GBP CPI y/y 2.1% 2.2% 2.2%

GBP PPI Input m/m -0.7% -0.5% -0.6%

GBP RPI y/y 2.6% 2.7% 2.6%

GBP Core CPI y/y 1.8% 1.8% 1.7%

GBP HPI y/y 5.5% 4.2% 3.8%

GBP PPI Output m/m -0.2% -1.2% -0.3%

German parliament confirms Angel Merkel for new term

Angela Merkel has been confirmed as German chancellor for a third term, at the head of a grand coalition, by a vote in parliament.

Her centre-right CDU/CSU bloc fell short of an overall majority in September's polls and will share power with the Social Democrats (SDP).

German ZEW Economic Sentiment 62.0 55.3 54.6

GBP CBI Industrial Order Expectations 12 12 11

Ex-divs to take 0.32 points off FTSE 100 on Dec 18

Midday Market Overview

CAD Manufacturing Sales m/m 1.0% -0.2% 0.6%

USD Core CPI m/m 0.2% 0.1% 0.1%

USD CPI m/m 0.0% 0.1% -0.1%

USD Current Account -95B -101B -99B

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USD NAHB Housing Market Index 58 55 54

End-of-day Market Overview