The calendar will take on a festive feel next week, as many economies start to wind down for Christmas and the New Year.
That said, some central banks will still be hard at work. However, there should not be any surprises when a pair of Asian central banks announce their latest interest-rate decisions. China could keep its Loan Prime Rate steady at 3.85%, while the Bank of Thailand is expected to maintain its key policy rate at 0.5%.
Turning to Europe, if you thought that an amicable Brexit deal would be done and dusted before Crimble, then think again. The UK said a no-deal outcome remained the most likely. At the heart of the problem are fishing rights. It could be a red herring.
With Christmas in the air, Japan could report its second consecutive month of retail sales growth. In October, they rose 6.4%, following an easing of COVID-19 restrictions. They are expected to have grown 2% in November.
Vietnam will also report retail sales. The Land of the Blue Dragon could say that shopkeepers saw another month of robust sales growth, as the momentum in November is matched by a comparable rate of 8.5% in December.
Staying in Vietnam, the country is expected to report that industrial production grew 5.5% in December, which would be slower than the 9.2% in the previous month. Elsewhere, the rate of inflation could have crept up to 2.2% in December compared to 1.5% in November.
Meanwhile, consumer prices could have dropped again in Malaysia as the country reports its ninth successive month of falling prices. In October, prices fell in the transportation sector, housing, and clothing.
Don’t forget most markets will be closed over the festive period. The New York Stock Exchange, Singapore Exchange, and Hong Kong Exchange & Clearing will close early on Christmas Eve and will be shut on Christmas Day. Bursa Malaysia will be closed on Christmas Day.
And finally, as 2020 draws to a close, we should be grateful if we have survived the turbulent year. We should also spare a thought for those whose lives have been ruined by COVID-19 and try to help those less fortunate as we look forward to a better 2021.
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Disclosure: David Kuo does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned.
