Stocks of crude oil refer to the weekly change of the crude oil supply situation.

API Crude Oil Stock Change

Current Account is the sum of the balance of trade (exports minus imports of goods and services), net factor income (such as interest and dividends) and net transfer payments (such as foreign aid).

Current Account

Japan's main imports are mineral fuels (22 percent of total imports), with petroleum accounting for 10 percent and LNG for 6 percent; electrical machinery (15 percent) on the back of telephony, telegraphy and semiconductors; chemicals (10 percent) due to medical products and organic chemicals; machinery (10 percent) in particular computers and units; foodstuff (9 percent) such as fish and fish preparations and meat and meat preparations; manufactured goods (9 percent) on nonferrous metals; and raw materials (6 percent) mainly ore of nonferrous and iron ore and concentrates. Japan's main import partners were China (23 percent), the EU (12 percent) in particular Germany (3 percent), the US (11 percent), Australia (6 percent), South Korea (4 percent), Saudi Arabia (4 percent), Taiwan (4 percent), the UAE (4 percent) and Thailand (4 percent).

Imports YoY

Exports of high technology products have been the engine of Japan's economic growth since 1960. Exports account for around 19 percent of total GDP. Main exports were: transport equipment (24 percent of total exports), with motor vehicles accounting for 16 percent; machinery (20 percent) on the back of power generating machine and semicon machinery; electrical machinery (17 percent), such as semiconductors, IC and electrical apparatus; chemicals (11 percent), mainly plastic materials and organic chemicals; and manufactured goods (11 percent), such as iron and steel products, nonferrous metals and manufactures of metals. Japan's main export partners were the US (20 percent), China (19 percent), the EU (12 percent) in particular Germany (3 percent), South Korea (7 percent), Taiwan (6 percent), Hong Kong (5 percent), and Thailand (4 percent).

Exports YoY

Japan’s trade balance has fluctuated in recent years partly because of disruptions to production and other problems related to the coronavirus pandemic. In 2022, the country recorded persistent monthly trade deficits as imports surged more than exports. On one hand, the weak yen has helped to drive exports to record highs but on the other, it had made the cost of imported products especially food and energy commodities very expensive. The biggest trade deficits were reported with Australia, China, and Middle East countries while the biggest trade surpluses were recorded with the United States, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore.

Balance of Trade

In the United Kingdom, the core inflation rate tracks changes in prices that consumers pay for a basket of goods which excludes some volatile price items.

Core Inflation Rate YoY

Inflation Rate MoM measures month over month change in the price of goods and services.

Inflation Rate MoM

In United Kingdom, the most important categories in the Consumer Price Index are: Transport (14%), Housing & Utilities (14%), and Recreation & Culture (13%). Food & Non-alcoholic Beverages account for 12%, Restaurants & Hotels for 11%, Miscellaneous Goods & Services for 9%¸ Furnishings, Household Equipment & Routine Maintenance of the House for 8%, and Clothing & Footwear for 6%. Others include: Alcoholic Drinks, Tobacco & Narcotics (5%), Education (3%), Communication (3%) and Health (2%).

Inflation Rate YoY

Due to the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays, the trading hours for some instruments and markets will be affected.

See the changes to the trading schedule below.

Changes to market ho...

Changes to trading hours for Christmas and New Year 2024

With the Bank of England’s (BoE) next policy announcement fast approaching, analysts widely anticipate that the base rate will remain unchanged at 4.75%. Factors such as rising inflation, eco...

BoE Interest Rate Decisions December 2024

With global economic uncertainties on the rise, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is expected to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 0.25% on 19th December 2024. The decision underscores the BoJ’s ...

BoJ Interest Rate Decisions December 2024

On December 18th, 2024, the Federal Open Market Committee is set to deliberate on monetary policy, with expectations of a 25 basis point reduction in the Federal Funds Rate to 4.50%. This adj...

The Federal Reserve's December 2024 Interest Rate Decision

As we approach the final trading weeks of the year, the financial markets are set to witness a flurry of economic data releases and pivotal central bank decisions. The week kicks off on Monda...

Weekly market analysis from 16th December

The European Central Bank (ECB) is gearing up for its December 12th policy meeting, with expectations set for a 25 basis points reduction in its key interest rate.

The decision aligns with a...

ECB's Potential Interest Rate Cut: December 2024

The Bank of Canada is expected to make another substantial adjustment to its key interest rate this week on the 11th December 2024. Prompting the financial markets to prepare for a notable 50...

Bank of Canada Anticipated to Announce Another Significant Interest Rate Cut

Switzerland's economic scene takes center stage as inflation sees a slight increase in November, the Swiss National Bank (SNB) prepares for a crucial interest rate decision on Thursday 12th D...

Top gainers

Top losers

Relative currency strength

Client sentiment

Technical analysis

Technical views

Latest market news

Todays economic data releases