China’s factory activity set to shrink for eighth month
China’s factory sector likely shrank for an eighth month in November, highlighting the dilemma facing policymakers over whether to press…
ECB minutes show that door to rate cuts is not closed, yet
The ECB’s October meeting reaffirmed the central bank’s ‘good place’ stance, even though the phrase appeared only three times in…
Credit rating agencies give cautious thumbs up to UK budget
The “big three” credit rating agencies have given a cautious thumbs up to Britain’s budget this week, regarding it as…
UK retailers urge government to end parcel tariff loophole sooner
British retailers have welcomed the government’s decision to start charging customs duties on low-value e-commerce parcels but said a March…
Japan’s Stimulus Package Adds to Fiscal Risks
Japan’s latest fiscal stimulus package could increase risks to the ‘A’/Stable sovereign rating if it represents a significant loosening of…
German unemployment edges up in November as job market stagnates
The number of people out of work in Germany rose by fewer than expected in November, but labour demand continued…
Sticky Japan inflation and upbeat activity support rate hike Inflation remained at elevated levels in November
Tokyo’s CPI inflation in November was steady, with headline inflation up 2.7% year-on-year and core inflation up 2.8%, largely in…
German labour market improves in November
German unemployment dropped by 25,700, bringing the unemployment figure to 2.885 million, a surprisingly positive outcome. According to the just-released…
UK fiscal position remains “vulnerable” after tax-raising budget, S&P says
Britain’s fiscal position remains vulnerable despite finance minister Rachel Reeves’ tax-raising budget this week, S&P Global Ratings said on Friday.…
As testimony closes in Trafigura fraud case, Gupta denies knowledge of duplicate cargoes
Indian businessman Prateek Gupta, accused by commodity group Trafigura of orchestrating a $600 million metals fraud, told a court on…