UK Housing Market Gains Momentum in Early 2026 as Mortgage Rates Fall 
Oil Prices Surge Toward Biggest Monthly Gains in Years Amid Middle East Tensions 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Lower as Tech Earnings and Fed Decision Shape Market Sentiment 
Asian Currencies Hold Firm as Dollar Rebounds on Fed Chair Nomination Hopes 
U.S. Eases Venezuela Oil Sanctions to Boost American Investment After Maduro Ouster 
Trump Threatens 50% Tariff on Canadian Aircraft Amid Escalating U.S.-Canada Trade Dispute 
Wall Street Slides as Warsh Fed Nomination, Hot Inflation, and Precious Metals Rout Shake Markets 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Retreats After Fed Decision 
Dollar Struggles as Policy Uncertainty Weighs on Markets Despite Official Support 
Asia Stocks Pause as Tech Earnings, Fed Signals, and Dollar Weakness Drive Markets 
Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rate at 2.25% Amid Trade and Global Uncertainty 
China Factory Activity Slips in January as Weak Demand Weighs on Growth Outlook 
U.S. and El Salvador Sign Landmark Critical Minerals Agreement to Boost Investment and Trade 
Starmer’s China Visit Signals New Era in UK–China Economic Relations 
Gold Prices Hit Record High Above $5,500 as Iran Strike Fears Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
Oil Prices Hit Four-Month High as Geopolitical Risks and Supply Disruptions Intensify 
Canada’s Trade Deficit Jumps in November as Exports Slide and Firms Diversify Away From U.S. 
In the week ending November 9, 2024, initial jobless claims in the U.S. fell to 217,000, down from 221,000 the week before. This is the lowest number of claims since May and is much lower than the expected increase to 223,000.
Key Points
Initial Jobless Claims
Current: 217,00
Previous Week: 221,000
Expected: 223,000
Continuing Jobless Claims:
Total: 1.873 million, down by 19,000 from the previous week.
4-Week Moving Average: The average for initial claims dropped to 221,000 from 227,250 the week before.
Economic Implications:
The drop in jobless claims shows that the job market is strong, even with the Federal Reserve tightening monetary policy. It suggests there is still a strong demand for workers. This information can influence the Fed’s decisions on interest rates and is important for understanding the overall health of the economy and consumer spending. Investors and analysts pay close attention to these numbers as they reflect the employment situation and broader economic conditions in the U.S.
