Global Stock Markets Today (Dec. 17, 2025): Asia Rises on China AI-IPO Frenzy, Europe Near Records, Wall Street Futures Edge Up Ahead of U.S. Inflation
Asian and European stocks rose Wednesday, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 up 0.26%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng up 0.92%, and the STOXX 600 near record highs. Oil prices jumped after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan tankers. Shanghai’s MetaX Integrated Circuits surged 693% in its IPO debut, highlighting China’s AI-chip boom. U.S. futures edged higher ahead of key inflation data.