Why Trump’s new pick for Fed chair hit gold and silver markets – for good reasons 
IMF Forecasts Global Inflation Decline as Growth Remains Resilient 
China Home Prices Rise in January as Government Signals Stronger Support for Property Market 
U.S.–Venezuela Relations Show Signs of Thaw as Top Envoy Visits Caracas 
Gold Prices Fall Amid Rate Jitters; Copper Steady as China Stimulus Eyed 
Russia Stocks End Flat as MOEX Closes Unchanged Amid Mixed Global Signals 
Japan Election Poll Signals Landslide Win for Sanae Takaichi, Raising Fiscal Policy Concerns 
India Budget 2026: Modi Government Eyes Reforms Amid Global Uncertainty and Fiscal Pressures 
South Korea Exports Surge in January on AI Chip Demand, Marking Fastest Growth in 4.5 Years 
Dollar Holds Firm as Markets Weigh Warsh-Led Fed and Yen Weakness Ahead of Japan Election 
Retail sales for November grew the most in four months, up 0.2 percent. This modest increase is less than expectations but above October's 0.1 percent figure. However, excluding gas and autos the figure was up a robust 0.6 percent, a definitive reversal of several months of weakness.
Eight of the 13 primary categories in retail improved last month. (Clothing, bars, and restaurants led the way as consumers realized that they didn't have anything to wear and they could use a drink!) Analysts conclude this recent hike in spending is due to a strong labor market that has put millions back to work and a solid increase in holiday shopping.
"Wages are expected to grow in the upcoming months and further strengthen consumer spending. Consumers are the driving force of any economy and this report confirms the role the consumers play in retail sector", says Voya Global Perspective.
