Foreign Exchange Market Update

December 31, 2025

United States (U.S.) Jobless Claims Decrease to 199,000

First-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits dipped in the week ending on December 27, according to a report released by the Labor Department on Wednesday. The report stated that initial jobless claims decreased to 199,000, a 16,000 drop from the previous week's revised level of 215,000.

Meanwhile, the Labor Department reported that the less volatile four-week moving average increased to 218,750, up 1,750 from the previous week's revised average of 217,000. The report said continuing claims, a reading on the number of people receiving ongoing unemployment benefits, slid by 47,000 to 1.866 million in the week ending on December 20. The four-week moving average of continuing claims fell to 1,873,500, a decrease of 17,750 from the previous week's revised average of 1,891,250.

The Labor Department is scheduled to release its more closely watched monthly employment report for December on Friday, January 9. 12/31/2025 - 09:32:00 (RTTNews)

China Manufacturing Sector Recovers in December

China's manufacturing activity rebounded in December as output returned to growth amid higher inflows of new work. Factory PMI posted 50.1 in December, up from 49.9 in November. A score above 50.0 indicates expansion. The score suggested a fourth improvement in the sector over the last five months. Both manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors recovered at the end of the year. The factory PMI rose to 50.1 from 49.2 in November. The score was seen unchanged at 49.2.

Similarly, the non-manufacturing PMI advanced to 50.2 from 49.5 in the previous month. Manufacturing output expanded in December, underpinned by higher amounts of new work as the launch of new products and successful business development efforts boosted sales. However, the demand growth was limited to the domestic market. Despite greater inflows of work, purchasing activity stagnated in December. Stocks of purchases increased after declining in November.

Staffing levels decreased for a second consecutive month in December due to resignations and redundancies. Higher sales and lower workforce capacity led to another accumulation of backlogged orders. The level of unfinished work grew the most in three months.

Regarding prices, cost burdens increased due to rising raw material prices. Average input prices increased for six consecutive months. Despite stronger cost pressures, manufacturers continued to reduce their output prices to support sales and clear inventory.

Finally, business confidence remained positive in December. Positive business expansion plans and the introduction of new products to underpin growth in sales and production. 12/31/2025 - 00:25:00 (RTTNews)