**Global Markets Flash Bearish Signals as Wall Street Braces for Negative Open**

Investors are watching for bearish momentum on Wednesday, with U.S. equity futures pointing toward a downbeat start. As of 7:25 am ET, the Dow futures are down 41 points, the S&P 500 futures are losing 8.75 points, and the Nasdaq 100 futures are sliding 49.50 points. This negative symbol across major indices suggests risk-off sentiment ahead of New Year's Day trading, when market activity is anticipated to remain muted.

**U.S. Major Indices Close in the Red**

The pessimistic tone carried through Wednesday's session. The Dow declined by 94.87 points, representing a 0.2 percent dip to 48,367.06. The Nasdaq retreated 55.27 points or 0.2 percent, closing at 23,419.08, while the S&P 500 shed 9.50 points or 0.1 percent to finish at 6,896.24. The consistent weakness across all three major averages reflects ongoing investor caution.

**Economic Data on Tap**

The Labor Department will release weekly jobless claims at 8:30 am ET, with consensus expectations at 218K compared to 214K in the prior week. Later, the Energy Information Administration will publish its Natural Gas Report at noon ET, followed by the Agriculture Department's Farm Prices report at 3:00 pm ET. These releases could inject additional volatility into already-cautious markets.

**Asian Markets Conclude Mixed Amid Holiday Season**

Asian equities wrapped up Wednesday with divergent performances. China's Shanghai Composite Index ticked up 0.09 percent to 3,968.84, while the Shenzhen Component Index declined 0.58 percent to 13,525.02. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index fell 224 points or 0.87 percent to 25,606.37. Australia's S&P/ASX200 slipped marginally by 3 points or 0.03 percent to 8,714.30. Japan and South Korea markets were closed for the holiday.

**European Shares Mostly Trending Lower**

European bourses showed weakness across most major indices. France's CAC 40 declined 39.28 points or 0.48 percent, while the U.K. FTSE 100 fell 17.65 points or 0.18 percent. Germany's DAX gained 139.29 points or 0.57 percent, and the Swiss Market Index rose 26.89 points or 0.20 percent. The Euro Stoxx 50 Index advanced 31.88 points or 0.55 percent, suggesting some resilience among European blue chips despite broader negative sentiment.