• 

LONDON, Jan 12 (Reuters) – The yen got a boost on Thursday on expectations that the Bank of Japan will review the side effects of its monetary easing, while the dollar held near a seven-month low against the euro ahead of U.S. inflation data later in the day.

The Japanese yen rose as much as 0.8% to a session high of 131.36 per dollar in Asian trade, following a Yomiuri report that the BOJ will review the side effects of its monetary easing at next week’s policy meeting and may take additional steps to correct distortions in the yield curve. The yen last bought 131.70 per dollar.

Full coverage: REUTERS

Google, Porsche In Talks Over Google Apps Access

• 

BERLIN, Jan 12 (Reuters) – Porsche (P911_p.DE) is considering fully integrating Google software into its car cockpit, a source close to the company said on Thursday, marking a shift in strategy for the newly listed carmaker.

The deal, which is only being considered for the Porsche brand and not the Volkswagen Group more widely, would enable Porsche customers access to Google applications like Google Maps and Google Assistant without needing to connect the car to an Android phone.

Full coverage: REUTERS

Stocks Hold On To Gains Ahead Of U.S. Inflation Test

• 

MILAN, Jan 12 (Reuters) – World stocks held on to modest gains on Thursday on cautious optimism that U.S. data will confirm inflation is softening, while the yen rose with a report Japan will this month review the side-effects of its ultra-easy policy.

A MSCI gauge of world stocks (.MIWD00000PUS) rose 0.2% to a four-week high by 0831 GMT ahead of core U.S. consumer price inflation, (USCPFY=ECI) which are expected to have slowed to an annual 5.7% in December, from 6% a month earlier. Month-on-month headline inflation is seen at zero (USCPI=ECI).

Full coverage: REUTERS

Oil Rises On China Demand Hopes, U.S. Inflation In Focus

• 

LONDON, Jan 12 (Reuters) – Oil rose about 1% on Thursday supported by optimism over China’s demand outlook and hopes that upcoming inflation data from the United States will point to a slower increase in interest rates.

Top oil importer China is reopening its economy after the end of strict COVID-19 curbs, boosting optimism that demand for fuel will grow in 2023.

Brent crude rose 91 cents, or 1.1%, to $83.58 a barrel by 1100 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained 74 cents, or 1%, to $78.15. Both benchmarks jumped 3% on Wednesday driven by hopes that the outlook for the global economy may not be quite as pessimistic as has been feared.

Full coverage: REUTERS

More Than Half Of German Companies Report Labour Shortages

• 

BERLIN, Jan 12 (Reuters) – More than half Germany’s companies are struggling to fill vacancies due to a lack of skilled workers, the German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) said on Thursday, in the latest sign of growth headwinds belabouring Europe’s largest economy.

The proportion of companies facing difficulties hiring was at its highest ever level, the DIHK found in its survey of 22,000 companies, with 53% reporting shortages.

Full coverage: REUTERS