Currencies
South African Reserve Bank pauses interest rates ahead of debt rating decision
South Africa's central bank opted to leave interest rates on hold on Thursday, but the country is still facing several hurdles on Friday when several key ratings agencies are set to choose whether to downgrade the country's debt.
Canadian retail sales held back by declines in vehicles and clothing
Recently collated data from Statistics Canada revealed a significantly lower than expected rise in Canadian retail sales in September, as gains from higher gasoline prices were offset by declines in sales of vehicles and clothing.
Belgian business confidence rises above forecasts in November
Business confidence in Belgium rose more than expected in November, led by a sharp improvement in sentiment in busines-related services and construction.
FX round-up: Sterling steady while euro moves up for third day
News out for the UK on Thursday showed second estimate GDP quarter/quarter came in as expected, 0. 4%, while the latest minutes from the European Central Bank (ECB) eluded to a discussion about cutting the current bong buying programme.
Iranian authorities give jailed British aid worker December court date
Iran informed jailed Iranian-British aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe on Thursday that she would be appearing in front of a court in December to face accusations of spreading propaganda.
Several ECB rate-setters push to de-link forward guidance from QE, minutes show
European Central Bank rate-setters believe their so-called 'forward guidance' has helped to anchor interest rate expectations within the bloc, the minutes of their last deliberations reveal, but several also pushed for more flexibility to allow for a quicker end to their asset purchases.
'Immediate action' required to stabilise Zimbabwe's economy - IMF
The International Monetary Fund has warned of the consequences of the Zimbabwean government not taking action to combat the country’s economic crisis.
Eurozone manufacturing and services PMIs fly higher in November
A new six-year year high for eurozone manufacturing and services sentiment pushed the single currency higher on Thursday morning, as the strengthening 'Euroboom' put the UK's low growth firmly in the shade.
Many on FOMC believe low inflation may also reflect persistent factors, minutes show
Central bankers in the States are pretty much set on raising their benchmark interest rate again when they meet again on 12-13 December, but the pace at which they will continue to do so in 2018 is less clear, the minutes of their policy meeting have revealed.