Stocks Edge Up, Silver Hits Record High Amid Thin Holiday Trade

• Asian stocks rose in thin holiday trade, extending a year-end rally, with US shares also hitting record highs.
• Silver surged to a record $73.4393 an ounce, marking a 150% gain this year, while gold neared its all-time high of $4,525.
• Optimism for a "Santa Claus Rally" is driving equity markets, despite questions on AI exuberance and Fed's rate path.
• Citigroup's Scott Chronert remains constructive on the bull market, citing an ongoing AI-related tailwind for large-cap growth.
• China's yuan strengthened past 7 per dollar offshore, reaching its strongest level since September 2024, driven by PBoC speculation.

Why It Matters: Global markets see stocks rise, silver hit record, and gold near highs amidst holiday trading.