Dear Reader,

 

Today's overview of economic news and market action:

 

    • Risk appetite was holding a firmer tone yesterday …
    • Currency-wise, the dollar and yen were on the defensive …
    • However, both recouped most of their losses overnight …
    • This morning, sterling has softened following below consensus CPI inflation data …
    • EUR/USD is just above the midpoint of $1.09-1.10 …
    • GBP/USD is in the top half of $1.26-1.27 …
    • EUR/GBP is near the halfway mark of 86-87p …
    • Consumer confidence (December)m due on both sides of the Atlantic today …
 
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Today's Opening FX Rates
 
    % Change
      Day* End 2022
EUR/USD 1.0955   0.26 2.36
EUR/GBP 0.8647   0.16 -2.23
GBP/USD 1.2667   0.07 4.71
GBP/EUR 1.1559   -0.16 2.28
*versus Previous Day's European Open
 
ECB Watch - December 2023
 

ECB holds the line on tight policy as pressure builds for rate cuts


The December meeting of the ECB’s Governing Council saw the Central Bank maintain its key deposit rate at 4%, which was in line with expectations.
 
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FED Watch - December 2023
 

As widely expected, the US Federal Reserve Open Market Committee left its key interest rates on hold at the conclusion of its two-day meeting last night.
 
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Irish Housing Market Bulletin - December
 

Supply maintains momentum, prices recover after weak start

 

The main focus of the Irish residential property market over the last number of years has been supply, or more specifically the lack of adequate supply.
 
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Forex and Interest Rate Outlook - December
 

World economy has lost momentum during 2023. Even the US economy may be starting to slow after a strong performance year-to-date. Subdued growth expected again in 2024.
 
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BoE Watch - December 2023
 

BoE holds rates at 5.25%, in no mood to ease policy


The December meeting of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) saw the central bank keep its key interest rate unchanged at 5.25%.
 
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