Core Insights - The U.S. unemployment rate for November reached 4.6%, exceeding expectations of 4.4%, marking the highest level since September 2021 [3] - The U.S. November core CPI year-on-year was reported at 2.6%, lower than the expected 3% [3] - The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 0.75%, the highest level in 30 years, indicating a more optimistic economic outlook [3] Economic Indicators - The U.S. non-farm payrolls for November increased by 64,000, surpassing the forecast of 50,000 [3] - Initial jobless claims in the U.S. for the week ending December 13 were 224,000, slightly below the expected 225,000 [3] - The Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index for December was finalized at 52.9, a slight increase from November's 51.0, but still down 28.5% year-on-year [3] Upcoming Events - On December 23, the Bank of Japan will release the minutes from its October monetary policy meeting [4] - The U.S. will report initial jobless claims for the week ending December 20 [4] - The U.S. will also release preliminary figures for Q3 real GDP and core PCE price index on December 24 [4]

Core Viewpoint - The recent UK inflation data has diminished hopes for a rate cut by the Bank of England in June, but there remains a possibility for a cut in August due to weakening pricing power [1] Inflation Data Summary - April CPI increased by 3.5% year-on-year, up from 2.6% in March [1] - Service sector inflation rose significantly from 4.7% to 5.4%, which is a larger rebound than anticipated by the Bank of England [1] - Some of the inflation increase is attributed to road tax and the Easter period, which the Bank may overlook [1] Future Outlook - It is expected that the service sector inflation rate will decline to 4.5% during the summer, potentially allowing for a rate cut in August [1]