01-18-2023, 11:13 PM
Quote:A seismic policy shift by Japan's central bank is still a matter of when not if, say investors now hunkering down for fresh havoc in bond markets and wild swings in currencies. The Bank of Japan on Wednesday maintained ultra-low interest rates, including a bond yield cap it was struggling to defend, defying market expectations it would phase out its massive stimulus programme in the wake of rising inflationary pressure. Advertisement · Scroll to continue Analysts say a policy change is inevitable at some point given that Japanese inflation is at 41-year highs and the cost of keeping borrowing costs down rises.Analysis: BOJ has markets bracing for more bond, FX turmoil as shift seen inevitable | Reuters
Quote:Wall Street’s fear gauge has fallen to its lowest level in months, and Wall Street strategists are concerned it could be a warning that the latest stock-market rally is coming to an end. Specifically, they’re worried that the low level of the Cboe Volatility Index, otherwise known as “the VIX,” suggests that investors may have become complacent about the risks to their portfolios, raising the possibility that they could be caught off guard in a way that exacerbates the potential market mayhem, according to a series of research notes sent to clients and reviewed by MarketWatch. Others said they’re worried the low VIX will soon revert to its long-term average, bringing the latest market rebound to an end.Wall Street's 'fear gauge' flashes warning that stocks might be headed off a cliff
Quote:Average pay, including and excluding bonuses, rose by 6.4% between September and November compared with the same period in 2021, official figures show. It is the fastest growth since 2001, excluding during the height of Covid, but when adjusted for rising prices, wages fell in real terms by 2.6%. The gap between public and private sector pay is also near a record high...Pay rises at fastest pace for over 20 years, but below inflation
Private sector wages grew 7.2% annually in the three months to November, which was more than double that of the 3.3% increase in the public sector, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).