This week has seen some important data come out of the Eurozone that will give the European Central Bank (ECB) food for thought. 

Markets cooled slightly at the start of the short trading week following a strong end to 2023, with a raft of PMI data from major global regions then giving investors food for thought as they push on into the new trading year.

On Tuesday, the most recent inflation data for Europe revealed a decline in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to 2.4% on year in November 2023, down from October’s 2.9%, aligning with expectations.

In the US, despite expectations of a flat reading, the latest CPI report showed prices rose by 0.1% in November 2023 from the previous month, as the cost of rents offset steep falls in gasoline.

The markets are experiencing a period of calm this week, following a month of strong performance in November.
Upon initial inspection, reports of US factory orders came in at a disappointing level, a survey showed on Monday.

The week opened quietly as investors await major economic data due from both the eurozone and the US this Thursday.

Today Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled the government’s tax and spending plans in the House of Commons. The Chancellor delivered the Autumn Statement detailing tax cuts, pension reforms and promised 110 measures to encourage growth within the private sector.

This week, a slew of economic data has given investors much to think on.

In the absence of significant economic data and following a robust week, financial markets faced challenges in establishing a clear direction. Last week, big tech drove up a rally in their stocks, shoring up their strongest performance in two years and

This week is an important one on the economic calendar for the US. Illustrating that the consumer may be becoming wary with price growth – in particular that of fuel and food prices