In this edition of ILIM’s weekly market bulletin:

Markets shrugged off recent geopolitical tensions to rally almost 1% for the week with US stock market indices hitting new record highs as prospects for a wider conflict between the US and Iran receded.

US nonfarm payrolls grew a slower-than-expected 145,000 in December while the nation’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.5%. The December data showed that payroll employment rose for the tenth consecutive year, the longest such stretch in the 80 years the ‘Bureau of Labor Statistics’ has collected employment figures.

The first phase of the US-China trade deal is due to be signed in Washington on 15th January. While positive for the outlook – both for market sentiment and economic growth – tensions may resurface over the course of the year.

Investors will have plenty of news to digest this week, including geopolitical events, economic data and the closely watched start to fourth-quarter earnings season. CLICK HERE