Spain’s manufacturing sector slid back into contraction territory for the first time since April amid falls in both output and new orders. Softer demand conditions are to blame but manufacturers also chose not to renew temporary labour contracts, resulting in the biggest monthly fall in employment for two years. HCOB notes that: “Spain’s manufacturing sector […]
Sweden’s factory activity expanded at an accelerated pace at the end of the year, survey data from Swedbank and the logistics association SILF showed on Friday. The purchasing managers’ index for the manufacturing sector rose to 55.3 in December from a 4-month low of 54.7 in November. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. “The strengthening
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The EUR/USD pair trades in positive territory around 1.1755 during the early European trading hours on Friday. The European Central Bank (ECB) kept rates unchanged at its December policy meeting, and its outlook suggested less urgency for further cuts, which has provided some support to the Euro (EUR) against the US Dollar (USD). ECB President
Summary: Asia-Pacific trade was thin but directional as markets remained in holiday mode ahead of a full return on January 5. The U.S. dollar weakened, while precious metals surged sharply, led by gold and silver. Gold broke above US$4,370, with silver, platinum and palladium all posting strong gains. Australian manufacturing remained in expansion, while South
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West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Oil price holds ground after registering modest losses in the previous trading session, hovering near $57.50 during the Asian hours on Friday. Traders are awaiting Sunday’s virtual meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+), with expectations that the group will uphold its November decision to
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Summary: Bank of Korea Governor Rhee Chang-yong said the central bank will review its forward guidance framework on the future path of interest rates. Rhee warned that excessive won weakness could harm domestic businesses and add to inflation pressures. He said USD/KRW levels above 1,400 appear disconnected from Korea’s economic fundamentals. The BOK will not
Gold price (XAU/USD) rises to near $4,345 during the early Asian session on Friday. Gold finished 2025 with a significant rally, achieving an annual gain of around 65%, its biggest annual gain since 1979. The rally of the precious metal is bolstered by the prospect of further US interest rate cuts in 2026 and safe-haven flows. The US
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TL;DR summary, and note there is AUD risk in this news: China will impose a 55% tariff on beef imports exceeding newly set quotas from January 1, 2026, under a three-year safeguard regime. The 2026 total import quota is set at 2.7 million tonnes, broadly in line with 2024 imports but below 2025 shipment levels
There are two big events to watch for in 2026 that will swing the outlook for the loonie, including one that could be just days away: 1) Supreme Court decision on tariffs The Supreme Court has until late June to decide on the legality of US tariffs on Canada but because this was an expedited
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In November 2025, Saudi Arabia’s private sector loan growth experienced a further slowdown, dipping to 10.60%. This marks a significant decrease from the previous month’s growth rate of 12.00%, according to the latest data updated on December 31, 2025. The figures represent a year-over-year comparison, illustrating the decelerating trend when juxtaposed with the same period
