An unexpected drop in unemployment in February is a reassuring snapshot of economic resilience, but economists were quick to suggest we shouldn’t read too much into it. Labour force participation is falling (including among young people) and self-employment…
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The US dollar got out of the blocks slowly on Monday, weakening slightly against the pound and a basket of its closest rivals. Perhaps investors are waiting for today’s retail report for some direction, although it was interesting…
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This morning’s German consumer sentiment survey from the centre of economic research (ZEW) will be closely watched after a massive fall in March. Economists expect the mood to dip further into negative territory, although perhaps not by as…
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Sterling navigated a fraught environment on Monday, moving little against both the US dollar and the euro despite the shifting situation in the Middle East and the prime minister’s peril. Its current position does look vulnerable given the…
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Staring down a major political crisis, Sir Keir Starmer on Monday faced accusations of misleading parliament over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, albeit only invertedly. In a moody afternoon session, the PM…
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The optimism that emerged on Friday has turned to bitter resignation after another wild weekend of headlines. Hopes of an end to the energy crisis were dashed by Iran’s insistence on “strict control” over the vital oil waterways,…
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After backtracking a little in the previous week, will we see another safe-haven bounce for the US dollar? The only real economic stumbling block is this week’s retail sales report, which currency markets are likely to view as…
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Several decision-making European Central Bank members are due to speak this week. Expect some closely guarded words that, while cryptic, may ultimately move the euro alongside whatever happens in the Strait of Hormuz.
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