Private employment rose less than economists expected in December, according to the ADP report. Private employment rose 41,000 (Estimate +50,000) in December, compared with a revised -29,000 in November, according to the ADP Research Institute and the Stanford Digital Economy Lab. Estimates ranged from +10,000 to +80,000, according to 20 economists. Goods-producing jobs fell 3,000. Services jobs rose 44,000. (alg) Source: Bloomberg
Geopolitical issues have heated up again after statements and political signals from the United States sparked speculation about a possible US takeover of Greenland. Although no concrete action has been taken, the statement has prompted European countries, including France, to work with allies to develop contingency plans in case such an extreme scenario actually occurs. Greenland and US Strategic Interests Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory and NATO member, holds a strategic position in the Arctic region. This territory is crucial for missile defense systems, military routes, and...
European stock indices closed marginally lower on Wednesday as equities took a breather from their recent strong momentum, while investors continued to assess the outlook for the ECB's policy this year. The Eurozone's STOXX 50 and the pan-European STOXX 600 both inched down by 0.1% from their respective record highs in the previous session. The Eurozone's inflation rate slowed to 2% in December, as expected, and the core rate unexpectedly fell to maintain soft expectations that the ECB may still lower borrowing costs this year. The financial sector led the losses, with ING and BBVA losing...