Finance

The U.S. Treasury purchased $4.08 billion of its own long-term debt during its latest regular operation, falling short of the $6 billion maximum target cap established by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Dealers offered more than $10 billion in bonds, but the department rejected the vast majority of bids, accepting only 12 out of 35 eligible issues. This restricted intervention failed to cool down the bond market, keeping the 30-year yield hovering near 5.5%.

Brent crude prices settled near $107 per barrel as global supply pressures keep energy commodities highly volatile. Persistent geopolitical friction has exacerbated fears that elevated fuel costs, particularly spikes in domestic diesel prices, will continue to embed sticky inflation into the broader economy. These commodity headwinds have amplified market concerns that the Federal Reserve will remain aggressive with its monetary tightening policy.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping extended their nations' bilateral trade truce through January during a highly anticipated state visit in Washington. The diplomatic talks primarily centered around artificial intelligence safety protocols, technology restrictions, and agricultural purchases. While the prolonged truce provides temporary relief to global markets, underlying strategic competition regarding critical chip manufacturing infrastructure remains unresolved.