GLOBAL MARKETS-Asian Stocks Set for Strongest Annual Jump in Eight Years on AI Bets

GLOBAL MARKET - SINGAPORE. Asian stocks drifted on the last trading day of a year that has seen investors brush off much of the tariff-related uncertainty and embrace AI chip stocks, while the dollar's dismal year has left the euro and sterling standing tall. 

Precious metals have grabbed much of the spotlight toward the end of the year, with silver's astonishing rally taking its yearly gains to more than 160% although the metal was 1% lower on Wednesday as traders booked profits.