There has been a lot of economic data releases so far this week whilst trading has been low with the US market closed on Monday to mark Martin Luther King Day.

Markets had a strong start to the year.

The UK’s FTSE 100 touched its highest level since 2018.

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) surprised markets on Tuesday with an unexpected change to its bond yield control. The Yen rallied following the decision, allowing Japan’s 10-year bond yields to rise to around 0.5%, up from the previous limit of 0.25% which will enable long-term interest rates to rise.

Investor sentiment was boosted this week, as commodity markets and oil prices gained on the prospect of increased demand from China

China’s football fans are feeling a little left out as the rest of the world comes together mask free, to cheer on their respective teams at the World Cup in Qatar.

Oil prices went on a wild ride this week, prices fell to a 10-month low on Monday after the Wall Street Journal reported that OPEC would increase supplies at their next meeting.

The UK’s annual inflation rate jumped to 11.1% in October of 2022 from 10.1% in September, higher than market forecasts of 10.7%.

Markets remained cautious this week as all eyes were on the US mid-term elections as Americans headed to the polls yesterday.

Shares of Chinese companies listed in the US fell on Monday after President Xi Jinping secured a historic third term and packed the Politburo standing committee, the core circle of power in the ruling Communist Party of China, with Xi loyalists.

Global equity markets started the week strongly, emphasising the strength of equity markets in the face of economic noise.