Wayne Cole

The head of New Zealand's central bank resigned suddenly on Wednesday, ending a seven-year term that had become contentious at times after painfully high interest rates tipped the country into its worst downturn since 1991.

A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Wayne Cole.

Australia's unemployment rate ticked higher in January even though job creation handily outpaced forecasts, data showed on Thursday, a mixed outcome that does little to clarify the outlook for further cuts in interest rates.

A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Wayne Cole.

The dollar edged higher on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump warned more tariffs were imminent including on steel and aluminium, although U.S. futures and European stocks shrugged off the looming levies and rose.

A measure of Australian business activity eased in January as sales and profits softened, a survey showed on Tuesday, though confidence got a boost amid hopes for a near-term reduction in borrowing costs.

Australian consumer sentiment remained in the doldrums in February, a survey showed on Tuesday, failing to benefit from slowing inflation or speculation about an imminent cut in interest rates.

Australia's surplus on trade goods narrowed sharply in December as a surge in imports of capital equipment outweighed gains in iron ore exports, data showed on Thursday.

A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Wayne Cole.

Australian retail sales dipped in December as pay back for a Black Friday splurge the month before, but discounting helped shoppers make a desperately-needed contribution to economic growth over the whole fourth quarter.