European Central Bank President Lagarde: Eurozone banks remain resilient.The rise in food prices has pushed the wholesale inflation in the United States to accelerate unexpectedly. The prospect of interest rate cuts next year is uncertain. The wholesale inflation rate in the United States unexpectedly rose in November, and the soaring egg price masked the moderate impact of price increases in other regions. According to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Thursday, the producer price index (PPI) rose by 0.4% month-on-month, the biggest increase since June, and economists surveyed by Bloomberg expected a median of 0.2%. PPI increased by 3% compared with the same period of last year, the biggest increase since the beginning of 2023. The core PPI excluding food and energy increased by 0.2% from the previous month and 3.4% from the same period of last year. The CPI report released on Wednesday showed that the core inflation rate in the United States remained firm for the fourth consecutive month. This series of data brought uncertainty to the outlook of prices and interest rates next year, especially when Trump threatened to raise import tariffs after taking office. Economists pay close attention to the PPI report because several of its breakdown data will affect the personal consumption expenditure price index (PCE) that the Federal Reserve is concerned about. Although PCE data will not be released before the Fed policy meeting next week, central bank officials will have a good understanding of the data according to CPI and PPI reports. The market generally expects the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates by 25 basis points next week, but the pace of interest rate cuts is expected to slow down next year.Analysis: Lagarde's speech increased the market's bet to cut interest rates by 50 basis points. In December, the European Central Bank lowered its economic forecast and inflation forecast. At the press conference, European Central Bank President Lagarde paid attention to the downside risks of economic growth, especially mentioning that trade friction may put pressure on economic growth, and also mentioned that they discussed cutting interest rates by 50 basis points. Therefore, the atmosphere of the whole meeting is biased towards doves. The market then increased its bet on a 50 basis point rate cut after January. Although the possibility of a sharp interest rate cut in January is stable at 30%, the possibility of a 50 basis point interest rate cut in March has increased from 30% before the meeting to 40%, and the possibility of a 50 basis point interest rate cut in April has increased from 0% to 5%.
Central Economic Work Conference: Implementing the Medical and Health Foundation Project and Formulating the Policy of Promoting Birth, which was held in Beijing from December 11th to 12th. The meeting proposed to implement employment support plans for key areas, key industries, urban and rural grassroots and small and medium-sized enterprises to promote the employment of key groups. Strengthen the protection of workers' rights and interests in flexible employment and new employment forms. We will implement policies to help industries and employment, ensure that large-scale return to poverty does not occur, and ensure the basic livelihood of people in need. Promote the high-quality and balanced development of compulsory education and solidly promote the expansion of high-quality undergraduate courses. Implement the medical and health foundation project and formulate policies to promote fertility. Develop community-supported home-based care for the aged and expand inclusive care for the aged. Adhere to and develop the "Fengqiao experience" in the new era and strengthen the public security system. (Xinhua News Agency)European Central Bank President Lagarde: The decline in corporate profit margins is due to the increase in the cost of absorbing labor. European Central Bank President Lagarde: It is observed that corporate profit margins have declined. Inflation risk is not a two-way street. The prospect of economic productivity is improving. The decline in profit margin is due to the increase in the cost of absorbing labor.World Meteorological Organization: The possibility of La Nina in the next three months is more than 50%. The latest forecast released by the World Meteorological Organization on the 11th shows that the possibility of La Nina in the next three months is more than 50%. It is expected that the intensity of La Nina will be weak and the duration will be short. According to the introduction of the World Meteorological Organization, the current El Niñ o/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) index is in a neutral state, which is neither El Niñ o nor La Nina. According to the forecast, from December 2024 to February 2025, the possibility of changing from the current neutral state to La Nina phenomenon is 55%. The forecast also shows that from February to April 2025, the possibility of returning to neutral state is 55%. (Xinhua News Agency)
The US Secretary of State met with Jordan's King and Deputy Prime Minister to discuss the situation in Gaza and Syria. On December 12, local time, the State Council issued a statement saying that US Secretary of State Blinken met with Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Overseas Chinese Affairs Assafadi and Jordan's King Abdullah II in Aqaba that day, and discussed issues such as reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, ensuring the release of all detainees, providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in all parts of Gaza and the situation in Syria. Blinken said that the United States supports the Syrian-led political transition. Blinken said that Syria must take all measures to protect civilians and promote the entry of humanitarian aid. Abdullah II reiterated that Jordan respects the choice of the Syrian people, but also stressed the importance of maintaining Syria's security and protecting its citizens. In addition, Abdullah II stressed that the first step to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire in the region is to stop Israeli attacks on Gaza. Abdullah II pointed out that achieving this goal requires immediate and serious international action. The meeting also discussed efforts to strengthen the humanitarian response to Gaza. Talking about the situation in the West Bank, Abdullah II warned the danger of Israel's unilateral actions and condemned Israel's continued attacks on Jerusalem and other places. He once again stressed that the "two-state solution" is the only way to achieve a just and comprehensive peace and the key to preventing the region from falling into more conflicts. (CCTV News)Dutch International Bank: The European Central Bank will continue to cut interest rates in the new year, Carsten Brzeski, macro director of Dutch International Bank, wrote in a report to customers that the European Central Bank will take action again to reduce borrowing costs. The euro zone central bank cut interest rates by 25 basis points on Thursday, in line with expectations. Inflation is still a worrying problem, but the resistance to growth is even greater, especially the financial crisis in France and the threat posed by the US tariff on European goods. He said that with the change in the tone of the European Central Bank, the bank may cut interest rates again in the new year.European Central Bank President Lagarde: Labor cost growth will slow down.