Futures markets are pricing the chance of the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee cutting rates later today at less than 4 per cent. Market snap The Nikkei closed down 0.29 per cent this morning at 23,864.85. The FTSE 100, which closed up 15.47 points, or 0.2 per cent, at 7,540.75, was forecast to open six points higher when trading began. The FTSE 100, which closed up 15.47 points, or 0.2 per cent, at 7,540.75, was forecast to open six points higher when trading began. The Nasdaq, however, hit a fifth consecutive record close with a gain of 4.33 points, or 0.1 per cent, to 8,827.73.

Source: The Times December 19, 2019 08:48 UTC