European markets head for mixed open with all eyes on French confidence vote

European markets head for mixed open with all eyes on French confidence vote


South Korean stocks nosedive

Members and supporters of South Korean opposition parties gather in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.

Bloomberg | Getty Images

South Korea’s financial markets took a downward turn on Wednesday, as an outbreak of political turmoil left investors uncertain about the country’s prospects.

A coalition of South Korean lawmakers plans to begin impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeoul, after he unexpectedly imposed martial law — a decision that triggered protests in Seoul, before being reversed in the country’s parliament within a matter of hours.  

The South Korean Kospi index shed 1.4% by 6:42 a.m. London time, while the Kosdaq was trading around 2% lower. The Korean won erased some of its losses from Tuesday, with the U.S. dollar standing at around 1,410.31 won during early trades.  

Read the full story.

Chloe Taylor

CNBC Pro: ‘We really like the U.S.’ Julius Baer portfolio manager says. Here’s where she sees opportunity

At a time when investors are mixed on the U.S. market, one portfolio manager remains optimistic and sees reason to stay invested over the longer-term.

“We really like the U.S. Now that the election result is clear and behind us, we can reasonably assume a higher growth rate in the U.S., and that’s probably going to lead to an end of year rally,” Aneka Beneby, portfolio manager at Julius Baer International said, revealing segments she sees opportunities in.

CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here.

— Amala Balakrishner

CNBC Pro: How are investors trading France’s political chaos?

The French government is on the brink of collapse this week and investors are gearing up for a volatile week of trading, with some eyeing opportunities amid the chaos.

Investors have shared how they’re trading French bonds and laid out what could happen if the government falls, and other scenarios.

CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here.

— Ganesh Rao

European markets: Here are the opening calls

European markets are expected to open higher Tuesday.

The U.K.’s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 18 points higher at 8,322, Germany’s DAX up 15 points at 19,922, France’s CAC up 29 points at 7,245 and Italy’s FTSE MIB up 43 points at 33,601, according to data from IG.

Data releases Tuesday include U.K. retail sales and Spanish unemployment figures.

— Holly Ellyatt



Source

Maduro is out but his top allies still hold power in Venezuela
World

Maduro is out but his top allies still hold power in Venezuela

Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez speaks past portraits of late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and the liberator Simon Bolivar during the presentation of the 2026 fiscal year budget at the National Congress in Caracas on Dec. 4, 2025. Pedro Mattey | Afp | Getty Images The U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro — praised […]

Read More
Stunned Swiss Alpine resort seeks solace together after deadly bar fire
World

Stunned Swiss Alpine resort seeks solace together after deadly bar fire

Mourners gather as the investigation continues into the deadly New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar on Jan. 3, 2026 in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Harold Cunningham | Getty Images News | Getty Images When 51-year-old Annouk Perret came to pay her respects to the victims of the Swiss New Year bar fire that killed at […]

Read More
South Korea’s Lee begins China state visit after North fires missiles
World

South Korea’s Lee begins China state visit after North fires missiles

South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung (R) and his wife Kim Hea Kyung (L) board their plane to depart for China at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam on Jan. 4, 2026. Jung Yeon-je | Afp | Getty Images South Korean President Lee Jae Myung began a state visit to China on Sunday, hoping to promote peace on […]

Read More