Market Update

U.K. private sector activity expanded at its fastest pace in nearly two years during February, driven by a strong rebound in manufacturing output and a sustained recovery in new business, according to flash PMI data released on Friday. The S&P Global Flash UK Composite Output Index rose to 53.9 in …

France’s private sector showed little sign of meaningful growth in February, with business activity remaining broadly flat at the start of the year, according to a closely watched monthly survey released on Friday. The HCOB Flash France Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, rose to 49.6 points …

German business activity expanded at a faster-than-expected pace in February, supported by a rebound in manufacturing and stronger momentum in the services sector, according to flash PMI data released on Friday. The German Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 53.1 in February, exceeding market expectations of 52.2 and improving …

Oil prices edged higher in Asian trading on Friday, building on strong gains from the previous two sessions and putting benchmarks on course for a weekly rise of around 6%, as escalating tensions between the United States and Iran stoked fears of supply disruptions in the Middle East. By 22:41 …

U.K. retail sales posted a strong start to the year in January, significantly outperforming expectations and building on December’s gains, suggesting that consumers entered the new year with a greater degree of confidence than anticipated. According to data released Friday by the Office for National Statistics, retail sales volumes rose …

Comments from Mary Daly reinforced the view that US monetary policy is on solid footing, with current settings seen as appropriate for prevailing economic conditions. Recent progress on inflation, alongside signs of a healthier balance in the labor market, has reduced the need for urgent policy changes.Inflation progress supports patienceDaly …

Nvidia in Focus Ahead of Earnings as AI Momentum Faces a Critical TestAs its latest earnings release approaches, Nvidia has moved firmly into the market spotlight. Expectations are high that the results will offer fresh insight into whether the global surge in artificial intelligence spending remains intact—or is beginning to …

The Japanese yen traded calmly against the US dollar on Thursday, with the currency pair lingering just under the 155 level. Activity remained muted as investors chose to stay on the sidelines ahead of Japan’s upcoming inflation report, a release expected to provide fresh direction for the market.Dollar strength sets …

US stocks moved lower on Thursday as investors shifted to a more defensive stance. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by nearly 300 points, giving up a portion of the previous session’s gains as uncertainty resurfaced across global markets.Middle East risks reignite inflation worriesRenewed tensions involving the United States and …

Oil prices climbed to their highest levels since August 2025 on Thursday, fueled by escalating tensions between the US and Iran. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) traded around $66.35 per barrel, extending gains from a sharp rally earlier this week. Brent crude also followed suit, reaching $71.55 per barrel.The surge reflects …