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UK inflation turns positive again - business live UK inflation turns positive again - business live
(35 minutes later)
12.38pm GMT12:38
Shares in London have pushed higher following the news that Britain escaped negative inflation last month.
The FTSE 100 blue-chip index jumped by 102 point, or 1.75%, to 5977 points. That’s a hefty jump, clawing back all of yesterday’s selloff.
Investors are still holding their nerve ahead of the US central bank’s policy meeting on Wednesday night, where it’s likely to raise US interest rates.
There’s little prospect of the Bank of England following suit soon, though, given UK inflation is so far below the 2% target.
Almost all shares have gained ground in London today. Big risers include supermarket chain Sainsbury, after new figures showed that it had gained market share.
Research group Kantor also reported that major retailers are still cutting prices in an attempt to win sales; another reason why inflation is so low.
Related: Sainsbury's, Lidl and Aldi gain while rivals struggle
12.16pm GMT12:16
Page 21 of today’s inflation report contains a detailed breakdown of the Consumer Prices Index, showing how prices of key items rose (or fell) in the last year.
Here’s a flavour:
And that adds up to an overall inflation rate of +0.1%.
Updated at 12.22pm GMT
11.48am GMT11:4811.48am GMT11:48
Summary: UK inflation back above zeroSummary: UK inflation back above zero
Here’s our news story on this morning’s inflation figures, by Heather Stewart:Here’s our news story on this morning’s inflation figures, by Heather Stewart:
UK inflation nudged back above zero last month for the first time since July, with prices rising by 0.1%.UK inflation nudged back above zero last month for the first time since July, with prices rising by 0.1%.
Plunging global commodity prices have meant that inflation has been unusually weak in historic terms through much of 2015, and despite November’s 0.1% increase, the consumer prices index (CPI) shows that the price level across the economy stood barely higher than at the end of last year.Plunging global commodity prices have meant that inflation has been unusually weak in historic terms through much of 2015, and despite November’s 0.1% increase, the consumer prices index (CPI) shows that the price level across the economy stood barely higher than at the end of last year.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that smaller declines in transport costs, including petrol, than for the same month in 2014 had contributed to making inflation positive, as measured on the CPI.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that smaller declines in transport costs, including petrol, than for the same month in 2014 had contributed to making inflation positive, as measured on the CPI.
Clothing and footwear prices fell, partly offsetting the upward pressure from transport costs.Clothing and footwear prices fell, partly offsetting the upward pressure from transport costs.
Measured on the retail prices index (RPI), which is still used to set some train ticket prices and pension payments, and is calculated to include housing costs, inflation appeared stronger, at 1.1%...Measured on the retail prices index (RPI), which is still used to set some train ticket prices and pension payments, and is calculated to include housing costs, inflation appeared stronger, at 1.1%...
More here:More here:
Related: UK inflation moves above zeroRelated: UK inflation moves above zero
11.39am GMT11:3911.39am GMT11:39
Will UK pay rises wither?Will UK pay rises wither?
With inflation so low, UK workers are currently enjoying real wage increases of around 2.5% to 3%.With inflation so low, UK workers are currently enjoying real wage increases of around 2.5% to 3%.
That’s bringing some relief after the long cost-of-living squeeze after the financial crisis began.That’s bringing some relief after the long cost-of-living squeeze after the financial crisis began.
But there are concerns that wage increases could be pegged back in 2016; bosses could point to low inflation as a reason to keep the purse-strings tight.But there are concerns that wage increases could be pegged back in 2016; bosses could point to low inflation as a reason to keep the purse-strings tight.
The Institute of Directors has fired a warning shot into my inbox. Their economic analyst, Michael Martins, says Britain needs to boost productivity (a long-standing problem), before pay rises can be afforded.The Institute of Directors has fired a warning shot into my inbox. Their economic analyst, Michael Martins, says Britain needs to boost productivity (a long-standing problem), before pay rises can be afforded.
Employees may begin to demand higher wage increases in cash terms once prices begin to go up and they feel the pinch on their disposable incomes. When this occurs, employers and staff will be under even more pressure to raise productivity to pay for sustainable wage rises.Employees may begin to demand higher wage increases in cash terms once prices begin to go up and they feel the pinch on their disposable incomes. When this occurs, employers and staff will be under even more pressure to raise productivity to pay for sustainable wage rises.
This follows a warning from the Resolution Foundation, a think tank, overnight. It fears that real wage growth (nominal pay rises minus inflation) could drop to below 1% - -if inflation picks up and productivity remains weak.This follows a warning from the Resolution Foundation, a think tank, overnight. It fears that real wage growth (nominal pay rises minus inflation) could drop to below 1% - -if inflation picks up and productivity remains weak.
My colleague Katie Allen explains:My colleague Katie Allen explains:
The thinktank considers the impact of five different scenarios for productivity and prices on median hourly wage growth in 2016. On its best case, faster-than-expected productivity growth of 2% and prolonged low inflation that rises to just 1% by the end of the year could result in the fastest real wage growth for more than a decade at around 3%.The thinktank considers the impact of five different scenarios for productivity and prices on median hourly wage growth in 2016. On its best case, faster-than-expected productivity growth of 2% and prolonged low inflation that rises to just 1% by the end of the year could result in the fastest real wage growth for more than a decade at around 3%.
But if productivity growth holds at 1.3% and inflation grows more quickly than forecast to hit the Bank’s target of 2% by the end of the year, the pace of real wage growth could drop to 0.9%. That would leave workers waiting even longer to return to the kind of pay rises they enjoyed before the downturn.But if productivity growth holds at 1.3% and inflation grows more quickly than forecast to hit the Bank’s target of 2% by the end of the year, the pace of real wage growth could drop to 0.9%. That would leave workers waiting even longer to return to the kind of pay rises they enjoyed before the downturn.
Related: UK pay rises likely to fade fast, thinktank warnsRelated: UK pay rises likely to fade fast, thinktank warns
11.29am GMT11:2911.29am GMT11:29
Andy Scott, economist at money transfer company HiFX, is also in the growing band of experts who believe UK interest rates will remain at record lows for many months, thanks to weak inflation.Andy Scott, economist at money transfer company HiFX, is also in the growing band of experts who believe UK interest rates will remain at record lows for many months, thanks to weak inflation.
“We seem to be experiencing the effects of a slowdown in a number of producing countries, especially China, that are forcing prices lower.“We seem to be experiencing the effects of a slowdown in a number of producing countries, especially China, that are forcing prices lower.
We expect this situation to continue into next year and for the Bank of England to therefore maintain rates where they are until the back end of next year, possibly into 2017 depending on whether OPEC decide to intervene to lift oil prices.We expect this situation to continue into next year and for the Bank of England to therefore maintain rates where they are until the back end of next year, possibly into 2017 depending on whether OPEC decide to intervene to lift oil prices.
11.18am GMT11:1811.18am GMT11:18
Low inflation and cheap oil is a double-dose of pre-Christmas cheer for consumers, says Chris Williamson, of financial data provider Markit:Low inflation and cheap oil is a double-dose of pre-Christmas cheer for consumers, says Chris Williamson, of financial data provider Markit:
“This is clearly good news for consumers in two respects: low prices boost spending power and the dovish outlook for inflation takes pressure off the Bank of England from hiking interest rates any time soon.”“This is clearly good news for consumers in two respects: low prices boost spending power and the dovish outlook for inflation takes pressure off the Bank of England from hiking interest rates any time soon.”
11.17am GMT11:1711.17am GMT11:17
Cheaper oil prices may push the UK back into negative inflation soon. But rather than fuelling panic about deflation, it would be positive for the economy overall.Cheaper oil prices may push the UK back into negative inflation soon. But rather than fuelling panic about deflation, it would be positive for the economy overall.
Kallum Pickering of Berenberg Bank explains:Kallum Pickering of Berenberg Bank explains:
This is not a serious risk to the economy. As a net importer of oil the UK benefits when prices fall. Especially when some of these cost savings are passed onto households.This is not a serious risk to the economy. As a net importer of oil the UK benefits when prices fall. Especially when some of these cost savings are passed onto households.
10.50am GMT10:5010.50am GMT10:50
Osborne's policies blamed as UK house price inflation hits 7%Osborne's policies blamed as UK house price inflation hits 7%
The cost of a house in Britain continues to surge much faster than the headline inflation rate.The cost of a house in Britain continues to surge much faster than the headline inflation rate.
It’s a fresh blow to those trying to get on the housing ladder, and one expert says the chancellor is partly to blame.It’s a fresh blow to those trying to get on the housing ladder, and one expert says the chancellor is partly to blame.
The ONS has reported that UK house prices increased by 7.0% in the year to October 2015, up from 6.1% in the year to September 2015.The ONS has reported that UK house prices increased by 7.0% in the year to October 2015, up from 6.1% in the year to September 2015.
Price growth had been slowing earlier this year, but is now picking up again - driven by strong demand in the East and the South East of England, and in Northern Ireland.Price growth had been slowing earlier this year, but is now picking up again - driven by strong demand in the East and the South East of England, and in Northern Ireland.
Jeremy Leaf, former chairman of industry body RICS, says recent policies announced by chancellor George Osborne are making the housing market more unaffordable.Jeremy Leaf, former chairman of industry body RICS, says recent policies announced by chancellor George Osborne are making the housing market more unaffordable.
That includes higher stamp duty on buy-to-let landlords and people buying second homes, starting in April 2016.That includes higher stamp duty on buy-to-let landlords and people buying second homes, starting in April 2016.
Leaf, who is a north London estate agent, fears we’re entering boom territory as buyers rush to complete deals before the higher taxes kick in.Leaf, who is a north London estate agent, fears we’re entering boom territory as buyers rush to complete deals before the higher taxes kick in.
‘These figures reinforce the findings of other recent surveys, demonstrating that the housing market is heading towards a boom and bust that the government is partly responsible for but said it wanted to avoid.‘These figures reinforce the findings of other recent surveys, demonstrating that the housing market is heading towards a boom and bust that the government is partly responsible for but said it wanted to avoid.
‘The boom is being engineered because investors and second homeowners are rushing to buy before April and avoid higher stamp duty. Afterwards, we will see a much quieter market, with rising rents and affordability becoming more stretched as lending criteria tightens and interest rates potentially rise.’‘The boom is being engineered because investors and second homeowners are rushing to buy before April and avoid higher stamp duty. Afterwards, we will see a much quieter market, with rising rents and affordability becoming more stretched as lending criteria tightens and interest rates potentially rise.’
Updated at 10.53am GMTUpdated at 10.53am GMT
10.38am GMT10:3810.38am GMT10:38
UK inflation, the key chartsUK inflation, the key charts
This chart shows how the record-breaking monthly drop in clothing prices in November had the biggest impact on inflation last month.This chart shows how the record-breaking monthly drop in clothing prices in November had the biggest impact on inflation last month.
But the broad picture is that food, non-alcoholic drinks and transport are all cheaper than a year ago:But the broad picture is that food, non-alcoholic drinks and transport are all cheaper than a year ago:
Updated at 10.38am GMTUpdated at 10.38am GMT
10.21am GMT10:2110.21am GMT10:21
Our video team have pulled together a handy explanation of what inflation is, how it’s calculated, and why it can be a problem....Our video team have pulled together a handy explanation of what inflation is, how it’s calculated, and why it can be a problem....
10.18am GMT10:1810.18am GMT10:18
Cheaper petrol on the horizonCheaper petrol on the horizon
Today’s inflation report doesn’t capture the latest plunge in the oil price (which came close to its 2008 lows yesterday).Today’s inflation report doesn’t capture the latest plunge in the oil price (which came close to its 2008 lows yesterday).
That will only show up next month, when the impact of cheaper energy is recorded in December’s Consumer Prices Index.That will only show up next month, when the impact of cheaper energy is recorded in December’s Consumer Prices Index.
James Brown, partner at the London office of pricing experts Simon-Kucher & Partners, predicts that petrol and energy prices could fall in the weeks ahead:James Brown, partner at the London office of pricing experts Simon-Kucher & Partners, predicts that petrol and energy prices could fall in the weeks ahead:
“The value of a barrel of Brent crude has now tumbled below $40 (£26.39), which is the lowest it has been since the financial crisis. Motorists have already seen the savings from lower wholesale petrol prices being passed on at the pumps. Britain’s largest supermarkets have cut their petrol prices to less than a £1, the first time they have gone below this “magic” threshold for six years, in the hope that this can lure in customers during this crucial festive period. The pressure is now on the non-supermarket forecourts to follow suit.“The value of a barrel of Brent crude has now tumbled below $40 (£26.39), which is the lowest it has been since the financial crisis. Motorists have already seen the savings from lower wholesale petrol prices being passed on at the pumps. Britain’s largest supermarkets have cut their petrol prices to less than a £1, the first time they have gone below this “magic” threshold for six years, in the hope that this can lure in customers during this crucial festive period. The pressure is now on the non-supermarket forecourts to follow suit.
“This oil price drop should eventually filter through into savings on utilities bills, which will be particularly welcome as we enter into the coldest months of the year.“This oil price drop should eventually filter through into savings on utilities bills, which will be particularly welcome as we enter into the coldest months of the year.
Updated at 10.39am GMTUpdated at 10.39am GMT
10.03am GMT10:0310.03am GMT10:03
Maike Currie, associate investment director at Fidelity International, reckons Britain’s inflation rate will turn negative again soon:Maike Currie, associate investment director at Fidelity International, reckons Britain’s inflation rate will turn negative again soon:
“Today’s move into positive territory is likely to be short-lived with the massive fall in oil prices and the supermarket discount wars likely to keep a lid on UK inflation as we head into 2016. I expect UK CPI to continue see-sawing around the zero-mark for the near future.“Today’s move into positive territory is likely to be short-lived with the massive fall in oil prices and the supermarket discount wars likely to keep a lid on UK inflation as we head into 2016. I expect UK CPI to continue see-sawing around the zero-mark for the near future.
“Deflation is a double-edged sword which can have wreak economic havoc but can also kick start regenerative economic forces. The positive side effects of deflation as manifested in fuel in food prices is that it provides a boost to real incomes. In both the US and UK, falling prices coupled with a strengthening labour market, resulting in job and wage growth, raises real incomes.“Deflation is a double-edged sword which can have wreak economic havoc but can also kick start regenerative economic forces. The positive side effects of deflation as manifested in fuel in food prices is that it provides a boost to real incomes. In both the US and UK, falling prices coupled with a strengthening labour market, resulting in job and wage growth, raises real incomes.
Currie also reckons the Bank of England will leave UK interest rates at record lows through 2016.Currie also reckons the Bank of England will leave UK interest rates at record lows through 2016.
9.58am GMT09:589.58am GMT09:58
UK consumers enjoyed a record-breaking fall in clothing sales last month.UK consumers enjoyed a record-breaking fall in clothing sales last month.
Today’s report shows that prices fell by 0.1% between October and November -- the first monthly fall of this type since records began in 1996. It follows the largest September to October price increase on record.Today’s report shows that prices fell by 0.1% between October and November -- the first monthly fall of this type since records began in 1996. It follows the largest September to October price increase on record.
Clothing prices have been unusual this year. Retailers initially suffered a bad summer, as unseasonably cold weather hit demand for new holiday wear.Clothing prices have been unusual this year. Retailers initially suffered a bad summer, as unseasonably cold weather hit demand for new holiday wear.
This was compounded by a warm autumn, which forced shops to slash prices of coats and other winter gear in November.This was compounded by a warm autumn, which forced shops to slash prices of coats and other winter gear in November.
The ONS says there wereThe ONS says there were
....price movements for a broad range of outerwear (particularly women’s trousers) with more products on sale this November than a year ago.....price movements for a broad range of outerwear (particularly women’s trousers) with more products on sale this November than a year ago.
9.45am GMT09:459.45am GMT09:45
Here's why inflation is positive againHere's why inflation is positive again
The inflation report is packed with nuggets, explaining why the cost of living turned positive last month.The inflation report is packed with nuggets, explaining why the cost of living turned positive last month.
Transport has less of a drag on inflation, because it’s now more than a year since petrol prices began to fall sharply (so this effect starts to ‘drop out’ of the inflation report).Transport has less of a drag on inflation, because it’s now more than a year since petrol prices began to fall sharply (so this effect starts to ‘drop out’ of the inflation report).
The Office for National Statistics explains:The Office for National Statistics explains:
It also found that the fall in alcohol prices is bottoming out:It also found that the fall in alcohol prices is bottoming out:
Updated at 12.06pm GMTUpdated at 12.06pm GMT
9.44am GMT09:449.44am GMT09:44
The broad picture is that Britain’s inflation rate has been bobbing around zero this year:The broad picture is that Britain’s inflation rate has been bobbing around zero this year:
UK annual inflation positive for the first time in 4 months. Hasn't been higher than 0.1% since January pic.twitter.com/ctY6u1yq4cUK annual inflation positive for the first time in 4 months. Hasn't been higher than 0.1% since January pic.twitter.com/ctY6u1yq4c
9.35am GMT09:359.35am GMT09:35
First positive inflation data in UK since July...but at +0.1%, still WAY off 2% targetFirst positive inflation data in UK since July...but at +0.1%, still WAY off 2% target
9.34am GMT09:349.34am GMT09:34
9.32am GMT09:329.32am GMT09:32
UK inflation rate turns positiveUK inflation rate turns positive
Breaking: The UK has broken out from negative inflation, just!Breaking: The UK has broken out from negative inflation, just!
Prices rose by 0.1% annually in November, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.Prices rose by 0.1% annually in November, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.
That ends two months where the consumer prices index was minus 0.1%, causing concerns that Britain was facing deflation.That ends two months where the consumer prices index was minus 0.1%, causing concerns that Britain was facing deflation.
More to follow...More to follow...
9.23am GMT09:239.23am GMT09:23
Moody's slashes oil forecasts as supply glut buildsMoody's slashes oil forecasts as supply glut builds
With typical prescience, rating agency Moody’s has slashed its forecast for oil prices next year and predicted a ‘prolonged period of oversupply’.With typical prescience, rating agency Moody’s has slashed its forecast for oil prices next year and predicted a ‘prolonged period of oversupply’.
It now expects Brent crude to average just $43 per barrel in 2016, down from $53 previously. It also cut its forecast for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, the North American benchmark, to $40 from $48 per barrel.It now expects Brent crude to average just $43 per barrel in 2016, down from $53 previously. It also cut its forecast for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, the North American benchmark, to $40 from $48 per barrel.
It also predicts that prices of both flavours of oil will only rise by $5 per barrel in 2017, and in 2018.It also predicts that prices of both flavours of oil will only rise by $5 per barrel in 2017, and in 2018.
Moody’s points to the high levels of production by global oil producers has significantly exceeded growth in oil consumption. In particular, it believes that Iran will add significant new supplies once sanctions are lifted.Moody’s points to the high levels of production by global oil producers has significantly exceeded growth in oil consumption. In particular, it believes that Iran will add significant new supplies once sanctions are lifted.
Terry Marshall, Senior Vice President at Moody’s, argues that oil companies will flood the market at a faster rate than customers can consume it.Terry Marshall, Senior Vice President at Moody’s, argues that oil companies will flood the market at a faster rate than customers can consume it.
Marshall says:Marshall says:
“It will take time for these large global inventories to unwind, and combined with the possibility of new supply coming online from Iran, we expect oil prices to remain lower for a longer period than previously anticipated.”“It will take time for these large global inventories to unwind, and combined with the possibility of new supply coming online from Iran, we expect oil prices to remain lower for a longer period than previously anticipated.”
Here’s the full statement.Here’s the full statement.
Updated at 9.24am GMTUpdated at 9.24am GMT
9.06am GMT09:069.06am GMT09:06
Conner Campbell of SpreadEx says traders are hoping that the oil market won’t dominate the agenda again today:Conner Campbell of SpreadEx says traders are hoping that the oil market won’t dominate the agenda again today:
After a jittery, commodity-driven plunge on Monday, one that left the FTSE at 3 year lows, the markets will be hoping Tuesday’s busy day of data can distract investors from any further twists in the price-upsetting oil saga.After a jittery, commodity-driven plunge on Monday, one that left the FTSE at 3 year lows, the markets will be hoping Tuesday’s busy day of data can distract investors from any further twists in the price-upsetting oil saga.
And so far, the oil price does look calmer:And so far, the oil price does look calmer:
8.54am GMT08:548.54am GMT08:54
Australian traders would be forgiven for reaching for a few cold beers tonight, after seeing stocks hit their lowest level since the middle of 2013.Australian traders would be forgiven for reaching for a few cold beers tonight, after seeing stocks hit their lowest level since the middle of 2013.
From Melbourne, my colleague Martin Farrer explains:From Melbourne, my colleague Martin Farrer explains:
The Australian share market has slipped to its lowest level for more than two years after the benchmark ASX/S&P 200 index suffered its sixth successive day of losses.The Australian share market has slipped to its lowest level for more than two years after the benchmark ASX/S&P 200 index suffered its sixth successive day of losses.
After a volatile day’s trading on Tuesday, the index closed down 0.39%, or 19 points, at 4,909.6 points, its lowest point since July 2013.After a volatile day’s trading on Tuesday, the index closed down 0.39%, or 19 points, at 4,909.6 points, its lowest point since July 2013.
Oil and mining stocks fell again, reflecting how exposed Australia’s resource industry is to the commodity crunch and a slowing Chinese economy.Oil and mining stocks fell again, reflecting how exposed Australia’s resource industry is to the commodity crunch and a slowing Chinese economy.
Related: Australian share market hits two-year low after sixth straight day of lossesRelated: Australian share market hits two-year low after sixth straight day of losses
Updated at 9.07am GMTUpdated at 9.07am GMT
8.41am GMT08:418.41am GMT08:41
A healthy rally is underway across Europe this morning, despite the prospect of a historic US interest rate hike tomorrow evening.A healthy rally is underway across Europe this morning, despite the prospect of a historic US interest rate hike tomorrow evening.
The main indices are all in the green, up by around 1.5%, with traders holding their nerve as they await the conclusions of the Fed’s two-day meeting which begins in a few hours.The main indices are all in the green, up by around 1.5%, with traders holding their nerve as they await the conclusions of the Fed’s two-day meeting which begins in a few hours.
Chris Weston of IG says that investors are concerned that the Fed might commit a serious blunder by raising interest rates tomorrow.Chris Weston of IG says that investors are concerned that the Fed might commit a serious blunder by raising interest rates tomorrow.
The overriding feel I am getting is that traders want to buy risks assets again, but they are too concerned about being long in a market where traders genuinely inherit a belief of a policy mistake from the Federal Reserve.The overriding feel I am getting is that traders want to buy risks assets again, but they are too concerned about being long in a market where traders genuinely inherit a belief of a policy mistake from the Federal Reserve.
8.21am GMT08:218.21am GMT08:21
FTSE 100 rebounds from Monday's meltdownFTSE 100 rebounds from Monday's meltdown
Shares are rallying in London at the start of trading, as investors regain their nerve after yesterday’s wobble.Shares are rallying in London at the start of trading, as investors regain their nerve after yesterday’s wobble.
The FTSE 100 index of major blue-chip companies has bounced by 1.3%, recovering more than half of yesterday’s losses and reversing a long slump. Other European markets are also rallying....The FTSE 100 index of major blue-chip companies has bounced by 1.3%, recovering more than half of yesterday’s losses and reversing a long slump. Other European markets are also rallying....
Mining companies such as Glencore, BHP Billiton and Anglo American are among the FTSE risers, suggesting that peace has broken out - if only briefly - in the commodities rout.Mining companies such as Glencore, BHP Billiton and Anglo American are among the FTSE risers, suggesting that peace has broken out - if only briefly - in the commodities rout.
There’s some relief that the oil price didn’t plunge through its 2008 lows yesterday (although it came close), which helped drive shares up on Wall Street yesterday.There’s some relief that the oil price didn’t plunge through its 2008 lows yesterday (although it came close), which helped drive shares up on Wall Street yesterday.
Mike van Dulken of Accendo Markets reports:Mike van Dulken of Accendo Markets reports:
The positive opening comes thanks to a positive US close as a depressed oil price regained some composure from seven year lows courtesy of a weaker US dollar.The positive opening comes thanks to a positive US close as a depressed oil price regained some composure from seven year lows courtesy of a weaker US dollar.
It follows a weak Asian session with investors on edge as the Fed begins the two-day FOMC meeting that could culminate in the first US rate hike in nigh on a decade with repercussions from emerging markets to high yield debt.It follows a weak Asian session with investors on edge as the Fed begins the two-day FOMC meeting that could culminate in the first US rate hike in nigh on a decade with repercussions from emerging markets to high yield debt.
Earlier, Japan’s Nikkei closed down 1.6%. Shares in exporters suffered as the yen strengthened a little against the US dollar.Earlier, Japan’s Nikkei closed down 1.6%. Shares in exporters suffered as the yen strengthened a little against the US dollar.
8.02am GMT08:028.02am GMT08:02
VW loses market share againVW loses market share again
We have new evidence that Volkswagen’s sales have been dented by the emission scandal.We have new evidence that Volkswagen’s sales have been dented by the emission scandal.
Industry group ACEA has reported that car sales across the European Union jumped by 13.7% year-on-year in November.Industry group ACEA has reported that car sales across the European Union jumped by 13.7% year-on-year in November.
It’s the 27th consecutive month of growth, led by Spain (+25.4%), Italy (+23.5%) and France (+11.3%).It’s the 27th consecutive month of growth, led by Spain (+25.4%), Italy (+23.5%) and France (+11.3%).
US car marker Ford led the revival, with sales jumping by 20% year-on-year. Peugeot’s sales rose by +14.7, while Fiat posted a +19.8% jump.US car marker Ford led the revival, with sales jumping by 20% year-on-year. Peugeot’s sales rose by +14.7, while Fiat posted a +19.8% jump.
VW lagged behind, though, with sales across the group up by only 4.1%. Volkswagen-branded car sales rose by a mere 2.8%, while SEAT sales dropped by 3%.VW lagged behind, though, with sales across the group up by only 4.1%. Volkswagen-branded car sales rose by a mere 2.8%, while SEAT sales dropped by 3%.
And that means VW’s market share shrank to 12.2%, from 13.5%.And that means VW’s market share shrank to 12.2%, from 13.5%.
Last week, CEO Matthias Muller admitted that VW was “fighting for every sales, and every customer”, as it tries to stabilise the situation.Last week, CEO Matthias Muller admitted that VW was “fighting for every sales, and every customer”, as it tries to stabilise the situation.
The wider EU market looks quite heathy. Sales in 2015 are up 8.7% to 12,603,855 units, meaning 2014’s total has already been exceeded with a month to go.The wider EU market looks quite heathy. Sales in 2015 are up 8.7% to 12,603,855 units, meaning 2014’s total has already been exceeded with a month to go.
7.49am GMT07:497.49am GMT07:49
Britain’s brief flirtation with falling consumer prices could end today, when November’s inflation report is published at 9.30am.Britain’s brief flirtation with falling consumer prices could end today, when November’s inflation report is published at 9.30am.
Inflation was minus 0.1% in October and September, but has probably turned positive again now.Inflation was minus 0.1% in October and September, but has probably turned positive again now.
But even if the Consumer Prices Index has risen to +0.1, it will still be far from the Bank of England’s 2% target.But even if the Consumer Prices Index has risen to +0.1, it will still be far from the Bank of England’s 2% target.
Katie Allen’s inflation preview explains all:Katie Allen’s inflation preview explains all:
The rate has been pulled down sharply by a combination of tumbling global commodity prices, from oil to food, and the effects of a strong pound, which makes imports cheaper.The rate has been pulled down sharply by a combination of tumbling global commodity prices, from oil to food, and the effects of a strong pound, which makes imports cheaper.
But economists say that inflation probably returned to positive territory last month, mainly thanks to so-called base effects – falls in petrol and alcohol prices were smaller this November than a year earlier.But economists say that inflation probably returned to positive territory last month, mainly thanks to so-called base effects – falls in petrol and alcohol prices were smaller this November than a year earlier.
Related: UK inflation expected to turn positiveRelated: UK inflation expected to turn positive
Updated at 7.52am GMTUpdated at 7.52am GMT
7.35am GMT07:357.35am GMT07:35
The Agenda: Inflation figures loom as Fed meeting beginsThe Agenda: Inflation figures loom as Fed meeting begins
Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of the world economy, the financial market, the eurozone and business.Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of the world economy, the financial market, the eurozone and business.
America’s top central bankers will gather in Washington, DC, today to start what could be a historic two-day policy meeting. Markets currently reckon there’s a 76% chance that the Federal Reserve will take the plunge and hike borrowing costs from the current record low on Wednesday, for the first time in nearly a decade.America’s top central bankers will gather in Washington, DC, today to start what could be a historic two-day policy meeting. Markets currently reckon there’s a 76% chance that the Federal Reserve will take the plunge and hike borrowing costs from the current record low on Wednesday, for the first time in nearly a decade.
The Fed meeting continues to overshadow the markets today, fuelling volatility and causing ructions in the commodity and junk bond sectors.The Fed meeting continues to overshadow the markets today, fuelling volatility and causing ructions in the commodity and junk bond sectors.
While a hike is largely priced in, Fed chair Janet Yellen will need her A-game when she faces the press tomorrow, and tries to guide market expectations for monetary policy in 2016.While a hike is largely priced in, Fed chair Janet Yellen will need her A-game when she faces the press tomorrow, and tries to guide market expectations for monetary policy in 2016.
Peter Rosenstreich, head of market strategy at Swissquote Bank, explains:Peter Rosenstreich, head of market strategy at Swissquote Bank, explains:
Barring a massive shock, it’s highly likely the Fed will raise rates 25bp this week. With scant exception, it is universally broadcasted and already widely priced in. Therefore, investors will be focused on the Fed’s forecasts, notes and tone.Barring a massive shock, it’s highly likely the Fed will raise rates 25bp this week. With scant exception, it is universally broadcasted and already widely priced in. Therefore, investors will be focused on the Fed’s forecasts, notes and tone.
Given the deflationary impact of asset prices adjusting to the US hiking cycle; USD strengthening, oil / commodities falling and general weakness in global demand and data on uncertainty, we anticipate a dovish, gradual steepening strategy will be communicated.Given the deflationary impact of asset prices adjusting to the US hiking cycle; USD strengthening, oil / commodities falling and general weakness in global demand and data on uncertainty, we anticipate a dovish, gradual steepening strategy will be communicated.
If the Fed does hike, though, then it will be doing so in a much weaker inflationary environment than before.If the Fed does hike, though, then it will be doing so in a much weaker inflationary environment than before.
We get new inflation data from Britain and America today. Economists predict that the cost of living rose by 0.1% in the UK, up from -0.1% in October. US inflation is tipped to rise from 0.2% to 0.5% – still below the 2% targetWe get new inflation data from Britain and America today. Economists predict that the cost of living rose by 0.1% in the UK, up from -0.1% in October. US inflation is tipped to rise from 0.2% to 0.5% – still below the 2% target
After yesterday’s rout, European stock markets are expected to rebound this morning.After yesterday’s rout, European stock markets are expected to rebound this morning.
Spread-betters are predicting that the FTSE 100 will bounce by over 1%, having hit a three-year low last night.Spread-betters are predicting that the FTSE 100 will bounce by over 1%, having hit a three-year low last night.
European #stocks to rebound this morning according to #futures. +1.3% after 5 days of losses pic.twitter.com/UDoDT5eDz1European #stocks to rebound this morning according to #futures. +1.3% after 5 days of losses pic.twitter.com/UDoDT5eDz1
But the oil price remains weak, having flirted with its lowest levels since the financial crisis yesterday.But the oil price remains weak, having flirted with its lowest levels since the financial crisis yesterday.
And there could be developments in Greece, where MPs are due to vote on a new package of austerity measures tonight.And there could be developments in Greece, where MPs are due to vote on a new package of austerity measures tonight.
Here’s the timings:Here’s the timings:
We’ll be tracking all the main events through the day....We’ll be tracking all the main events through the day....
Updated at 7.40am GMTUpdated at 7.40am GMT