FTSE 100 share index records biggest weekly loss in a year, as US shutdown fears hit markets – as it happened

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news Newsflash: Russia’s central bank has surprised economists by leaving interest rates on hold. At their final monetary policy meeting of the year, the Bank of Russia Board of Directors decided to keep the key rate at 21.00% per annum. The Bank of Russia will assess the need for a key rate increase at its upcoming meeting taking into account further lending and inflation dynamics. According to the Bank of Russia’s forecast, given the monetary policy stance, annual inflation will decline to 4.0% in 2026 and stay at the target further on. “I told the European Union that they must make up their tremendous deficit with the United States by the large scale purchase of our oil and gas. “Otherwise, it is TARIFFS all the way!!!.” Continue reading...