In the UK today the market awaits the release of the third quarter GDP data, and details of private consumption and government spending. It is also another heavy day of economic reports being released from the U.S.  Today’s data from the U.S could see jobless claims move below 500,000 for the first time in months.

In yesterday’s afternoon release, the Fed’s minutes from its Nov. 4th meeting showed the Fed sees a slow economic recovery, paired with high unemployment, the ingredients for a period of low rates. The Fed, however, also increased its growth estimate for the economy for 2010.

The UK market and the European markets have opened up around 0.75%. U.S futures markets are pointing to a slightly positive start when their markets open this afternoon.

© Brooks Macdonald Asset Management 2009

Sources: Reuters: BBC, Bloomberg, Lawshare, Deutsche Bank (db), Proquote, Financial Times, Wall Street

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Please note this report provides a guide to some of the relevant areas that individual investors should consider discussing with an authorised adviser in relation to their specific circumstances, it does not constitute individual advice. As a result no action should be taken or refrained from being taken as a result of its content.