Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore: Singapore’s container throughput reached an all-time high of 39.01 million TEU in 2023.

U.S. oil company stocks rose before the U.S. stock market opened as the escalating situation in the Red Sea drove up oil prices. Occidental Petroleum (OXY.N) rose 1.3%, Chevron (CVX.N) rose 1.14%, and Exxon Mobil (XOM.N) ) rose 0.94%, and Schlumberger (SLB.N) rose 1.02%.

Market news: Russia plans to use legal means to prevent the seizure of its frozen foreign exchange reserves. Russian officials said that the seizure of foreign exchange reserves is unlikely.

Belgian Foreign Minister: Belgium is working with its EU partners and US allies to restore maritime security in the region and avoid any (risk) spillovers.

Belgian Foreign Minister: The Houthi armed forces’ continued attacks pose a real danger to the stability of the region and this escalation does no one any good.

The number of tourist arrivals in Thailand in December was 2.637 million.

Market news: Riksbank did not sell any foreign exchange in the week between Christmas and New Year.

Usama Rabie, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, said that from January 1 to 11 this year, 544 ships passed through the Suez Canal, a year-on-year decrease of 30%, and US dollar revenue decreased by 40% year-on-year. Suez Canal tolls are an important source of foreign exchange for Egypt. According to AFP, Egypt will receive US$9.4 billion in canal toll revenue in the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

Bank of America: According to EPFR data, bond inflows were US$13.9 billion, the largest inflow level since April 2023; stocks had outflows of US$7.1 billion.

Bank of America: According to EPFR data, cash inflows reached $39.7 billion in the week ended Wednesday, the highest since the beginning of the year.

The main contract of BMD Malaysian palm oil expanded to 2.00% during the day and is now quoted at 3,870 ringgit/ton.

According to Omani state media: Oman condemns the US and UK attacks and condemns "friendly countries" for resorting to military action.

The Bank of America Bull & Bear Index rose to 5.4 from 5.3, its highest level since November 2021.

Maersk: Hopefully recent naval operations will finally allow our maritime trade to pass through the Red Sea and once again use the Suez Canal as a gateway.

Maersk: We hope that these interventions and a stronger naval presence will ultimately reduce the threat to the environment.

Maersk: We welcome the clear signal from the 14 countries that signed the joint appeal to stop attacks on commercial ships, and appreciate the growing number of countries committed to becoming part of the international coalition.

Market news: The Spanish government and labor unions have reached an agreement to increase the minimum wage by 5%.