Market Information Friday 22 December 2023

According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. government is considering an increase in import tariffs on Chinese electric cars. This measure is being contemplated to safeguard the domestic production and sales of American cars. It appears that the Chinese auto industry continues to be capable of producing cars at lower costs than American automakers. In response, the Biden administration has already imposed a 25% import tariff on a Chinese automaker like BYD. There is now also the possibility that this tariff may be further raised.

On Thursday, final figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce revealed that the growth of the U.S. economy in the third quarter was lower than initially reported. The economy showed a growth of 4.9% in the third quarter, as opposed to the previously reported 2.1% in the second quarter.

Recent government statistics indicate that the annual increase in consumer prices in Japan was lower in November compared to the previous month. The inflation rate, including the impact of fresh food and energy, now stands at 2.8%, as opposed to 3.3% one month earlier. Inflation has been above the Bank of Japan’s targeted level of 2% for nineteen consecutive months.

The 6M Euribor is unchanged at 3.92% compared to previous business day. The 10Y Swap is unchanged at 2.44% compared to previous business day.

In the attachment, today’s market data on money and capital market rates as well as other rates are presented.