* Most stock markets eke out gains for the year * South Korea and France notable underperformers * High U.S. yields take heat out of end of year stock rally * Dollar dominates, set for strong annual gain * Gold soars 26% in bumper 2024 (Updates after early European trading) By Ankur Banerjee and Alun John SINGAPORE/LONDON, Dec 31 (Reuters)...

(Recasts, adds comments and graphic, updates prices) By Ashitha Shivaprasad Dec 31 (Reuters) - Copper prices eased on Tuesday but were on track for a second consecutive yearly gain, while the red metal's outlook for next year hinges on China's economic recovery and Donald Trump's policies. Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange (LME) fell 0.4% at $8,872.50 per metric...

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The dollar slipped on the last trading day of the year on Tuesday but was poised to clock strong gains in 2024 against almost all currencies as investors prepared for fewer U.S. rate cuts and the incoming Trump administration. The dollar's ascent, buoyed by rising Treasury yields, pushed the yen toward its lowest levels since July on...

Hong Kong (Reuters) - Chinese stocks registered their first annual gain following an unprecedented three-year decline despite a dip on the final trading day of 2024, while Hong Kong shares ended the year higher, supported by optimism over policy support. The blue-chip CSI 300, tracking the biggest companies listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen, rose 14.7% this year, breaking a losing...