropping significantly within a week. This shift follows a slowdown in growth, despite a year-over-year revenue increase that surpassed analyst expectations but fell short of historical rates. The company's EBITDA has plummeted year-over-year, with margins contracting sharply due to rising marketing expenses and intensified competition in the Chinese market. Meanwhile, social media discussions reveal a bullish sentiment, with users expressing optimism about JD's potential upside and financial health. They highlight the company's substantial cash reserves, recent revenue growth, and favorable price-to-earnings ratio. Additionally, the AUD/USD currency pair has declined, which may correlate with JD's recent stock movement.
AEM | -3.2% | -2.8B
Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd | Gold
Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd (Ontario) has experienced a price decline of 3.2%, coinciding with a significant downturn in the gold sector. Gold prices have recently surged to record levels above 4,500 per ounce, while silver prices have also climbed into the mid to high $70s per ounce. Despite the overall drop in Agnico's stock, the company benefits from favorable Canadian exposure and competitive all-in sustaining costs. The broader market dynamics are influenced by various factors, including monetary policy expectations and geopolitical risks, as well as supply constraints in silver driven by increased industrial demand. Additionally, correlated assets such as ProShares Ultra Silver and Silver have dropped significantly, reflecting the prevailing market sentiment affecting precious metals.
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