June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.
June 19, 2026 05:13 ETUK retail sales rebounded in May as promotions and the hot weather drove consumer spending data, from the Office for National Statistics showed Friday. Retail sales grew by more-than-expected 1.2 percent on a monthly basis in May, in contrast to April's 1.0 percent fall. Sales were forecast to climb 0.5 percent. Excluding auto fuel sales, retail sales moved up 1.2 percent.
June 19, 2026 08:44 ETCanadian stocks may open on a negative note Friday morning as weak precious metals prices and uncertainty about U.S. and Iran agreeing on a long-term truce are likely to weigh on sentiment.
June 19, 2026 05:59 ETGold prices fell sharply on Friday and were on track for a third weekly loss amid expectations that central banks including the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates to curb inflation. A stronger dollar due to uncertainty over the U.S.-Iran peace deal also dented safe-haven demand for bullion....
June 18, 2026 08:07 ETSentiment in global markets remains mixed as an easing in geopolitical tensions attributed to the peace deal signed between the U.S. and Iran as well as renewed worries about interest rates going up, both impacted market sentiment.