Bullrush Logo
Sign Up
Bullrush Logo
Sign Up
Promotional graphic with 'Global Markets News Dec 8: Fed, Netflix Deal, China Trade' in bold red text. Torn newspaper clippings feature words like 'Tariffs,' 'Panic,' and 'Uncertain.' A 'Read More' button is included.
NewsCommoditiesCrypto

Global Markets News Dec 8: Fed, Netflix Deal, China Trade

Global markets are moving in “wait mode,” but this isn’t a weakness. It’s a tension. Traders are sitting tight, sizing risk, and loading positions as the Federal Reserve steps into center stage. Stocks are holding structure, commodities are twitching on headlines, and crypto is starting to lean risk-on.

This week isn’t about noise. It’s about direction.

Between a blockbuster Netflix deal, softening U.S. inflation, diverging data out of Japan and China, and geopolitical pressure in energy markets, price action is being driven by expectations more than reality. That makes this a precision week for traders

U.S. Stock Futures Hold Steady Ahead of Fed Meeting

U.S. stock futures pushed higher to start the week, extending last week’s momentum. The market isn’t chasing; it’s positioning.

Traders are leaning into the idea of a rate cut, with probability models showing an ~88% chance of a 25-basis-point move lower. Softer core PCE has given bulls just enough air to stay aggressive without going reckless.

Earnings season isn’t over either. Reports from Broadcom, Adobe, Oracle, Costco, and Lululemon are lined up later this week. But make no mistake, fundamentals are stepping aside for Fed guidance.

  • S&P 500 futures: 6,887 (+0.14%)
  • Nasdaq 100 futures: 25,802 (+0.27%)
  • Dow futures: 47,954 (+0.22%)
  • Fed cut probability: ~88%

Netflix’s $72B Bid for Warner Bros Discovery Faces Regulatory Hurdles

Netflix lit up headlines with its plan to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s studios and streaming business for $72 billion. On paper, it’s a content and scale play. In reality, this is a regulatory minefield.

The market’s focus isn’t “can they buy it?”, it’s “will they be allowed to?”

Politics have entered the trade as well, with Donald Trump publicly signaling he’d want influence over the approval process. This deal isn’t just about the finances. Political, cultural, and structural factors have a sway as well.

  • Deal size: $72 billion
  • Regulatory hurdles: U.S. & EU
  • Jobs/theater impact: Potential reductions

Japan’s GDP Contracts Faster than Expected in Q3

On the other side of the globe, Japan’s economy flashed red.

With growth falling short of projections and momentum waning quarter over quarter, it comes as no surprise that Japan’s economy slowed more than anticipated in Q3.

In fact, the slowdown comes even as aggressive stimulus measures roll out, yet the Bank of Japan is still expected to raise rates later this year as inflation remains above target. One could say a delicate balancing act for policymakers.

  • Q3 GDP (annualized): -2.3%
  • Q3 GDP (QoQ): -0.6%
  • Stimulus package: +1.4pp/year for 3 years

China’s Exports Rebound, U.S. Shipments Fall Sharply

China’s trade data delivered whiplash in the best way: exports rebounded after last month’s contraction.

November trade data:

  • Exports: +5.9% YoY
  • Imports: +1.9% YoY
  • Trade Surplus: $111.68B

But the real story is where the demand is coming from:

  • EU exports: +14.8%
  • Australia: +35.8%
  • Southeast Asia: +8.2%
  • United States: -29%

To sidestep tariff pressure, China is rerouting trade away from the U.S. toward alternative markets. While the strong surplus keeps domestic stability intact, it underscores how fractured global trade flows have become.

Oil Prices Wobble Amid Ukraine Talks

Oil pulled back after printing two-week highs as traders reacted to shifting geopolitical headlines and Fed expectations.

Latest prices:

The market is pricing two very different futures:

  • A successful Ukraine peace deal → more Russian supply → downside pressure
  • Harsher sanctions or maritime export bans → tighter supply → upside risk

Potential swing: ±2 million barrels per day depending on how the headlines break.

Gold & Metals: Quiet Bid Under the Surface

Commodities-wise, gold managed to find support as a softer U.S. dollar and rate-cut optimism drew buyers back in. Gains were steady, though, with rising Treasury yields capping a bigger breakout.

Platinum also drifted downward, as did silver. Copper finished mixed as traders weighed the pressure from the bond market against the weakening dollar.

The bigger theme stays the same: softer dollar, looser policy expectations, and cautious positioning. Precious metals have support under them, but with policymakers sending mixed signals and bond yields moving around, traders aren’t going all-in just yet.

Crypto: Bitcoin Front-Runs the Fed

Rate-cut hype reignited risk appetite, sending Bitcoin back into rally mode. As traders bet on looser U.S. policy, bullish sentiment surged, and capital seems to have flowed back into crypto.

Altcoins followed the leader. Similarly, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano pushed higher, riding Bitcoin’s momentum. Even the meme coin corner showed mixed heat: Dogecoin caught a bid, while $TRUMP faded slightly.

All eyes now lock onto the Federal Reserve decision and Jerome Powell’s press conference, with traders hunting confirmation that rate cuts are on the table. That’s the next trigger the market is waiting on.

Conclusion: BullRush Global Markets Take

This is a positioning week, not a guessing week.

Stocks are holding strength. Crypto is starting to expand. Oil is headline-driven. Gold is coiling. Asia is sending mixed signals.

Smart money isn’t waiting for confirmation… It’s building positions before it.

Track every move, catalyst, and breakout with BullRush, real-time futures, crypto, and macro, built for traders who move first.

Share this…