Bank of Japan's Ueda Flags Low Real Interest Rates as Key Factor in Rate Hike Timing 
South Korea Central Bank Signals Inflation Concerns as Oil Prices Surge 
South Korea Central Bank Signals Cautious Policy Amid Inflation and Middle East Tensions 
DOJ Ends Probe Into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, Boosting Kevin Warsh Confirmation Prospects 
Gold Prices Fall Amid Rate Jitters; Copper Steady as China Stimulus Eyed 
Bank of England Set to Hold Interest Rates as Inflation Risks and Iran War Impact Loom 
Lots of economic data and events scheduled for today, and all with low to medium volatility risks associated.
Data released so far:
- Australia: November trade balance came at $1.925 billion with imports rising 2 percent and exports rising 1 percent.
- Japan: In December consumer confidence declined to 42.7 from 42.9 in November.
Upcoming:
- Switzerland: December unemployment report will be released at 6:45 GMT, followed by the November retail sales report at 7:30 GMT.
- Germany: November retail sales report will be published at 7:00 GMT.
- France: November trade balance report will be released at 7:45 GMT.
- United Kingdom: Halifax house price report will be published at 8:30 GMT.
- Eurozone: Eurozone December sentiment report will be published at 10:00 GMT.
- United States: NFIB business optimism report will be published at 11:00 GMT, followed by the November trade balance report at 13:30 GMT. The JOLTS jobs report will be released at 15:00 GMT.
- Canada: November trade balance report will be published at 13:30 GMT.
- Auction: the U.S. will auction 3-year note at 18:00 GMT.
