Waterstones and Barnes & Noble owner looks to list booksellers on stock market

The Irish Central Bank has raised its growth forecasts, indicating that the economy is showing resilience against headwinds from the US economic landscape. This adjustment reflects a positive outlook amid global uncertainties, particularly those stemming from the US market.

UK consumer sentiment has risen to its joint-highest level of the year, according to GfK, indicating a positive shift in consumer confidence amidst ongoing economic challenges. This increase suggests that consumers are feeling more optimistic about their financial situations and future spending intentions.

The U.S. is considering the reclassification of marijuana, which could significantly impact the cannabis industry. This potential change aims to align federal regulations with the evolving public perception and state-level legalization efforts surrounding cannabis use and sales.

UK car production has stabilized, with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) showing signs of recovery and Nissan initiating electric vehicle (EV) production at its Sunderland plant. This development follows Nissan's investment of over £450 million, which includes £300 million directly into the UK automotive sector.

Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at easing federal regulations on marijuana, a move that has generated optimism within the cannabis industry. This decision is seen as a significant shift in the regulatory landscape, potentially leading to increased investment and growth opportunities in the sector.

Gold and silver prices are hovering near record highs, buoyed by slower-than-expected inflation data from the US, which has reinforced expectations for further interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Platinum is also approaching a 17-year peak, indicating strong demand across precious metals.

Asian equities experienced gains following the release of US inflation data, which indicated a cooling trend, thereby strengthening the case for potential interest-rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. This positive sentiment also contributed to a rise in American stocks, alleviating previous concerns in the tech sector.

Overseas holdings of US Treasuries fell in October, primarily due to China reducing its stockpile, while Japan and the UK experienced increases in their holdings. This decline reflects a shift in foreign investment patterns and potential concerns regarding the stability of US debt instruments.