Oil Prices Steady in Asia but Headed for Weekly Loss on Supply Glut Concerns 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Precious Metals Rally as Silver and Platinum Outperform on Rate Cut Bets 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
EU Delays Mercosur Free Trade Agreement Signing Amid Ukraine War Funding Talks 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
BOJ Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Japan Signals Shift Toward Monetary Normalization 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
Yen Near Lows as Markets Await Bank of Japan Rate Decision, Euro Slips After ECB Signals Caution 
Japan Inflation Holds Firm in November as BOJ Nears Key Rate Hike Decision 
Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions as Yen, Sterling and Euro React 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
German Retail Sector Faces Decline in September
The business climate in Germany’s retail sector worsened in September, as revealed by the latest Ifo Institute survey. Retailers assessed their current situation as slightly more negative compared to the previous month and showed growing concern about the months ahead.
Economic Policy Uncertainty Dampens Consumer Spending
According to Patrick Hoeppner, an Ifo expert, consumer uncertainty surrounding economic policy is affecting spending habits. As a result, the prospects for dynamic growth in private consumption remain bleak for the remainder of 2024. The cautious approach of consumers is contributing to the negative sentiment within the retail sector.
Retail Outlook for 2024
Given the current economic climate and concerns over policy direction, Germany's retail sector is likely to face continued challenges. The slowdown in consumer spending is expected to hinder growth, resulting in a subdued retail outlook for the rest of 2024.
