Retail Sales, a key measure of consumer spending, in the United Kingdom (UK) fell 1.3% month-over-month (MoM) in April after rising by a revised 0.6% in March, the latest data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed on Friday.
Stock markets in the Asian region reflect sheer strength on Friday due to multiple tailwinds.
Gold prices fell in India on Friday, according to data compiled by FXStreet.
Japan’s National Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 1.4% YoY in April, compared to the previous reading of 1.5%, according to the latest data released by the Japan Statistics Bureau on Friday.
New Zealand’s Retail Sales, a measure of the country’s consumer spending, climbed 0.9% QoQ in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, compared to 0.9% in the previous reading, according to the official data published by Statistics New Zealand on Monday.
BNY’s Geoff Yu highlights that South Korean equities, especially AI and semiconductor names, face tightening financial conditions even as the KOSPI remains a top global performer. iFlow shows heavy institutional selling and extended outflows, which could now weigh on the Korean Won.
Bank of Richmond Federal Reserve (Fed) President Thomas Barkin said on Thursday that he doesn't think it's the right time for offering strong forward guidance in light of uncertainty surrounding inflation, US employment, and the long-term impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the labor market.
DBS Group Research economist Radhika Rao notes that Bank Indonesia (BI) surprised markets by raising its benchmark rate 50bp to 5.25%, prioritising macroeconomic stability and Rupiah support.
Commerzbank’s Dr. Vincent Stamer notes that the Euro area composite PMI fell further into contraction territory in May, suggesting a weak second quarter for the economy. Both manufacturing and services sentiment deteriorated, with services notably weaker.
Bank of Richmond Federal Reserve (Fed) President Thomas Barkin said on Thursday that "current monetary policy is in a good place to respond to ongoing shocks." Speaking about the US economic outlook and monetary policy, Barkin added that future rate decisions will depend on how businesses and consum
Iranian media reports, citing Al-Arabiya, suggest that the final draft of a US–Iran agreement has reportedly been completed with Pakistani mediation, with an official announcement potentially coming within hours.
ABN AMRO’s Georgette Boele notes that Sterling has weakened alongside the Euro versus the US Dollar, with energy prices a key driver. She argues UK political uncertainty could temporarily lift volatility in Sterling and gilts, but expects this phase to be short-lived.
Banco de Mexico (Banxico) released its latest meeting minutes on Thursday, in which the Middle East conflict dominated the board's discussion.