Weekly Macro Minute

Miguel and Piedad DeLuna authored this issue’s devotional. They served the Lord together for more than 25 years.

Take a look. What do you see around you? Your community, town, city, state, nation; what stands out to you the most? Our answer: No matter where you are or where you come from, this world needs to know of the love of Jesus Christ.

My wife and I are in our late 80s. If you combine our ages, the Lord has given us 175 years on this earth, and we are grateful. To this day, we get to share the Gospel with those around us.

One of our favorite Scriptures to share is found in the book of Judges 6:11-24 (CSB) — the story of Gideon and of the grace, love and mercy that God has for him (and us!). Gideon begins by giving excuses as to why he should not be chosen to save the Israelites. Continuing into this story, Gideon goes as far as requesting proof that God was really speaking to him, asking him to save God’s people. Similarly, we have been called to preach the Gospel to the world. How many of us do exactly this, making excuses that we are not this or that and going as far as to question God’s direction to us? Did we hear God correctly? Is he really talking to me? Even with these very human questions, the answer is simple. The last part of verse 18, “And he said, ‘I will wait until your return.’” People need to know that he waits for each of them, no matter where they are in their lives. Jesus waits for them to answer his call. And it doesn’t end there, as we see in the last part of verse 24, “The Lord Is Peace.” His peace is yours to have within this call as we seek to share with others.

How many opportunities do you have to share the love, peace and salvation of Jesus Christ? Our answer is, “Until the Lord calls us home.” We encourage you, no matter where you’re from or your age, if you’re given the opportunity to share, to do so — until the Lord calls you home!

Want more devotionals? Our 40-day devotional book written by our Mission:Dignity recipients is available to order here.

Equities slip as volatility picks up

• U.S. equities closed modestly lower in a shortened holiday week.
• S&P 500^® fell 0.4%, and Russell 2000^® declined 0.3%.

Trade‑war concerns spark sharp intraday moves

• Stocks sold off on Tuesday after President Trump suggested tariffs tied to tensions with Europe over Greenland.
• Markets rebounded on Wednesday after the administration softened its position.
• Major indexes remain near record levels, with the S&P 500^® just 1% off highs.

Treasury yields steady

• 2-year yield held at 3.60%; 10-year held steady at 4.23%.

Precious metals surge

• Gold rose 7.4% to $4,936/oz; silver crossed $100/oz for the first time.

Dollar weakens

• The dollar fell 2.0% amid policy uncertainty and rising Fed rate‑cut expectations.

Europe declines on tariff concerns

• European equities fell amid trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty.

Japan faces political and fiscal uncertainty

• Japanese equities fell ahead of a snap election in February.
• 10-year JGB yield rose to approximately 2.26%, the highest since the late 1990s.

Bank of Japan leaves rates unchanged

• Policy rate held at 0.75%; further normalization depends on economic conditions.

China’s growth slows

• Real GDP rose 4.5% year-over-year in Q4, the weakest pace since late 2022.

Inflation remains above target

• Headline and core (ex. food and energy) PCE each rose 2.8% year‑over‑year in November.

GDP revised higher

• Q3 real GDP now estimated at 4.4% annualized, up from 4.3%, driven by stronger exports and business investment.

Labor market steady

• Initial jobless claims rose slightly to 200,000 but remain historically low.
• Four-week moving average fell to 201,500, the lowest in nearly two years.