International Economic
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.
Euro area industrial production picks up in October, points to solid Q4
Industrial output in the single currency bloc rebounded in October for a solid start to the fourth quarter.
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.
Bitcoin eager to return to December lows amidst Fed jitters
There´s a new wave of selling in the cryptocurrency market, as the 20 main tokens in the market are firmly anchored in the red, due to investors' nervousness about the imminent monetary policy decision of the US Federal Reserve (Fed). Bitcoin lost the support of $47,000 on Monday and touches lows since December 4th, slightly below $46,000, according to data from 'CoinMarketCap'. Bitcoin also closed below this level, a clearly bearish signal for analysts who warn that $42,000 could be just around the corner for the queen of cryptocurrencies.
Oil futures slip after OPEC says it expects Covid-19 impact to be "mild"
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries revised its forecasts for global crude oil demand in 2021 and 2022, but said it expected the impact of the Omicron variant to be "mild".
Germany wholesale prices surge as cost pressures intensify
Wholesale prices in German rose by 16. 6% year on year in November, according to official data released on Monday, their biggest rise in six decades.
Bitcoin is below $50,000 and "will remain sideways until the Fed´s decision"
Traders in the cryptocurrency market have learned the lesson that Bitcoin left them with on December 4th. Because of this, they have thought twice before settling into leveraged positions this past weekend. All in all, the queen of cryptocurrencies returned to one-week lows on December 11th, slightly below $47,000, while rallies have been capped for four consecutive sessions at $50,000. This scenario leads analysts to believe that the sideways market will continue until the decision of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) is known.
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.
US inflation hits 39-year high in November
US inflation surged to a 39-year high in November amid supply constraints, according to figures released on Friday by the Labor Department.
"Bitcoin backers no more put off by latest declines than in May."
The digital assets market is unable to shake off the bearish sentiment that dominates Bitcoin and altcoins trading since last weekend's 20% drops. The queen of the 'cryptos' is still wedged in a range between $46,000 as support and $53,000 as resistance, with $50,000 as the waterline. However, the downward pressure keeps the cryptoasset in the red.
US initial jobless claims fall to 52-year low
Initial jobless claims fell to a 52-year low in the week ended 4 December, according to the Labor Department, as the US jobs market continued to climb out of its Covid-19 pandemic-fuelled hole.
Oversold Bitcoin remains at $50,000 as 'altcoins' bounce timidly
Bitcoin handles little change on Thursday, as it remains depressed around $50,000, a price level it is unable to fully sustain. However, its behavior in recent days suggests a clear consolidation after last weekend's 20% breakout, with short-term support at $46,000, while resistance remains in the $53,000 - $55,000 area. These prices served as support in the previous phase.
Supply and demand imbalance in US jobs market hits record, JOLTS survey shows
The supply and demand imbalance in the US jobs market reached record proportions in October, the results of a closely-followed survey revealed.
Netcare CEO says Covid-19 cases in SA much milder so far
Symptoms among those ill from Covid-19 during the current wave caused by the new variant Omicron are far milder than in previous waves, the head of South Africa's largest private health-care group said.
Pfizer-BioNTech booster does neutralise Omicron, preliminary study shows
Three doses of the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech do neutralise the Omicron variant of Covid-19, the results of a preliminary study revealed.
First studies into vaccine efficacy against Omicron spark cautious optimism
Experts reacted with cautious optimism to the results of the first studies into the efficacy of vaccines against the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
US foreign trade deficit narrows sharply in October
America's shortfall on trade in goods and services with the rest of the world narrowed very sharply in October thanks to a jump in exports.
Strong domestic demand boosts Eurozone GDP
Strong domestic demand supported Eurozone economic growth in the third quarter, official data showed on Tuesday.
German investor sentiment deteriorates in December - ZEW
German investor sentiment deteriorated in December amid Covid restrictions and supply issues, according to a survey released on Tuesday by the ZEW Center for European Economic Research in Mannheim.
CMA gives Veolia and Suez five days to address competition concerns
The Competition and Markets Authority has given French waste management companies Veolia and Suez five days to address competition concerns about their £11m merger or it will be subject to a phase two investigation.