US retail sales increased at a slower than anticipated month-on-month rate in December, in the latest data point that could paint a picture of the state of the American economy heading into the new year. Retail sales grew by 0.4% last month, down from an upwardly revised pace of 0.8% in November. Economists had called for a reading of 0.6%. Source: Investing.com
US citizens filing new applications for unemployment insurance rose to 217K for the week ending January 10, as reported by the US Department of Labor (DoL) on Thursday. This print missed initial estimates and was higher than the previous week's tally of 203K (revised from 201K). Source: Fxstreet
European equity markets are set to open cautiously on Friday (17/1) as investors prepare for the inauguration of Donald Trump as US President on January 20, amid concerns over potential tariffs that could impact the European economy. Despite the uncertainty, regional benchmarks are on track for solid weekly gains, supported by signs of easing US inflation, which have strengthened expectations for further Federal Reserve interest rate cuts this year. Meanwhile, investors will be watching UK retail sales data and final Eurozone inflation figures. In pre-market trading, Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx...