German inflation rises more than expected; labour market, retail sales weak

The recent outages at the CME have raised concerns among investors, highlighting the vulnerabilities in trading platforms that can disrupt market operations. These outages come at a time when market volatility is already heightened due to geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties.

Brent oil prices have remained stable, while WTI has also shown steadiness following a recent resumption in trading. This stability comes after fluctuations influenced by geopolitical tensions and market dynamics, particularly related to the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

WTI crude oil prices have increased following a temporary outage at the CME, while Brent crude has seen a slight decline amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. This fluctuation reflects the market's sensitivity to both technical disruptions and global events.

Gold prices have climbed and are on track for a fourth consecutive month of gains, driven by optimism surrounding a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. This positive sentiment has been reinforced by recent comments from Fed officials, indicating a shift in monetary policy that could favor gold as a safe-haven asset.

A UK Court has ruled that the issuance of new oil and gas exploration licences was lawful, affirming the government's decision to proceed with these licences despite previous challenges. This ruling comes amid ongoing debates about energy policy and environmental concerns in the UK.

German inflation rose unexpectedly to 2.6% in November, defying trends in neighboring countries where inflation rates have either stabilized or decreased. This increase highlights ongoing price pressures within the German economy, raising concerns about the effectiveness of previous monetary policies aimed at stabilizing prices.

The German parliament has approved a debt-heavy budget for 2026, reflecting the government's strategy to address economic challenges while managing public finances. This budget is characterized by increased spending aimed at stimulating growth amidst ongoing inflationary pressures.

The German parliament has approved the 2026 budget, which includes $208 billion in new debt, reflecting ongoing fiscal strategies to address economic challenges. This decision comes amid rising inflation and increased spending needs, indicating a significant shift in the country's financial planning.