European and US equities closed another tumultuous week out on a high, with AI shares rebounding the tech sector. US inflation data was significantly lower than expected, which was a boon to markets and a prerequisite for further Federal Reserve rate cuts in the New Year. It will be a quiet week on markets in the coming Christmas week, with slow data release and most markets closed for holidays in a shortened week. The EUR held above 1.1700, while the GBP traded 1.3375.
Commodity currencies drifted into the week close, with the NZD falling back below 0.5750, while the AUD grimly held onto 0.6600. The Bank of Japan recognised the inflationary pressures and raised interest rates to 0.75%, the highest in 30 years. The rate rise pushed bond yields to record highs, but the Yen was dumped. The Japanese Ministry of Finance has also threatened to intervene to support the currency. This crises is far from over. Perhaps a Santa Rally in Share Markets is due, in the coming, shortened holiday trading week?
