► European stocks fluctuated as weak manufacturing data from France and the Eurozone as a whole, as well as the far-right electoral win in the Netherlands continues to influence sentiment. The Stoxx Europe 600 index is still able to remain flat with overall still muted trading activity. European bonds fell after it was announced that Germany intends to suspend debt limits for another year (although this is a relief for the economy overall). Economic data in the eurozone continues to deteriorate. German gross domestic product shrank by 0.1 % in the three months to September, mainly due to falling consumer spending. The German business climate was also worse than expected (87.3 compared to 87.5 expected), but improved compared to the previous month (86.9).
► US markets were closed for the Thanksgiving holiday yesterday and will have a shortened day today with usually very limited trading activity on Black Friday. US stock futures indicate a mixed opening for Wall Street.
► Shares in Asia displayed a mixed trend. Japanese futures remained steady, catching up after a holiday. Hong Kong shares fell sharply by 1.96% after a positive performance this week. Japan's economy demonstrated varied signals, with manufacturing PMI indicating contraction and inflation data exceeding the Bank of Japan's target. The country's leading and coincident economic indicators also showed mixed trends. Japan's core consumer price index rose 2.9% in October Y/Y, missing forecasts. The country's annual inflation rate increased to 3.3%, the highest since July. However, Japan's manufacturing sector continued to contract, adding to economic concerns. In China, investors are also closely watching China's upcoming economic data, including PMI and industrial profits, amid concerns about the manufacturing sector's contraction and the effectiveness of property stimulus measures.
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