Currencies
Asia close: Stocks rise amid heightened risk appetite
Asian stocks were mostly higher at the start of the week, even as traders and analysts continued to ponder aloud about the underpinnings of recent equity market gains.
Trump defends his mental health: "I'm a stable genius"
President Donald Trump has hit back at people questioning his mental health by boasting about his intelligence on Twitter.
Nicola Sturgeon: "No Brexit is preferable to no deal"
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has made clear that a Brexit without a deal is unthinkable and has said that Theresa should stop appeasing hard-line Brexiteers and think about what is best for the country.
Merkel hopeful of renewed coalition talks
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was optimistic that renewed talks between her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) would break the nation's political stalemate.
European consumer, business and investor sentiment surveys all impress
European consumer, business and investor sentiment surveys were all better than expected on Monday, though expectations for inflation and therefore interest rates remain low.
UK economic sentiment rises along with improved EU mood
UK economic sentiment improved in December, according to a European Commission survey released on Monday.
National Bank of Romania hikes interest rates by surprise
Romania's central bank surprised most forecasters on Monday, hiking its main policy rate at the turn of the year in a bid to dampen above-target inflation.
China FX reserves rise to highest level in over a year in December
China's foreign exchange reserves hit their highest level since September 2016 last month as interbank liquidity tightened, analysts said.
German factory orders slip in November
German factory orders unexpectedly slipped in November, according to data released by Destatis.
2018 outlook for miners compelling, Barclays says
The outlook for miners remains "compelling", analysts at Barclays told clients, pointing to a raft of positive drivers for the sector.
Eurozone retail sales beat forecasts
Retailers in the euro zone are enjoying a better time than their UK counterparts, a survey showed on Monday.