Notable Developments at the 2025 Market Opening

What You Need to Know Before the Market Opens

As we approach 2025, a volatile period is being experienced in the markets. When we examine the US stock markets, it should be noted that the S&P 500 index has reached record levels of 6,930 points but has seen limited losses due to profit-taking. The Dow Jones and Nasdaq also recorded a decline of around 0.4-0.5%. However, throughout the year, the Dow Jones has yielded a return of 14%, and Nasdaq has seen an increase of over 20%.

Investor's Favorite: Fed Meeting Minutes

The minutes from the Fed's December meeting are the main topic on the market's agenda. The Fed has cut interest rates by a total of 75 basis points in the last three meetings, bringing the policy rate down to the range of 3.50-3.75%. However, the continuing divergences in opinions during this process are noteworthy. President Donald Trump has threatened to sue Jerome Powell for “gross negligence,” creating a factor that increases uncertainty in the markets.

Company News and Developments in Commodity Markets

The $5 billion stock sale agreement between Intel and Nvidia has attracted attention, while Boeing's high-value defense contract obtained from Israel has also piqued investors' interest. In the commodity market, profit realizations following record levels in precious metals have led to sharp declines in silver and platinum prices. However, long-term assessments suggest that the main trend of precious metals is not disrupted, amid geopolitical risks, central bank purchases, and a weakening dollar.

Global Market Insights

Oil prices are experiencing volatility due to tensions between Russia and Ukraine and risks in the Middle East. How geopolitical strategies evolve continues to affect the direction of the markets.

On the Borsa Istanbul front, a cautious outlook prevails. The BIST 100 index dropped to the level of 11,150, closing the day with over 1% loss. Banking stocks remained more resilient during the day, while there was significant selling pressure in industrial stocks.

Finally, on the currency front, the upward movements of the dollar continue. The USD/TRY is attempting to settle above the level of 42.90. Despite rising costs, the TL's differentiation from other weak currencies is considered a noteworthy development in the markets.