U.S. stocks rose for the first time in four days, while the dollar strengthened amid a recommendation to buy the currency a week before the Federal Reserve is anticipated to raise interest rates. Crude oil fell for a fifth day.

The Standard & Poor's 500 Index almost erased a 1 percent gain in the final 90 minutes of the session, with the advance stalling at the gauge's average price for the past 200 days. The gain is the first since a three-day slide erased 2 percent after last week's payrolls data hardened the consensus on Wall Street for a Fed rate hike. The dollar hovered near the highest in a decade as Citigroup Inc. called the greenback "attractive." Crude sank below $37 a barrel to settle at a six-year low.

The Fed meeting is expected to confirm that Chair Janet Yellen believes the world's biggest economy is strong enough to cope with the first increase in borrowing costs since 2006. Still, investors are caught between optimism about U.S, growth and concern that a slowdown in China and the consequent tumble in commodities will damp global growth prospects. Oil's slump since OPEC's decision to effectively abandon its production target has unsettled global financial markets.

The S&P 500 rose 0.3 percent at 4 p.m. in New York, ending just below its 50-day moving average. The gauge is little changed for the year after closing 3.7 percent away from its all-time high set in May. It climbed within 1.4 percent of the record last week.

Energy shares paced gains, rising 0.8 percent even as crude extended losses. Industrial shares climbed as airlines led gains. Materials producers fell 0.8 percent for the biggest contribution to losses, as DuPont Co. and Dow Chemical Co. gave back some of Wednesday's gains.

A report tomorrow on retail sales and producer prices will probably show stronger growth for November, according to economists surveyed by Bloomberg. The data aren't expected to impact the Fed's decision, with traders pricing in an 80 percent chance that the rates will rise on Dec. 16.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index fell 0.3 percent for a third day of losses as a rally in commodity producers failed to lift sentiment. The region's shares earlier extended their lowest levels since Oct. 21 as most industry groups declined.

The US dollar rose after two days of decline. This indicates that investors in recent sessions did not follow consensus on the position on the eve of the meeting of the US Federal Reserve next week.

Over the previous two sessions, the EUR / USD rose 1.7%, as investors continued to reduce short positions on the euro after the European Central Bank on December 3rd. The outcome of the ECB meeting disappointed many market participants.

Many investors expect the Fed meeting on 15-16 December will raise its key interest rate from near zero. This is likely to lead to an increase in the US dollar, as the higher cost of borrowing increases the return on assets in dollars.

However, asset managers are not so sure about the signals that the Fed will send the markets about the pace of future policy tightening. Fed closely examines data on the US economy and will determine the pace of rate increases based on the health of the national economy. Recent US data have been mixed - in the labor market showed improvement, while in the manufacturing sector discernible weakness.

Some asset managers are expected to reduce the US dollar after the Fed meeting, as the dollar fell after the traditional solutions of the central bank to raise rates.

The US Labor Department reported that the number of Americans who first applied for unemployment benefits rose last week, reaching a five-month high at the same time, but again remained below the critical level of 300 thousand.

According to the report for the week ended December 5, the number of initial applications for unemployment benefits rose by 13,000, to a level of 282,000 (seasonally adjusted). The last reading was the highest since early July. Economists had expected 269,000 new claims. The figure for the previous week has not been revised.

Prices of imported goods in the US fell at the end of November, registering the fifth consecutive monthly decline, reflecting the impact of cheap oil, the strong dollar and slow growth abroad. This was reported in the report of the Ministry of Labour.

According to the data, in November, import prices fell by 0.4% compared with the previous month. Economists had forecast that prices will drop by 0.7% after falling 0.3% in October (revised from -0.5%). In annual terms, import prices decreased by 9.4%, demonstrating the 16th consecutive decline.

The November decline in prices was broad-based - negative trend was recorded in the oil and natural gas, industrial materials, such as metals, food products, automobiles and capital goods.

The Swiss franc fell against the dollar, which was mainly due to the results of the session of the Central Bank of Switzerland. As well as expected, the Central Bank decided to leave the deposit rate unchanged at -0.75%. In addition, the SNB left unchanged range for the 3-month LIBOR rate at -0.25% - -1.25%, as expected. Furthermore, in their appeal the regulator called the franc "significantly overvalued" currency. Central Bank indicated that is ready for action in the currency market to weaken the franc. Traditionally, the Swiss National Bank published its economic forecasts. The regulator said that GDP growth in 2015 will be just below 1%, and in 2016 will amount to 1.5% growth. In addition, the SNB raised its forecast for inflation this year to -1.1% from -1.2%, but left the inflation forecast for 2016 at 0.5% "Slow global economic growth is felt in Switzerland ", - said in a statement the Central Bank. It also states that the recent economic performance fell short of expectations." A careful study of the indicators leads to a somewhat more positive assessment of the economy - said the SNB. - Nevertheless, capacity utilization remains unsatisfactory, and the demand for labor - restrained. "

Commenting on today's decision by the SNB, analysts IG Bank said that the central bank missed a chance to signal to market participants that it can withstand further easing of monetary policy of the European Central Bank. "The economic situation in Switzerland continued to worsen clearly during the third quarter and the weakening of the Swiss franc could bring needed relief," - said the analyst

The British pound fell sharply against the dollar, which was caused by the announcement of the outcome of the meeting of Bank of England. As it became known, the Bank of England kept its asset purchase program in the amount of 375 billion. Pounds and the key interest rate at a record low 0.5%. 8 of 9 members voted to keep policy unchanged. Moreover, all members of the Committee unanimously supported the retention of bond-buying program in the amount of 375 billion pounds. The bank said that the decline in oil prices and weak wage growth should be for some time to contain inflation. Also, the Central Bank said that GDP growth in the 4th quarter will probably be about the same as in Q3 The bank stressed that the increase in Fed rates could have a negative impact on emerging markets.

Little impact on the pound had also previously presented data showing that the total trade deficit widened to Britain 4.140 billion. Pounds in October, compared with 1.073 billion. Pounds in September (revised from 1.353 billion. Lbs). The deficit in trade in goods rose to 11,827 billion. 8,802 billion pounds. Pounds, peaking in July and exceeded expectations at 9.7 bln. Pounds. This change was mainly the result of a large increase in imports of goods - 2.3 billion. pounds to 35.4 billion. lbs. Meanwhile, exports of goods fell by 0.7 bln. Pounds to 23.5 billion. Lbs. At the same time, the surplus in trade in services remained at the level of 7.7 billion. Lbs. The report also said that the trade deficit with the EU countries amounted to 8.1 billion. Pounds compared with 7.1 billion. Pounds in September. The deficit in trade with countries outside the EU increased to 3.7 billion. Against 1.7 billion pounds. Pounds in September. Excluding oil and other volatile goods deficit in October was the largest since the start of statistics in 1998. Also, the Office for National Statistics said that in three months (to October), exports stagnated and imports grew by 3.1 per cent.

Polish equity market rebounded on Thursday. The broad market measure, the WIG Index, added 0.95%. Sector performance in the WIG Index was mixed. The beaten-down utilities (+4.79%) and banking (+3.26%) sectors performed best within the Index, while media sector (-3.18%) lagged behind.

All sectors in the WIG gained, with materials (+2.77%) and chemicals (+2.63%) outperforming.

The large-cap stocks' measure, the WIG30 Index, advanced by 1.26%. In the WIG30 index, the strongest performers were banking names MBANK (WSE: MBK), BZ WBK (WSE: BZW) and ALIOR (WSE: ALR), as well as utilities names TAURON PE (WSE: TPE), ENERGA (WSE: ENG), ENEA (WSE: ENA) and PGE (WSE: PGE), jumping by 5.05%-6.19%. On the other side of the ledger, FMCG wholesaler EUROCASH (WSE: EUR) led the decliners with a 5.44% drop, followed by media and telecommunications group CYFROWY POLSAT (WSE: CPS) and chemical producer GRUPA AZOTY (WSE: ATT), plunging by 3.62% and 3.13% respectively.

Major U.S. stock-indexes slightly higer on Thursday, after three straight days of losses, as investors scoured for bargains ahead of a widely expected U.S. interest rate hike next week. Markets have had a bruising week so far as equities tracked oil prices. Brent futures are down more than 11% this month and, having dipped below $40 per barrel, there are renewed expectations it might test 2008 low.

As concerns regarding the global economy persist, all eyes will be on the Federal Reserve's meeting on Dec. 15-16, when it is expected to raise rates for the first time in nearly a decade.

Most of Dow stocks in positive area (26 of 30). Top looser - E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DD, -2.08%). Top gainer - Chevron Corporation (CVX, +2.46%).

Most of S&P index sectors also in positive area. Top looser - Utilities (-1.1%). Top gainer - Healthcare (+0,5%).

At the moment:

Dow 17495.00 +120.00 +0.69%

S&P 500 2046.25 +12.00 +0.59%

Nasdaq 100 4639.00 +29.25 +0.63%

Oil 36.86 -0.30 -0.81%

Gold 1073.00 -3.50 -0.33%

U.S. 10yr 2.22 +0.02

Stock indices closed mixed as market participants continued to closely monitor oil prices. Oil prices plunged as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reported the highest oil output in November since 2009. OPEC's oil output in November rose by 230,100 barrels per day (bpd) to 31.695 million bpd from October, mainly due to higher oil output from Iraq.

Stock markets were supported by a weaker euro.

Meanwhile, the economic data from France was mixed. The French statistical office Insee its industrial production figures on Thursday. Industrial production in France rose 0.5% in October, beating expectations for a 0.1% decline, after a flat reading in September. September's figure was revised down from a 0.1% increase.

Manufacturing output fell 0.5% in October, while construction output climbed 0.5%.

Output in mining and quarrying, energy, water supply and waste management increased 5.1% in October.

On a yearly basis, the French industrial production climbed 2.3% in October, after a 0.7% gain in September.

The French consumer price inflation declined 0.2% in November, missing expectations for a flat reading, after a 0.1% rise in October.

On a yearly basis, the consumer price index was flat in November, after a 0.1% increase in October.

The Bank of England (BoE) released its interest rate decision on Thursday. The BoE kept its interest rates unchanged at 0.5% and its asset purchase program unchanged at £375 billion. This decision was widely expected.

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) released its December meeting minutes today. 8 members voted to keep the central bank's monetary policy unchanged. Ian McCafferty voted to hike interest rate.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,088.05 -38.63 -0.63 %

DAX 10,598.93 +6.44 +0.06 %

CAC 40 4,635.06 -2.39 -0.05 %

The European Central Bank (ECB) Executive Board member Yves Mersch said on Wednesday evening that a majority of the Governing Council members did not want to add further stimulus measures last week.

"The very large majority of the Governing Council is of the view that the measures are appropriate and that more is not needed to reach our goal," he said.

Mersch noted that the ECB is ready to add further stimulus measures to reach 2% inflation target if needed.

He pointed out that the central bank was not responsible for market disappointment after the release of the ECB's monetary policy decision.

"If we were to have gone out and said each time, that is not correct, then we wouldn't have needed to have had a Council meeting. It was correct to protect the integrity of the institution," Mersch said.

"I don't see that I contributed to any raising of expectations," he added.

Mersch also said that the downside risk to the global economy from the slowdown in China increased.

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) President Thomas Jordan said in a press conference after the release of the central bank's interest rate decision that the Swiss franc remained overvalued, and the central bank "remains active in the foreign exchange market in order to influence the exchange rate situation".

Jordan noted that the global economy expanded weaker than expected in the third quarter of 2015, due to the weak "manufacturing activity around the globe and sluggish world trade". The slowdown in the global economy weighed on the Swiss economy, he added.

Oil prices plunged as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reported the highest oil output in November since 2009. OPEC released its monthly report on Thursday. OPEC's oil output in November rose by 230,100 barrels per day (bpd) to 31.695 million bpd from October, mainly due to higher oil output from Iraq.

OPEC lowered its 2016 output forecasts for non-OPEC members by 250,000 bpd to average 57.14 million bpd. The downward revision was driven by a drop in U.S. shale-oil production.

Global oil demand growth is expected to be 1.25 million bpd in 2016, unchanged from its previous estimates and down from a 1.53 million bpd rise this year.

Oil prices yesterday rose on the U.S. crude oil inventories data. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its crude oil inventories data on Wednesday. U.S. crude inventories dropped by 3.57 million barrels to 485.9 million in the week to December 04. It was the first decline since September. Analysts had expected U.S. crude oil inventories to remain unchanged.

WTI crude oil for January delivery slid to $36.52 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Brent crude oil for January dropped to $39.87 a barrel on ICE Futures Europe.

Gold traded mixed as market participants are awaiting the Fed's monetary policy meeting next week. Market participants speculate that the Fed will start raising its interest rate this month.

Gold is traded in U.S. dollars. It suffers when the U.S. dollar strengthens, becoming more expensive for holders of other currencies.

Physical demand for gold fell in India, but remained strong in China ahead of the Chinese New Year.

February futures for gold on the COMEX today traded at 1072.20 dollars per ounce.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) released its monthly report on Thursday. OPEC's oil output in November rose by 230,100 barrels per day (bpd) to 31.695 million bpd from October, mainly due to higher oil output from Iraq. It was the highest output since 2009.

OPEC lowered its 2016 output forecasts for non-OPEC members by 250,000 bpd to average 57.14 million bpd. The downward revision was driven by a drop in U.S. shale-oil production.

Global oil demand growth is expected to be 1.25 million bpd in 2016, unchanged from its previous estimates and down from a 1.53 million bpd rise this year.

The European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Erki Liikanen said on Thursday that the ECB is ready to add further measures to boost inflation toward 2% target if needed.

"We must be strong and ready to act, whatever happens that endangers the implementation of this target," he said.

Liikanen added that the central bank needs to continue its very accommodative monetary policy in line with the price stability target.

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) released its December meeting minutes on Thursday. 8 members voted to keep the central bank's monetary policy unchanged. Ian McCafferty voted to hike interest rate by 0.25%.

The consumer price inflation in the U.K. was -0.1% in October, below the central bank's 2% target. The BoE noted that inflation is expected to positive in November, to rise further as effects of low energy and food prices will dissipate and to be below 1% until the second half of next year.

"The projected return of CPI inflation to the target depends on an increase in domestic cost growth sufficient to balance the drag on prices from very subdued global inflation and past increases in the value of sterling," the BoE said.

The central bank said that the global and domestic outlook remained little changed compared to the previous month.

"There has not been much news on international activity relative to the forecasts contained in the November Report, with global growth having been stable at a rate well below historical averages. Prospects for domestic activity are also little changed on the month, with robust growth in private domestic spending continuing to counter-balance subdued demand growth overseas," the minutes said.

All MPC members agreed to hike interest rate gradually once the BoE starts raising its interest rate and "to a lower level than in recent cycles".

Japan's Ministry of Finance and the Cabinet Office released its quarterly survey on late Wednesday evening. The business survey index (BSI) of manufacturers' sentiment dropped to 3.8 in fourth quarter from 11.0 in third quarter, missing expectations for a rise to 12.1.

The BSI for non-manufacturing slid to 5 in the fourth quarter from 8.9 in the third quarter.

The BSI for all industries was down to 4.6 in the fourth quarter from 9.6 in the third quarter.

The BSI for manufacturers in the first quarter of 2016 is expected to rise to 4.0, while the BSI for non-manufacturing is expected to increase to 6.4.

The Bank of England (BoE) released its interest rate decision on Thursday. The BoE kept its interest rates unchanged at 0.5% and its asset purchase program unchanged at £375 billion. This decision was widely expected.

The Hellenic Statistical Authority released its preliminary industrial production data for Greece on Thursday. Greek industrial production fell 1.2% in October, after a 1.8% decline in September.

On a yearly basis, industrial production in Greece slid at an adjusted rate of 1.9% in October, after a 2.9% rise in September. September's figure was revised up from a 2.8% gain.

Production in the manufacturing sector dropped at an annual rate of 1.3% in October, output in the mining and quarrying sector slid 12.5%, while electricity production declined by 1.1%.

The Hellenic Statistical Authority released its consumer price inflation data for Greece on Thursday. Greek consumer prices decreased 0.8% in November, after the 0.1% drop in October.

On a yearly basis, the Greek consumer price index declined 0.7% in November, after a 0.9 fall in October. Consumer prices in Greece declined since March 2013.

Housing prices plunged at an annual rate of 4.5% in November, transport costs dropped by 4.5%, clothing and footwear prices declined 2.7%, while household equipment prices were down 1.4%.

Prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages climbed at an annual rate of 3.2% in November, while alcoholic beverages and tobacco prices increased by 1.5%.

U.S. stock-index futures rose.

Global Stocks:

Nikkei 19,046.55 -254.52 -1.32%

Hang Seng 21,704.61 -99.15 -0.45%

Shanghai Composite 3,456.38 -16.06 -0.46%

FTSE 6,097.94 -28.74 -0.47%

CAC 4,631.96 -5.49 -0.12%

DAX 10,579.54 -12.95 -0.12%

Crude oil $36.72 (-1.18%)

Gold $1072.90 (-0.33%)

Statistics Canada released its new housing price index on Thursday. New housing price index in Canada rose 0.3% in October, exceeding expectations of a 0.1% gain, after a 0.1% rise in September.

The increase was mainly driven by a gain in Toronto region. New home prices in Toronto and Oshawa region rose 0.5% in October.

On a yearly basis, new housing price index in Canada climbed 1.5% in October, after a 1.3% gain in September.

(company / ticker / price / change, % / volume)

The U.S. Labor Department released its import and export prices data on Thursday. The U.S. import price index fell by 0.4% in November, beating expectations for a 0.7% decrease, after a 0.3% decline in October. October's figure was revised up from a 0.5% drop.

The decline was mainly driven by lower prices for fuel imports, which slid 2.5% in November.

A strong U.S. currency lowers the price of imported goods.

U.S. export prices declined by 0.6% in November, after a 0.2% fall in October.

USDJPY 121.00 (USD 711m) 122.00-10 (920m) 122.50 (233m) 122.70 (250m)

EURUSD 1.0900 (EUR 1.1bln) 1.1000 (2bln) 1.1100 (558m)

USDCAD 1.3450 (USD 274m)

AUDUSD 0.7000 (AUD 558m) 0.7025 (869m) 0.7050 (279m) 0.7075 (299m) 0.7100 (373m)

NZDUSD 0.6400 (NZD 900m) 0.6600 (273m) 0.6650 (526m) 0.6775 (386m)

EURJPY 130.70 (EUR 230m) 132.50 (221m)

The U.S. Labor Department released its jobless claims figures on Thursday. The number of initial jobless claims in the week ending December 05 in the U.S. rose by 13,000 to 282,000 from 269,000 in the previous week. Analysts had expected jobless claims to remain unchanged at 269,000.

Jobless claims remained below 300,000 the 40th straight week. This threshold is associated with the strengthening of the labour market.

Continuing jobless claims increased by 82,000 to 2,243,000 in the week ended November 28.

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Statistics Canada released its capacity utilisation rate on Thursday. Canadian capacity utilisation rate climbed to 82.0% in the third quarter from 81.4% in the second quarter. The second quarter's figure was revised up from 81.3%.

The increase was mainly driven by a fall in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction and manufacturing industries. The capacity utilisation rate in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction industry rose to 76.9% in the third quarter from 74.4% in the second quarter, while the capacity utilisation rate in the manufacturing industry climbed to 83.1% from 82.4%.

The capacity utilization rate was up in 14 of the 21 major categories in the manufacturing sector in the third quarter.

The Hellenic Statistical Authority released its unemployment data on Thursday. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Greece declined to 24.6% in September from 24.7% in August. August's figure was revised up from 24.6%.

The number of unemployed fell by 2,429 persons compared with August 2015.

The youth unemployment rate was 49.5% in September.

Economic calendar (GMT0):

(Time/ Region/ Event/ Period/ Previous/ Forecast/ Actual)

00:00 Australia Consumer Inflation Expectation November 3.5% 4.0%

00:10 New Zealand RBNZ Governor Graeme Wheeler Speaks

00:30 Australia Unemployment rate November 5.9% 6% 5.8%

00:30 Australia Changing the number of employed November 56.1 Revised From 58.6 -10 71.4

07:45 France Industrial Production, m/m October 0.0% Revised From 0.1% -0.1% 0.5%

07:45 France Industrial Production, y/y October 0.7% 2.3%

07:45 France CPI, m/m December 0.1% 0% -0.2%

07:45 France CPI, y/y November 0.1% 0.0%

08:30 Switzerland SNB Interest Rate Decision -0.75% -0.75% -0.75%

08:30 Switzerland SNB Monetary Policy Assessment

08:30 Switzerland SNB Press Conference

09:30 United Kingdom Total Trade Balance October -1.07 Revised From -1.353 -4.14

12:00 United Kingdom Asset Purchase Facility 375 375 375

12:00 United Kingdom BoE Interest Rate Decision 0.5% 0.5% 0.5%

12:00 United Kingdom Bank of England Minutes

The U.S. dollar traded mixed against the most major currencies ahead the release of the U.S. economic data. The number of initial jobless claims in the U.S. is expected to remain unchanged at 269,000 last week.

The U.S. import price index is expected to decline 0.7% in November, after a 0.5% fall in October.

The euro traded lower against the U.S. dollar after the Swiss National Bank's (SNB) interest rate decision. The central bank kept the rates on sight deposits at minus 0.75% and said that the bank will remain active in the forex market if needed.

Meanwhile, the economic data from France was mixed. The French statistical office Insee its industrial production figures on Thursday. Industrial production in France rose 0.5% in October, beating expectations for a 0.1% decline, after a flat reading in September. September's figure was revised down from a 0.1% increase.

Manufacturing output fell 0.5% in October, while construction output climbed 0.5%.

Output in mining and quarrying, energy, water supply and waste management increased 5.1% in October.

On a yearly basis, the French industrial production climbed 2.3% in October, after a 0.7% gain in September.

The French consumer price inflation declined 0.2% in November, missing expectations for a flat reading, after a 0.1% rise in October.

On a yearly basis, the consumer price index was flat in November, after a 0.1% increase in October.

The British pound traded lower against the U.S. dollar after the release of the Bank of England's (BoE) interest rate decision. The BoE kept its interest rates unchanged at 0.5% and its asset purchase program unchanged at £375 billion. This decision was widely expected.

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) released its December meeting minutes today. 8 members voted to keep the central bank's monetary policy unchanged. Ian McCafferty voted to hike interest rate.

The Canadian dollar traded higher against the U.S. dollar ahead of the release of the Canadian economic data. Canada's new housing price index is expected to rise 0.1% in October, after a 0.1% gain in September.

The Canadian capacity utilization rate is expected to increase 81.9% in the third quarter from 81.3% in the second quarter.

The Swiss franc traded lower against the U.S. dollar after the Swiss National Bank's (SNB) interest rate decision. The central bank kept the rates on sight deposits at minus 0.75% and said that the bank will remain active in the forex market if needed.

The SNB noted that the Swiss franc is still significantly overvalued.

EUR/USD: the currency pair fell to $1.0933

GBP/USD: the currency pair declined to $1.5110

USD/JPY: the currency pair decreased to Y121.24

The most important news that are expected (GMT0):

13:30 Canada Capacity Utilization Rate Quarter III 81.3% 81.9%

13:30 Canada New Housing Price Index, MoM October 0.1% 0.1%

13:30 U.S. Import Price Index November -0.5% -0.7%

13:30 U.S. Initial Jobless Claims December 269 269

18:00 Eurozone ECB's Jens Weidmann Speaks

18:30 Canada BOC Gov Stephen Poloz Speaks

19:00 U.S. Federal budget November -136 -68

21:30 New Zealand Business NZ PMI November 53.3

EUR/USD

Offers 1.1000 1.1025-30 1.1050 1.1080 1.1100 1.1130 1.1150

Bids 1.0950 1.0925-30 1.0900 1.0880 1.0865 1.0850 1.0825-30 1.0800

GBP/USD

Offers 1.5200-10 1.5225 1.5245-50 1.5270 1.5285 1.5300 1.5330 1.5350

Bids 1.5150 1.5120-25 1.5100 1.5080 1.5065 1.5050 1.5030 1.5000 1.4985 1.4965 1.4950

EUR/GBP

Offers 0.7250 0.7275-80 0.7300 0.7320 0.7350 0.7375 0.7400

Bids 0.7200 0.7180 0.7165 0.7150 0.7130 0.7100

EUR/JPY

Offers 133.85 134.00 134.20-25 134.50 134.75 135.00 135.50 136.00

Bids 133.50 133.25-30 133.00 132.75 132.50 132.00 131.50 131.00

USD/JPY

Offers 121.85 122.00 122.20-25 122.50122.85 123.00 123.20-25 123.50

Bids 121.50 121.25-30 121.00 120.85 120.65 120.50 120.30 120.00

AUD/USD

Offers 0.7320-25 0.7345-50 0.7375 0.7400 0.7425

Bids 0.7275-80 0.7250 0.7225-30 0.7200 0.7185 0.7165 0.7150 0.7130 0.7100

Stock indices traded mixed as market participants continued to closely monitor oil prices.

Stock markets were supported by a weaker euro, which declined after the Swiss National Bank's (SNB) interest rate decision. The central bank kept the rates on sight deposits at minus 0.75% and said that the bank will remain active in the forex market if needed.

Meanwhile, the economic data from France was mixed. The French statistical office Insee its industrial production figures on Thursday. Industrial production in France rose 0.5% in October, beating expectations for a 0.1% decline, after a flat reading in September. September's figure was revised down from a 0.1% increase.

Manufacturing output fell 0.5% in October, while construction output climbed 0.5%.

Output in mining and quarrying, energy, water supply and waste management increased 5.1% in October.

On a yearly basis, the French industrial production climbed 2.3% in October, after a 0.7% gain in September.

The French consumer price inflation declined 0.2% in November, missing expectations for a flat reading, after a 0.1% rise in October.

On a yearly basis, the consumer price index was flat in November, after a 0.1% increase in October.

The U.K. stock index FTSE traded lower ahead the Bank of England's interest rate decision, which is scheduled to be released at 12:00 GMT. Analysts expect the central bank to keep its monetary policy unchanged.

Current figures:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,112.59 -14.09 -0.23 %

DAX 10,633.23 +40.74 +0.38 %

CAC 40 4,657.9 +20.45 +0.44 %

The French statistical office Insee released its non-farm employment data on Thursday. French non-farm employment was flat in the third quarter, after a 0.1% increase in the second quarter.

Employment excluding temporary work fell 0.1% in the third quarter.

Temporary employment rose by 3.0% in the third quarter.

Employment in the industry was down by 0.5% in the third quarter, while employment in construction declined by 0.8%.

Overall, job creation in the market services sector climbed by 0.2% in the third quarter.

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) released its interest rate decision on Thursday. The central bank kept the rates on sight deposits at minus 0.75% and said that the bank will remain active in the forex market if needed.

The SNB noted that the Swiss franc is still significantly overvalued.

Inflation was upgraded to -1.1% in 2015 from the previous forecast of -1.2%. The central bank expects inflation to be -0.5% in 2016, remained unchanged, and 0.3% in 2017, down from the previous forecast of 0.4%.

The downward revision was driven by "a slight deterioration in the outlook for the global economy".

The central bank noted that the Swiss economy rose slightly in the second quarter, while employment declined further.

According to the central bank, the slowdown in the global economy weighs on the economy in Switzerland.

The SNB expects the Swiss economy to expand "just under" 1% in 2015 and about 1.5% in 2016.

The French statistical office Insee released its consumer price inflation for France on Thursday. The French consumer price inflation declined 0.2% in November, missing expectations for a flat reading, after a 0.1% rise in October.

On a yearly basis, the consumer price index was flat in November, after a 0.1% increase in October.

Fresh food prices rose 5.4% year-on-year in November, while petroleum products prices dropped by 11.9%.

The French statistical office Insee its industrial production figures on Thursday. Industrial production in France rose 0.5% in October, beating expectations for a 0.1% decline, after a flat reading in September. September's figure was revised down from a 0.1% increase.

Manufacturing output fell 0.5% in October, while construction output climbed 0.5%.

Output in mining and quarrying, energy, water supply and waste management increased 5.1% in October.

On a yearly basis, the French industrial production climbed 2.3% in October, after a 0.7% gain in September.

The U.K. Office for National Statistics (ONS) released trade data for the U.K. on Thursday. The U.K. trade deficit in goods widened to £11.83 billion in October from £8.80 billion in September.

Exports of goods dropped 2.7% in October, while imports climbed 8.2%.

A strong pound and the weak global economy weigh on exports.

The total trade deficit, including services, widened to £4.14 billion in October from £1.07 billion in September. September's figure was revised up from a deficit of £1.35 billion.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) on Wednesday lowered its interest rate to 2.50% from 2.75%. The RBNZ Graeme Wheeler said on Wednesday that New Zealand's economy softened in 2015, "due mainly to lower terms of trade".

He noted that consumer price inflation in New Zealand is below the 1 to 3% target range, mainly due to the stronger New Zealand dollar and low global oil prices. The RBNZ governor expects that inflation will return inside the target range.

Wheeler said that the central bank plans to achieve the inflation target without any further interest rate cuts, "although the Bank will reduce rates if circumstances warrant".

The Australian Bureau of Statistics released its labour market data on Thursday. Australia's unemployment rate dropped to 5.8% in November from 5.9% in October. Analysts had expected the unemployment rate to rise to 6.0%.

The number of employed people in Australia rose by 71,400 in November, beating forecast of a decline by 10,000, after an increase by 56,100 in October. October's figure was revised down from a rise by 58,600.

Full-time employment rose by 41,600 in November, while part-time employment climbed by 29,700.

The participation rate increased to 65.3% in November from 65.0% in October.

Japan's Finance Ministry plans to issue more 40-year government bonds. Issuances of 40-year bonds should rise by 20% in fiscal year 2016 to a record of around 2.4 trillion yen ($19.3 billion). Interest rates on these bonds are around 1.5%.

The Bank of Portugal cut its growth forecasts on Wednesday. The economy in Portugal is expected to expand 1.6% in 2015, down from the previous estimate of 1.7%, 1.7% in 2016, down from the previous estimate of 1.9%, and 1.8% in 2017, down from the previous estimate of 2.0%.

The central bank noted that the weak global economy global trade flows are the main risk factors.

There is an uncertainty on new budget as the new government didn't publish its budget plan.

Inflation is expected to 0.6% this year and 1.1% next year.

German Finance Ministry officials said on Wednesday that the country is likely to post small budget deficit in 2016 due to higher costs for refugees. Germany expects a budget surplus of 0.75% of gross domestic product (GDP) this year.

The Finance Ministry didn't provide any forecasts for the deficit.

USD/JPY 121.00 (USD 711m) 122.00-10 (920m) 122.50 (233m) 122.70 (250m)

EUR/USD 1.0900 (EUR 1.1bln) 1.1000 (2bln) 1.1100 (558m)

USD/CAD 1.3450 (USD 274m)

AUD/USD 0.7000 (AUD 558m) 0.7025 (869m) 0.7050 (279m) 0.7075 (299m) 0.7100 (373m)

NZD/USD 0.6400 (NZD 900m) 0.6600 (273m) 0.6650 (526m) 0.6775 (386m)

EUR/JPY 130.70 (EUR 230m) 132.50 (221m)

EUR / USD

Resistance levels (open interest**, contracts)

$1.1126 (5145)

$1.1090 (1486)

$1.1071 (1586)

Price at time of writing this review: $1.0989

Support levels (open interest**, contracts):

$1.0917 (562)

$1.0860 (1141)

$1.0791 (2206)

Comments:

- Overall open interest on the CALL options with the expiration date January, 8 is 50692 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,0900 (5145);

- Overall open interest on the PUT options with the expiration date January, 8 is 63040 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,0450 (7710);

- The ratio of PUT/CALL was 1.24 versus 1.24 from the previous trading day according to data from December, 9

GBP/USD

Resistance levels (open interest**, contracts)

$1.5404 (920)

$1.5307 (1020)

$1.5211 (795)

Price at time of writing this review: $1.5181

Support levels (open interest**, contracts):

$1.5090 (3065)

$1.4993 (1425)

$1.4896 (1535)

Comments:

- Overall open interest on the CALL options with the expiration date January, 8 is 15181 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,5100 (2483);

- Overall open interest on the PUT options with the expiration date January, 8 is 16269 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,5100 (3065);

- The ratio of PUT/CALL was 1.07 versus 1.01 from the previous trading day according to data from December, 9

* - The Chicago Mercantile Exchange bulletin (CME) is used for the calculation.

** - Open interest takes into account the total number of option contracts that are open at the moment.

Economic calendar (GMT0):

Time/ Region/ Event/ Period/ Previous/ Forecast/ Actual

00:00 Australia Consumer Inflation Expectation November 3.5% 4.0%

00:10 New Zealand RBNZ Governor Graeme Wheeler Speaks

00:30 Australia Unemployment rate November 5.9% 6% 5.8%

00:30 Australia Changing the number of employed November 56.1 Revised From 58.6 -10 71.4

The euro declined against the U.S. dollar after ECB policymaker Ewald Novotny said that market analysts failed to understand signals from the central bank correctly and that they must pay more attention to economic data.

The pound traded range-bound ahead of the Bank of England meeting due later today. The bank is expected to keep its benchmark interest rate at 0.5%. A rate hike in the U.S. would allow the BOE to raise rates later too. Nevertheless analysts say that BOE rates might remain low for quite a while.

The Australian dollar rose on strong employment data. The unemployment rate fell to 5.8% in November from 5.9% reported previously, while economists had expected it to rise to 6.0%. A lower rate points to positive momentum in the labor market. The number of employed rose by 71,400. The greatest increase was recorded in New South Wales suggesting that most jobs were created in non-mining sectors of the economy.

The New Zealand dollar rose sharply after the Reserve Bank of New Zealand cut its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 2.5%, but signaled this might have been the last reduction in the current cycle. RBNZ Governor Graeme Wheeler said that he is concerned about the strength of the NZD. He added that a lower exchange rate would support economic growth.

EUR/USD: the pair fell to $1.0995 in Asian trade

USD/JPY: the pair traded within Y121.30-75

GBP/USD: the traded within $1.5170-95

The most important news that are expected (GMT0):

(time / country / index / period / previous value / forecast)

07:45 France Industrial Production, m/m October 0.1% -0.1%

07:45 France Industrial Production, y/y October 0.7%

07:45 France CPI, m/m December 0.1% 0%

07:45 France CPI, y/y November 0.1%

08:30 Switzerland SNB Interest Rate Decision -0.75% -0.75%

08:30 Switzerland SNB Monetary Policy Assessment

08:30 Switzerland SNB Press Conference

09:30 United Kingdom Total Trade Balance October -1.353

12:00 United Kingdom Asset Purchase Facility 375 375

12:00 United Kingdom BoE Interest Rate Decision 0.5% 0.5%

12:00 United Kingdom Bank of England Minutes

13:30 Canada Capacity Utilization Rate Quarter III 81.3% 81.9%

13:30 Canada New Housing Price Index, MoM October 0.1% 0.1%

13:30 U.S. Import Price Index November -0.5% -0.7%

13:30 U.S. Initial Jobless Claims December 269 269

13:30 U.S. Continuing Jobless Claims November 2161 2152

18:00 Eurozone ECB's Jens Weidmann Speaks

18:30 Canada BOC Gov Stephen Poloz Speaks

19:00 U.S. Federal budget November -136 -68

21:30 New Zealand Business NZ PMI November 53.3

West Texas Intermediate futures for January delivery climbed to $37.45 (+0.78%), while Brent crude rose to $40.55 (+1.10%) on expectations of slightly better demand after the Energy Information Administration reported that U.S. crude inventories fell 3.6 million barrels in the week ending December 4.

Nevertheless market participants expect the current supply glut to continue in 2016 keeping prices under pressure and limiting gains. Investors are also waiting for the Federal Reserve's meeting scheduled for the next week. The central bank of the U.S. is likely to raise its interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade. This would boost the greenback making the dollar-denominated crude more expensive for customers using other currencies.

Gold is currently at $1,071.80 (-0.44%) trading in a narrow range ahead of next week's Federal Open Markets Committee meeting. The central bank of the U.S. is widely expected to raise interest rates in December. Higher rates increase the opportunity cost of holding the non-interest paying precious metal and reduce demand for it.

Generally weak commodity prices, particularly crude oil, weigh on gold as well. Weakness in oil could raise deflation fears, while gold is normally used to protect funds against inflation.

U.S. stock indices fell on Wednesday amid persistent declines in oil prices.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 75.70 points, or 0.43%, to 17,492.30. The S&P 500 lost 15.97 points, or 0.8%, to 2,047.62. The Nasdaq Composite declined 75.38 points, or 1.5% to 5,022.87.

The S&P and the Dow are down 0.6% and 1.9% respectively for the year.

The Wall Street Journal reported that DuPont and Dow Chemical are ready to finalize a merger deal worth around $120 billion. The result might be announced in the coming days. This news supported commodity companies.

This morning in Asia Hong Kong Hang Seng edged down 0.01%, or 2.90, to 21,800.86. China Shanghai Composite Index climbed 0.28%, or 9.65, to 3.482.09. The Nikkei fell 1.37%, or 263.58, to 19,037.49.

Asian indices traded mixed. Chinese stocks advanced on news that in March 2016 Chinese authorities would introduce new rules for initial public offering listings. Over 600 companies are waiting for permission to go public.

Japanese stocks declined. A stronger yen weighed on major exporters.

(raw materials / closing price /% change)

Oil 37.33 +0.46%

Gold 1,072.10 -0.41%

(index / closing price / change items /% change)

S&P/ASX 200 5,080.45 -28.15 -0.55%

TOPIX 1,555.58 -13.15 -0.84%

SHANGHAI COMP 3,473.1 +3.03 +0.09%

HANG SENG 21,803.76 -101.37 -0.46%

FTSE 100 6,126.68 -8.54 -0.14 %

CAC 40 4,637.45 -44.41 -0.95 %

Xetra DAX 10,592.49 -81.11 -0.76 %

S&P 500 2,047.62 -15.97 -0.77 %

NASDAQ Composite 5,022.87 -75.38 -1.48 %

Dow Jones 17,492.3 -75.70 -0.43 %

(pare/closed(GMT +2)/change, %)

EUR/USD $1,1024 +1,21%

GBP/USD $1,5179 +1,14%

USD/CHF Chf0,983 -0,94%

USD/JPY Y121,44 -1,22%

EUR/JPY Y133,87 -0,01%

GBP/JPY Y184,32 -0,08%

AUD/USD $0,7227 +0,18%

NZD/USD $0,6719 +1,15%

USD/CAD C$1,3578 -0,04%

(time / country / index / period / previous value / forecast)

00:00 Australia Consumer Inflation Expectation November 3.5%

00:10 New Zealand RBNZ Governor Graeme Wheeler Speaks

00:30 Australia Unemployment rate November 5.9% 6%

00:30 Australia Changing the number of employed November 58.6 -10

07:45 France Industrial Production, m/m October 0.1% -0.1%

07:45 France Industrial Production, y/y October 0.7%

07:45 France CPI, m/m December 0.1% 0%

07:45 France CPI, y/y November 0.1%

08:30 Switzerland SNB Interest Rate Decision -0.75% -0.75%

08:30 Switzerland SNB Monetary Policy Assessment

08:30 Switzerland SNB Press Conference

09:30 United Kingdom Total Trade Balance October -1.353

12:00 United Kingdom Asset Purchase Facility 375

12:00 United Kingdom BoE Interest Rate Decision 0.5% 0.5%

12:00 United Kingdom Bank of England Minutes

13:30 Canada Capacity Utilization Rate Quarter III 81.3% 81.9%

13:30 Canada New Housing Price Index, MoM October 0.1% 0.1%

13:30 U.S. Import Price Index November -0.5% -0.7%

13:30 U.S. Initial Jobless Claims December 269 269

13:30 U.S. Continuing Jobless Claims November 2161 2152

18:00 Eurozone ECB's Jens Weidmann Speaks

18:30 Canada BOC Gov Stephen Poloz Speaks

19:00 U.S. Federal budget November -136 -68

21:30 New Zealand Business NZ PMI November 53.3