UK retail sales grew more than expected in August as warmer weather boosted food and clothing sales, data from the Office for National Statistics showed on Friday. Retail sales grew 1.0 percent on a monthly basis in August, faster than the 0.7 percent rise in July. Sales were forecast to climb moderately by 0.3 percent....
The UK government borrowing exceeded the official estimate and the debt hit 100 percent of GDP at the end of August, data from the Office for National Statistics revealed Friday. Public sector net borrowing increased GBP 3.3 billion from the previous year to GBP 13.7 billion in August. This was the third highest borrowing for...
Asian stocks closed broadly higher on Friday, although most of the markets in the region turned a bit subdued and pared early gains as the day progressed. The undertone remained positive with investors continuing to cheer the Federal Reserves decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points. The Japanese market outperformed despite paring some...
The major European markets are down in negative territory on Friday with investors assessing the likely impact of the monetary policy and interest-rate moves of major central banks on the economy. Automobile stocks are among the notable losers. Shares from the luxury and consumer durable sectors are also finding the going a bit tough so...
The Bank of Japan maintained its benchmark rate on Friday after two hikes this year and signalled that the policy normalization will continue but the further action will be data dependent. In a unanimous vote, the Policy Board decided to maintain the uncollateralized overnight call rate to remain at around 0.25 percent. This was the...
New Zealand posted a merchandise trade deficit of NZ$2.203 billion in August, Statistics New Zealand said on Monday. That missed forecasts for a shortfall of NZ$155 million following the downwardly revised NZ$1.016 billion deficit in July (originally a deficit of NZ$963 million). Exports were down 0.1 percent on year to NZ$4.97 billion, easing from the...
The Malaysia stock market has climbed higher in back-to-back sessions, gathering almost 10 points or 0.6 percent along the way. The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index now rests just beneath the 1,670-point plateau although it may be stuck in neutral on Monday. The global forecast for the Asian markets is soft, with profit taking likely on...
The Singapore stock market has moved lower in two of three trading days since the end of the seven-day winning streak in which it had surged more than 140 points or 3.9 percent. The Straits Times Index now sits just above the 3,620-point plateau and it may take further damage on Monday. The global forecast...
The Taiwan stock market has moved higher in two straight sessions, collecting almost 500 points or 2.2 percent along the way. The Taiwan Stock Exchange now sits just above the 22,150-point plateau although it may run out of steam on Monday. The global forecast for the Asian markets is soft, with profit taking likely on...
The China stock market has tracked higher in three straight sessions, advancing more than 30 points or 1.1 percent along the way. The Shanghai Composite now sits just above the 2,735-point plateau although the rally may stall on Monday. The global forecast for the Asian markets is soft, with profit taking likely on the docket...