Reuters

New Zealand’s central bank on Thursday hinted at a lower growth outlook as a long construction boom loses momentum and against the backdrop of political uncertainty from an inconclusive national election.

Brent prices fell on Wednesday while U.S. crude rallied, after oil stockpiles in the world’s top consumer unexpectedly drew down with refiners coming back online following Hurricane Harvey last month.

The dollar on Wednesday climbed to a one-month high against a basket of currencies after strong economic data helped boost expectations for a U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate hike in December.

Sterling rose to a 10-week high against the euro on Wednesday, lifted by data showing British retail sales growth hit a two-year high during the first part of this month, which bolstered bets on a Bank of England rate hike in November.

China’s yuan fell to its weakest level in nearly a month on Wednesday but recouped its losses by midday as the market grew nervous over how much further the central bank will allow the currency to weaken.

Annual profits at China’s industrial companies rose 24 percent in August, accelerating from the previous month in an indication economic growth remains in good heart even as signs emerge of fading momentum following a robust first half.

The Federal Reserve needs to continue gradual rate hikes despite broad uncertainty about the path of inflation, Fed Chair Janet Yellen said on Tuesday in remarks

French President Emmanuel Macron will attempt to marry his vision for Europe with the reality of German politics on Tuesday as he delivers a speech at the Sorbonne laying out plans for overhauling Europe’s single currency zone.

A Republican tax-cut plan due to be unveiled on Wednesday is expected to call for a new rate for “pass-through” businesses of about 25 percent, which would bring huge tax savings to millions of U.S. business owners, a lobbyist familiar with the negotiations said.

European shares were flat on Tuesday after a selloff in technology shares on Wall Street and as tensions over Korea persisted, while investors were awaiting further clues on whether U.S. interest rates will rise in December.