It may be the holiday break, but in the rest of the world, business goes on. Here is a quick snapshot of some key news and data overnight.
China raised its interest rates on Christmas eve by +0.25% to 5.81% for lending, the second time it has done so in eight weeks. It is seriously worried about runaway inflation. It also lifted its benchmark deposit rates by the same amount, to 2.75%.
Japan's second largest life insurer has agreed to buy Tower Australia for A$1.2 billion.
US equities rose in their largest December rally in over ten years on signs of growing global demand, and rising commodity prices.
China cut its export quotas for rare-earth minerals by 11% for early 2011, exacerbating a global shortage. These minerals are used in smart-phones, hybrid cars - and guided missiles.
Demand for 5 year US Treasury bonds was at its lowest level since June.
Southern Cross Building Society has increased most of its term deposit rates, bringing them in line with the Marac TD rates.
The cost of crude oil is on the rise, and now sits at its 52 week high. In fact, airlines are being tipped to add fuel surcharges again as the cost of jetfuel surges.
The NZ dollar has spiked this morning to as high as US$0.76, 'benefiting' from another push higher in the on-going commodity price boom.
Here are some key benchmarks:
| --- 52 week -- | ||||||||
| Today | yesterday | high | low | |||||
| -------- | -------- | --------- | --------- | |||||
| FX rates | NZ$1=US$ | 0.7547 | 0.7499 | 0.7964 | 0.6584 | |||
| NZ$1=AU$ | 0.7473 | 0.7472 | 0.8212 | 0.7408 | ||||
| Gold | in US$ | 1,380 | 1,373 | 1,421 | 1,058 | |||
| in NZ$ | 1,829 | 1,832 | 1,877 | 1,507 | ||||
| Copper | in US$ | 9,391 | 9,270 | 9,414 | 6,091 | |||
| in NZ$ | 12,443 | 12,362 | 12,671 | 8,951 | ||||
| Crude oil | in US$/bl | 91.45 | 91.01 | 91.45 | 70.15 | |||
| in NZ$ | 121.15 | 121.36 | 121.36 | 101.30 | ||||
| US Treasuries | 30 yr bond | 4.49% | 4.41% | 4.78% | 3.61% | |||
|
|
||||||||
| Dow | DJIA 30 | 11,587 | 11,555 | 11,591 | 9,614 | |||
No chart with that title exists.
We welcome your comments below. If you are not already registered, please register to comment
Remember we welcome robust, respectful and insightful debate. We don't welcome abusive or defamatory comments and will de-register those repeatedly making such comments. Our current comment policy is here.