Global Markets Mixed on Interest Rate Decisions

The Asia-Pacific markets rose on Monday as investors reacted to the People's Bank of China's decision to keep its loan prime rates unchanged. The Hang Seng index, CSI 300, S&P/ASX 200, Nikkei 225, and Kospi all saw gains. The Bank of Japan's recent rate hike and US market performance also influenced the region's markets. US futures ticked higher ahead of a holiday-shortened week.

European markets opened in negative territory on Monday as investors digested interest rate decisions and geopolitical developments. The Stoxx 600 index was 0.1% lower, following a record-breaking previous session. Shares in French biotech firm Abivax rose 8.8%, while gold and silver prices soared to new highs. The US and UK presidents discussed Ukraine and Gaza in a phone call, with European and Ukrainian negotiators making changes to a US-drafted peace deal proposal. Elsewhere, fast fashion firm Shein escaped a three-month ban in France, and Asia-Pacific markets climbed as China's central bank kept loan prime rates steady.

The article discusses the current state of the US stock market, with futures rising on Sunday night ahead of a shortened holiday week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose by 83 points, or 0.2%, while S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq 100 futures climbed 0.2% and 0.3%, respectively. The market is coming off a mixed week, with tech stocks surging late in the week to help lift the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite. Artificial intelligence stocks, including Oracle and Nvidia, enjoyed a resurgence after recent underperformance. Investors are watching to see if AI stocks can retain their leadership heading into the year-end, amid concerns about lofty tech valuations. The article also discusses the possibility of a 'Santa Claus rally' in the stock market, which has historically occurred between the last five trading days of the year and the first two of the new year.