In case you missed it: Goldilocks returns

Positive signs on the trade front, a surprisingly dovish Federal Reserve and another solid month for US jobs gave risk assets a boost this week, capping the best January for US stocks in 30 years. Goldilocks is well and truly here. But the bears are lurking.

In this bundle

United States

Federal Reserve: Prudent patience

No change from the Federal Reserve as they emphasise they are in no hurry to raise interest rates. But if the data warrants it, and we think it will, they…

US jobs report: Stronger than ever

The main message is that strong employment growth is resulting in higher pay and this is attracting more people back to the labour market. The Fed is on…

Trade

US-China trade talks: No solution in sight

The US and China meet tomorrow in an attempt to cut a trade deal. But chances are that protectionism will get worse before it gets better. US demands are…

Eurozone: No bounce back in GDP

GDP growth of just 0.2% quarter-on-quarter in the final quarter of 2018 confirms the slow growth environment that the eurozone has slipped into and there…

India

India: Bracing for yet another turbulent year

Markets are bracing for intensified political risk as a general election looms in May. Losses by Modi’s incumbent party in recent state elections…

What the Venezuelan oil sanctions mean for supply

The US has imposed sanctions on Venezuelan state-owned oil company PDVSA, effectively bringing US purchases of Venezuelan oil to an end. The announcement…