·         Stocks rose in another volatile session on Wednesday after a summary of the Federal Reserve’s meeting in December reiterated comments from the central bank’s chairman from last week about patience regarding monetary policy.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 91.67 points to close at 23,879.12, posting its fourth straight day of gains. The S&P 500 advanced 0.4 percent to 2,584.96 — notching a four-day winning streak, which was its longest since September — as the tech and energy sectors outperformed. The Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.87 percent to 6,957.08 as Apple gained 1.7 percent. Energy gained 1.5 percent as a sector, boosted by a 5.2 percent in U.S. crude prices.

Equities pared gains in the last hour of trading as it appeared a meeting over the shutdown between President Donald Trump and Democratic leadership did not go well. The president tweeted the meeting was “a total waste of time. ” Sen. Chuck Schumer said the president walked out of the meeting.

·         Investors also weighed the latest developments surrounding U.S.-China trade talks. Discussions over trade between mid-level officials from Washington and Beijing concluded on Wednesday. U.S. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney said earlier on Wednesday that he thought negotiations “went just fine.” He added: “It’s been a good one for us. ”

 

·         Stocks in Europe closed in positive territory Wednesday after hitting a fresh three-week high, as investors grew confident that the U.S. and China will reach a trade agreement.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 closed up 0.6 percent, with autos and technology the best performing sectors on the back of the trade talks between Beijing and Washington.

 

·         Asia markets traded cautiously on Thursday morning as investors digest the conclusion of trade talks between American and Chinese officials in Beijing.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 and Topix index both slipped almost 0.9 percent in early trade. South Korea’s Kospi was fractionally lower as shares of steelmaker Posco fell almost 2 percent.

·         Investors will be watching out for the release of inflation data at the Chinese market open, when the country’s Consumer Price Index and Producer Price Index for the month of December are set to be released.

·         The latest round of trade negotiations in Beijing concluded on Wednesday after an unscheduled third day of talks. Officials from Washington said in a statement that they will report back to the White House for further guidance on the talks.

In a statement, the office of the U.S. Trade Representative said that officials discussed “needed structural changes in China” on matters such as forced technology transfers, intellectual property protection and cyber theft. Talks also focused on “China’s pledge to purchase a substantial amount of agricultural, energy, manufactured goods, and other products and services from the United States,” the statement said.

·         The Chinese Commerce Ministry also issued its own statement on Thursday morning, saying that the just-concluded round of trade talks with the U.S. were extensive and established a foundation for the resolution of each others’ concerns. Both parties agreed to maintain close contact, the ministry said.

Reference: CNBC