� A strong move higher in the US, with the CPI print providing comfort.
� Yields lower, swap traders back to pricing in a July cut and a very good set of earnings from the banks added to the positive momentum today.
� Volumes average but breadth good.
� Vol sold off post the release and that was another reason for the strength, especially in beta sectors.
� Comm Services, Financials and Consumer Discretionary outperformed, while Real Estate, Healthcare and Staples lagged.
� Its green across the board over in AsiaPac, although initial gains have faded.
� The BOK unexpectedly held its rate at 3%, Aussie labor market showed an increase of 56k jobs and a slight rise in the unemployment rate.
� BoJ hinting a hike as soon as next week � yen is bid.
� Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal that will start on Sunday.
� Tencent unchanged vs ADR +2.4%. Not a lot to speak of on the currency front � ZAR c18.81.
� Commodities better bid, with the only notable laggards being plat and pall.
� Oil extended its move higher with lower US inventories assisting.
� Rio Tinto Q4 prod showed a solid performance into year end.
� The rand is weaker this morning, at R18.82/$, after closing stronger yesterday (R18.78/$*).
Key events and data:
� 09h00: UK monthly GDP (November), industrial production (November), manufacturing production (November), visible trade balance (November)
� 12h00: Eurozone trade balance (November)
� 13h00: SA electricity production and consumption (November)
� 14h30: Eurozone ECB MPC meeting minutes (11-12 December)
� 15h30: US retail sales (December), initial jobless claims (11 January)
� 17h00: US business inventories (November), NAHB housing market index (January)