Market Pulse
Chinese data point to economic slowdown in April, PBoC issues statement
A spate of weaker-than-expected figures on Chinese economic activity referencing the month of April triggered cautious market commentary and saw the country's central bank issue a statement clarifying its position on policy and the reasons behind weak lending data released in the previous session.
Week ahead: FOMC minutes, Fedspeak in focus
A raft of data next week will give investors a better grasp of the current state of play in the UK economy, although for all practical purposes the dominant short-them theme is likely to continue to be the rolling Brexit debate, which will continue to be reflected in the ebb and flow in cable.
Moody's upgrades Ireland's long-term sovereign debt rating
Moody's upgraded its rating on Ireland's sovereign bonds, hailing the country's strong growth, prospects for a continued reduction in Dublin's debt pile and the recent political compromise reached between its two largest political parties.
Bonds: Yields higher amid IMF warning on Brexit, pound weakness
These were the movements in the most widely-followed ten-year sovereign bond yields:.
US close: S&P 500 down for third week amid investor pessimism and hawkish Fedspeak
Wall Street dropped at the end of the week despite the release of significantly better-than expected readings on retail sales and consumer confidence referencing the month of April.