SINGAPORE: Asian stocks drifted on the last trading day of a year that has seen investors brush off much of the tariff-related uncertainty and embrace AI chip stocks, while the dollar's dismal year has left the euro and sterling standing tall. Gold firmed a bit and is on track for a 66% ⁠surge in 2025 as the three-year rally shows no signs of stopping. The index is poised to clock a 27% increase for the year, its sharpest rise since 2017, mainly on a strong rally in chipmakers amid the boom in artificial intelligence-related stocks. "Notwithstanding a few little shocks, the year has been terrific for investment returns," said Kyle Rodda, senior financial analyst at Capital.com. "The biggest risks are an unwinding ‌of crowded positioning in both AI and precious metals," Chanana said.

Source: The Star December 31, 2025 17:39 UTC