Market Update

Consumers kicked off the new year feeling more optimistic about the US economy, according to preliminary results from the University of Michigan’s consumer survey. The consumer sentiment index rose to 64.6 in the first two weeks of January, rising 8% from the previous reading of 59.7 for December and coming …

The yen continued to rise, supported by speculation that Japan might adjust its ultra-loose monetary policy, while the dollar approached its lowest level since June against major currencies. The Bank of Japan differs from most central banks in the world by sticking to stimulus while other banks raise interest rates, …

Germany’s preliminary Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 1.9% on an annualized basis in 2022 when compared to the +1.8% market consensus and +2.6% previous, Statistisches Bundesamt Deutschland reported on Friday. Gross domestic product growth came in at 1.9 percent in all of 2022, compared with expectations of 1.8 percent growth …

European stocks rose on Friday, approaching their highest levels in nine months, supported by the rise in health care stocks and the unexpected growth of the British economy in November, as investors awaited the results of the operations of major US banks. The European STOXX 600 index rose 0.2% by …

Britain’s economy caught unexpectedly slight growth in November, after receiving a boost during the soccer World Cup from cafe and pub activity and video game sales, reducing the chances of it already falling into recession despite generally bleaker outlooks for 2023. Data from the Office for National Statistics on Friday …

The Japanese Nikkei index fell more than 1 percent on Friday, to record its first loss in the last six sessions, and caused more than two-thirds of the decline in Fast Retailing, owner of Uniqlo. Japanese stocks are also under pressure from the yen’s rise to a seven-month high, as …

Britain’s economy grew in November on an annual basis by 0.2%, compared to an expected growth of 0.3%. On a monthly basis, real GDP grew by 0.1% in November 2022, after it recorded a growth of 0.5% in October 2022. The services sector grew by 0.2% in November 2022, after …

Oil prices rose more than 1 percent on Thursday, extending gains after data showed consumer prices in the United States fell unexpectedly in December, supported by optimism about the demand outlook in China. The US Consumer Price Index fell 0.1%, indicating that inflation is now on a continuing downward trend. …

China’s exports contracted sharply in December as global demand slowed, while imports also fell again as rising coronavirus infections and a sharply slumped real estate sector hit domestic demand, highlighting risks to the Asian giant’s economic recovery this year. Exports were one of the few bright spots in the world’s …

Gold prices rose on Friday, heading for a fourth consecutive week of gains, supported by a weaker dollar and expectations of a slower rate hike by the Federal Reserve. Spot gold rose 0.1 percent to $1,898.57 an ounce at 0234 GMT. Its prices have risen 1.8 percent so far this …