Market Pulse - Currencies
Philly Fed index slumps in December, but supply pressures ease
Manufacturing activity in the US mid-Atlantic region slowed sharply at the end of 2021, even as supply chain pressures eased.
US retail sales rise less quickly than expected in November
Americans consumed with a little less abandon than expected last month, spending less on automobiles and parts and on electronics.
Natural gas prices drive US import costs higher in November
The cost of goods purchased from overseas increased more quickly than expected during the previous month, chiefly as a result of dearer natural gas prices.
US producer prices rise more quickly than expected in November
Producer prices rose more quickly than expected in November amid widespread gains the various categories of goods.
Omicron results in fewer hospitalisations and ICU admissions, SA study shows
The newest variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has resulted in fewer hospitalisations and intensive care unit admissions than previous waves of Covid-19, the results of a new study show.
U.Michigan consumer confidence index points to emerginng wage-price spiral
American consumers' confidence was little changed at the start of December, but there were signs of a potential wage-price spiral taking form, the results of a closely-followed survey revealed.
Best to wait for more data on Omicron before hiking Bank Rate, BoE's Saunders says
One of the most hawkish top Bank of England officials said at the end of the week that it might be best to wait for more information on the implications of the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, before hiking short-term interest rates.
OPEC+ to raise output, but leaves itself room for manoeuvre
The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies surprised some oil traders with their decision to go ahead with their previously planned output hike in January - despite the appearance of Omicron, the new strain of Covid-19.