Review of the week: American stocks pop
The US S&P 500 stock market index broke through 5,000 for the first time, hitting a record high last week as investors shrugged off worries that interest rates may not fall as fast as many had hoped.
6 mins
The US S&P 500 stock market index broke through 5,000 for the first time, hitting a record high last week as investors shrugged off worries that interest rates may not fall as fast as many had hoped.
6 mins
US jobs strength pushes back interest rate cut forecasts yet further. Meanwhile, higher rates and changing business needs keeps squeezing commercial property.
7 mins
No change to monetary policy is expected this week, but investors will be eager for any clue about the Bank of England’s thoughts on inflation and interest rate cuts.
6 mins
UK retail sales slumped in December while inflation went in the other direction. Is the UK now in recession, albeit the mildest of the mild?
6 mins
Housing costs make up a big part of people’s spending, yet they can often obscure what’s going on with inflation.
6 mins
A gruelling year for investors actually delivered decent returns. But how much of that strong performance is in anticipation of 2024?
6 mins
A Santa rally is in full swing for stocks and bonds, capping off a year of large swells for investors. While returns flow, climate policy is ebbing at COP28 in Dubai.
7 mins
A bout of runaway inflation could persuade some people that no inflation would be better than any at all. That’s a dangerous path to take.
7 mins
After a miserable year for living standards, Brits are feeling much better about their lives and their futures. But how much will that move the dial for retail spending and economic growth?
6 mins
The government has more cash to work with after better-than-expected GDP growth and higher tax receipts. How will the extra money be used?
5 mins
Updates on inflation and unemployment arrive this week. Will they give investors more clarity about the paths of interest rates?
5 mins
Central bankers have sat on their hands for another month, sending the prices of stocks and bonds soaring. While interest rates seem to have peaked, the full effects of previous increases are yet to be felt by households and businesses.
5 mins