Financial News

Natural gas pulls back from session highs as traders react to the EIA report.

U.S. trade deficit widens to $102.9B as imports surge. Rising retail inventories point to strong demand, while the Fed may delay rate cuts to control inflation.

Initial claims drop by 1,000, yet rising insured unemployment sparks concerns over hiring slowdowns. Markets brace for short-term volatility.

The report showed that consumers were less optimistic about future business conditions and incomes.

Year-ahead inflation expectations increased from 2.6% in November to 2.8% in December.

November inflation slows with PCE at 2.4%, under consensus. Declining energy costs and modest goods spending temper overall price growth.

Retail sales rebound slightly in November, but UK economic uncertainty threatens a fragile recovery.

Colder weather forecasts provide additional support to natural gas markets.

U.S. GDP grew 3.1% in Q3 2024, driven by consumer spending and exports. Jobless claims fell to 220k, but manufacturing contraction signals economic risks.

Bank of Japan keeps rates steady at 0.25%, USD/JPY volatility looms as traders eye Governor Ueda’s forward guidance.

The federal funds rate projection for 2025 was changed from 3.4% to 3.9%.

November building permits rose 6.1%, with single-family starts up 6.4%, signaling steady demand. Multifamily starts fell sharply, reflecting developer caution.

UK inflation rises to 2.6%, pushing the BoE to reassess its rate-cut timeline amid surging wages and uncertain labor market trends.

According to the report, 31% of builders cut home prices in December.

October’s UK labor data: Rising wages, steady unemployment challenge BoE’s rate stance as inflation moves above the BoE’s 2% target.

Composite PMI exceeded analyst expectations as the services sector expanded at the fastest pace since the reopening of the economy from Covid lockdowns.

China’s economic data signals mixed recovery as retail sales dip sharply, highlighting the urgent need for consumption-focused stimulus measures.

U.S. import prices rose 0.1% in November, fueled by energy costs, raising inflation concerns and impacting Fed policy, bond yields, and markets.

Natural gas prices are moving higher as traders react to the larger-than-expected draw.

Inflation climbs with PPI up 0.4%, while initial claims hit a 2-year high. How these key metrics shape markets and Fed decisions—read more here.