Group 1 - The dollar index (DXY00) reached a 1-week high, increasing by +0.19% due to yen weakness and positive comments from New York Fed President John Williams [1] - The dollar is facing pressure from the Federal Reserve's liquidity boost, with a monthly purchase of $40 billion in T-bills starting last Friday [2] - Concerns about President Trump's potential appointment of a dovish Fed Chair are negatively impacting the dollar, with Kevin Hassett being the likely candidate [2] Group 2 - US existing home sales in November increased by +0.5% month-over-month to a 9-month high of 4.13 million, although it fell short of the expected 4.15 million [3] - The University of Michigan's US December consumer sentiment index was unexpectedly revised down by -0.4 to 52.9, contrary to expectations of an upward revision [3] - The 1-year inflation expectations for December were revised upward to 4.2% from 4.1%, indicating rising inflation concerns [3] Group 3 - New York Fed President John Williams expressed optimism about economic data, projecting US GDP growth of 1.5% to 1.75% for this year, with no immediate need for further monetary policy action [4] - The market is pricing in a 22% chance of a 25 basis point cut in the fed funds target range at the upcoming FOMC meeting on January 27-28 [4]

Group 1 - Fresh US economic data indicates easing inflation pressures, but consumers are still under strain, suggesting improving macro conditions with potential near-term volatility for Bitcoin and the broader crypto market [1] - US consumer sentiment increased to 52.9 in December, which is nearly 30% lower than a year ago, while short-term inflation expectations dropped to 4.2% and long-term expectations eased to 3.2% [2][3] - Falling inflation expectations suggest households believe price pressures are easing, supporting the Federal Reserve's goal of cooling inflation without maintaining restrictive policies for too long [3][4] Group 2 - Lower inflation expectations reduce the necessity for high interest rates, leading markets to price in earlier or deeper rate cuts, which is significant for risk assets like crypto [5] - Historically, Bitcoin has responded more to liquidity conditions than to consumer confidence or economic growth, indicating a potential positive outlook for the crypto market as financial conditions loosen [5][6] - Lower interest rates typically reduce returns on cash and bonds, leading to a gradual loosening of financial conditions [6]

Eurozone consumer sentiment unexpectedly weakened in December despite cooling inflation and economic resilience against tariffs https://t.co/fFLzXf9Hk5 ...

All right, first though, let's get some breaking economic data that's just crossing. Rick Santelli has it for us. Rick.>> Yes, David, indeed. These are the December final reads on University of Michigan sentiment and the inflation metrics embedded in this report. So, the midmon read gets tossed. 53.3% was the midmon read on the headline.It now moves lower to 52.9%. That'll be the weakest since it was 51 in November. And I'd like to point out that if you look at the absolute low, it is 50 from June of 22.We' ...

Group 1 - The University of Michigan's monthly survey's headline index increased to 52.9 this month, up from 51 in November [1]

Consumer Sentiment - Consumer sentiment has drifted lower since October 2024, stabilizing slightly above the 50 level, with core sentiment estimates at 53.5% but coming in at 52.9%, lower than the previous 53.3% [2][3] - Expectations for consumer sentiment were around 55, but the actual print was 54.6%, indicating a slight decline in both sentiment and future expectations [3] Existing Home Sales - Existing home sales were over 6.5 million units in 2021 but have since stabilized slightly above 4 million, with the current month’s sales at 4.13 million, slightly below the estimate of 4.15 million [5] - Month-over-month readings showed a 0.5% increase, which is lower than the previous 1.5% [6] - Long-term trends indicate that current levels of existing home sales are among the lowest seen in the past 40-45 years, reflecting ongoing weakness in residential investment [7] Geopolitical Developments - The EU has approved a loan package of approximately €90 billion (about $105 billion) to Ukraine, which is not utilizing frozen Russian assets due to ongoing legal disputes [8][10] - This funding aims to address Ukraine's financial needs without escalating tensions with Russia, highlighting the importance of maintaining diplomatic negotiations [9][10] Central Bank Actions - The Bank of Japan (BOJ) raised its policy rate by 25 basis points to 0.75%, the highest since 1995, but the yen weakened, attributed to less hawkish commentary from the BOJ [11][12] - The interest rate differential between Japan and the United States remains significant, with U.S. rates around 36-37 basis points higher, contributing to the yen's volatility [14][15] - Traders are monitoring potential interventions by Japanese authorities to support the yen, especially as trading volumes may thin due to upcoming holidays [17]

Group 1 - US consumer sentiment rose in December, but the increase was less than expected [1] - US existing-home sales saw a slight increase in November, with contract closings up 0.5% to an annual rate of 4.13 million [1]

U.S. Michigan consumer sentiment edged up in December to 52.9, slightly above November but still nearly 30% lower than a year ago, reflecting ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Short-term inflation expectations fell for a fourth straight month to 4.2%, while long-term expectations eased to 3.2%, suggesting moderating inflation concerns despite weak overall confidence. ...

Group 1 - The article discusses the University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index, which is a key indicator of consumer confidence in the economy [1][2] - Recent data shows fluctuations in consumer sentiment, reflecting concerns over inflation and economic stability [1][2] - The report highlights that consumer sentiment has a direct impact on spending behaviors, which can influence overall economic growth [1][2] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the importance of monitoring consumer sentiment as it can provide insights into future economic trends and market conditions [1][2] - It notes that changes in consumer sentiment can lead to adjustments in monetary policy by the Federal Reserve [1][2] - The report suggests that understanding consumer sentiment is crucial for businesses and investors to make informed decisions [1][2]

Group 1 - Economic uncertainty has led to a significant decline in consumer sentiment, reaching a 21-month low [1] - There is an increasing preference among consumers to save rather than spend, indicating a shift in financial behavior [1] - The current economic climate is influencing overall market dynamics and consumer confidence [1]