Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
U.S. Stocks Slip as Gold Rebounds Ahead of Year-End, Markets Eye 2026 Outlook 
According to latest report from BRC, shop prices are in decline at record pace in November, posing considerable doubts over bank of England's (BOE) ability hike rates. After maintaining the rhetoric for quite some time, in last monetary policy meeting and inflation report, BOE has scaled back their expectations for both inflation and interest rates.
According to BRC, UK shop prices declined for record 31st month, down -2.1%, after dropping 1.8% in October. Downward pressure on prices are quite significant.
- Detailed report shows, clothing and footwear prices are down -6.3% y/y, DIY, gardening and hardware down -4.7%, books, stationary and home entertainment prices are down -4.6%, Electricals are down -4.3%, overall non-food items are down -3.3%.
Official reading of annual inflation rate was -0.1% in October. It seems, November won't be much different.
Yesterday, manufacturing PMI report came at 52.7, weaker than prior and halted Pound's advance against Dollar around 1.512.
Pound is currently trading at 1.506, awaiting the construction PMI report.
