Sterling Weakens as U.K. Inflation Surprise Strengthens Case for December BOE Cut

U.K. consumer price inflation fell sharply to 3.2% y/y in November, well below the 3.5% market consensus and marking the lowest reading since March 2025. The larger-than-expected decline was driven by falling food prices and weaker alcohol and tobacco costs, with lower clothing prices adding to the disinflationary trend as Black Friday discounting intensified across retail sectors. The soft…

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Japan signals FX vigilance, leans against yen weakness with verbal intervention

Japan signals increased vigilance on FX moves Yen weakness remains a key concern Verbal intervention used to temper speculation Long-term rates also under scrutiny No immediate policy action signalled Japan’s top government spokesman has stepped up verbal warnings on market conditions, signalling heightened official sensitivity to yen moves and rising long-term interest rates as authorities seek to lean against…

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PBOC sets USD/CNY reference rate at 7.0583 vs. 7.0573 previous

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) sets the USD/CNY central rate for the trading session ahead on Thursday at 7.0583 compared to the previous day’s fix of 7.0573. PBOC FAQs The primary monetary policy objectives of the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) are to safeguard price stability, including exchange rate stability, and promote economic growth. China’s central bank also…

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Financial & Forex Market Recap – Dec. 17, 2025

The U.S. dollar experienced choppy trading on Wednesday, ultimately emerging as the best performing major currency despite an intraday journey that saw session-to-session shifts in direction and momentum. During the Asian session, the dollar traded net higher against the major currencies, and with no direct economic news to point to, it’s likely rising geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and…

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Preview of the European Central Bank meeting – set to hold rates as euro zone growth firm

The European Central Bank is expected to leave interest rates unchanged at Thursday’s policy meeting, reinforcing the view that the easing phase has ended as the euro zone economy shows greater resilience and inflation remains anchored near target. the statement is due at 1315 GMT / 0815 US Eastern time European Central Bank President Lagarde will follow up with…

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US Dollar helped by caution ahead of major events

Here is what you need to know on Thursday, December 18: The US Dollar (USD) found some near-term demand on Wednesday, helped by the poor performance of Wall Street and hawkish comments from Federal Reserve (Fed) Governor Christopher Waller, who said o  the Fed is not in a rush to cut interest rates, adding the job market is very soft,” and that…

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US Dollar Eases On Soft Jobs Data. Forecast as of 17.12.2025

2025.12.17 2025.12.17 US Dollar Eases On Soft Jobs Data. Forecast as of 17.12.2025 Dmitri Demidenkohttps://www.litefinance.org/blog/authors/dmitri-demidenko/ The EUR/USD pair faced a rollercoaster ride following the release of the US employment statistics for October-November. The data will not force the Fed to cut rates before March. Moreover, narratives from a year ago may return to the markets. Let’s discuss these topics…

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Stock continue their tumble to the downside

The broader stock indices are continuing their tumble with the: S&P index -70 points or -1.03%. NASDAQ index -350 points or -1.52%. Dow industrial average is down -200 points at -0.41%. Russell 2000 is down 1% on the day Shares of Broadcom are continuing their run to the downside since announcing earnings on Thursday of last week. Key Technical…

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Despite nervousness over labor market and AI, analysts expect earnings to improve in 2026

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, ran an online survey in early December asking respondents whether attractive returns for risk assets would continue for a fourth straight year in 2026. Respondents overwhelmingly signaled in the affirmative, choosing the most bullish option available by just under 59%.  That poll, likely composed largely of retail traders, is surprisingly mirrored by most…

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Short-Term Analysis for BTCUSD, XRPUSD, and ETHUSD for 17.12.2025

2025.12.17 2025.12.17 Short-Term Analysis for BTCUSD, XRPUSD, and ETHUSD for 17.12.2025 Roman Oneginhttps://www.litefinance.org/blog/authors/roman-onegin/ Dear readers, I’ve prepared a short-term forecast for Bitcoin, Ripple, and Ethereum based on the Elliott wave analysis. The three crypto pairs continue to follow the scenarios we previously identified. The article covers the following subjects: Major Takeaways BTCUSD: The price may decline in wave (Z),…

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