Here's my summary of the key news overnight in 90 seconds at 9 am, including news of stronger US growth.
The growth rate of the US economy in the third quarter was revised up to a 3.6% rate from 2.8%, with much of the gain attributed to businesses restocking and to an improving trade picture. Jobless rates are down too.
Meanwhile, some fast food workers staged a 24 hour strike for 'living wages' - US$15/hour (NZ$18.30).
The Dow and other stock indexes fell on the growth news, the gold price got confused, oil is unchanged, and UST benchmark 10yr yields rose to 2.85%.
Across the Atlantic, the ECB held interest rates unchanged overnight despite unveiling new forecasts for inflation to remain well below the bank's 2% target over the next two years. The Bank of England did the same.
The British Government has announced it is bringing forward its plans to raise the retirement age there - it will become 69 in the 2040s.
The Japanese government announced plans for a ¥5.5 trillion spending package (NZ$220 bln) to mitigate the expected drag on the economy from an upcoming GST increase. They need the sales tax increase to rein in their massive government deficits.
And China's central bank has stopped their financial institutions from offering services related to bitcoin and warned of risks associated with the virtual currency. Bitcoin is particularly popular in China due in part to its untraceable nature.
China has also announced it will build its own free trade network.
In Australia, Qantas has said it will cut 1,000 jobs will consider the possibility of partial sales of businesses including Jetstar and its frequent flyer loyalty program. The situation is brutal for the Aussie airline.
The NZ dollar starts today at 82.1 USc, 90.6 AUc , and the TWI is at 77.1.
The easiest place to stay up with today's event risk is by following our Economic Calendar here »
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