MarketPulse

A step in right direction for UK, BoE cautious

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A step in right direction for UK, BoE cautious

The text discusses the progress of the UK in cutting interest rates and the challenges involved in doing so. It mentions that wage growth is slowing, but it is uncertain if it will fall to a level consistent with 2% inflation. The unemployment rate has fallen to 3.8%, but it is no longer a reliable indicator. The Bank of England is relying on various data and surveys to make judgments about the labor market. The text also briefly mentions oil prices, gold prices, and the milestone of bitcoin breaking above ,000.

US inflation opens door to March Fed rate cut

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US inflation opens door to March Fed rate cut

The US inflation, income, and spending data released on Friday were generally in line with expectations. Spending increased by 0.7%, surpassing the expected 0.5%. This suggests that the US consumer and economy are in good shape. The inflation data released alongside the spending data indicates that inflationary pressures are not increasing significantly. Oil prices remained flat after reaching a two-month high, and gold prices remained above ,000. The data supports the case for rate cuts in March, but steady prices prevent excessive optimism.

Strong batch of US data, ECB gives little away

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Strong batch of US data, ECB gives little away

The US economy is performing well, with GDP data for the fourth quarter exceeding expectations. The European Central Bank (ECB) has left interest rates on hold at 4% and has not provided clear guidance on when rates will start falling. The euro has drifted lower after the ECB press conference and US data, but it has not broken out of its recent trading range.