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UK retail sales increased at the start of Q2
Asian equity markets mostly firmed, following the AI tech-inspired rally in the US. Meanwhile, there were reports that an agreement on the US debt ceiling issue was getting closer, with details suggesting an increase in the debt limit and a cap on spending for the next two years. Final details are still to be worked out. In Japan, Tokyo CPI inflation fell by more than expected to 3.2% in May from 3.5% in April for both the headline and core (excluding fresh food) measures. That increases the likelihood the Bank of Japan will maintain its policy stimulus measures. Official UK retail sales figures, released earlier ... (full story)