Market Information Friday 20 December 2019

Statistics Netherlands reports consumer confidence among Dutch consumers is unchanged compared to November. Consumer confidence at minus 2 is above the average of minus 4 over the past twenty years. The lowest point was reached in March 2013 with minus 41. Consumer confidence reached the highest level in January 2000 at 36.

The Japanese statistics agency reports that Japanese core inflation rose slightly to 0.5% on an annual basis in November compared to 0.4% in October. Core inflation measures the change in the cost of goods and services excluding those from the food and energy sectors. Inflation is still far below the 2% target. The increase is partly the result of a previous increase in the tax rate and the inflation rate corresponds to the average expectation of economists. Normal inflation in Japan remained stable at 0.2%.

The Nikkei in Tokyo closed slightly lower this morning with an 0.2% decrease to 23,816.63 points. Investors are watching the United Kingdom, where the British House of Commons will vote later today on the legislation required for departure from the European Union. Investors are also waiting for more clarity about the recently concluded provisional trade deal between China and the United States.

The 6M Euribor decreased with 1 basis point to -0.35% compared to previous business day. The 10Y Swap is unchanged at 0.15% 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.