Latest data released by CBI – 24 September 2020
This is a bit unexpected, as UK retail sales growth came in at its fastest pace since April 2019 as the recovery in consumption activity continues into September. The readings here are an indicator of short-term trends in the retail and wholesale sector of the UK economy.

UK finance minister, Rishi Sunak, to speak later today
He will also be speaking in parliament later in the day as he will deliver a statement on the economy, which should encompass his plans on the new wage support scheme:

Latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association for the week ending 18 September 2020
–  -2.5%
– Market index 808.5 vs 757.2 prior
– Purchase index 327.0 vs 316.2 prior
Mortgage activity continues to stay rather robust with the boost in the past week helped by both a surge in purchases and refinancing activity. Of note, the purchase index

S&P 500 futures seen up by ~0.5% now
For EUR/USD, keeping below 1.1700 will be the real challenge today for sellers in order to try and establish further downside momentum.

UBS‘ asset management arm weighs in on the market outlook later in the year
The firm says that they expect some form of emergency approval of between one to three coronavirus vaccines during Q4 2020, adding that they expect „full approval for broad inoculation to begin by the middle of next year“.

Reuters reports, citing an unnamed official
The €96.2 billion in new debt – to be used to finance measures in tackling the virus crisis – would be the second-highest since the end of WWII and comes after the government already took on a record borrowing of roughly €218 billion this year.

Comments by EU chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier
The context here is that he was asked if he is optimistic about a deal, in which he responds that he remains „determined“ and refuses to comment on the internal market bill.

UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, outlines new coronavirus restrictions as he speaks in parliament
– Schools, colleges, and universities will stay open
– This is by no means a return to the full lockdown in March
As far as restrictions go, these aren’t really that harsh all things considered. In some countries, these are even standard protocol over

Comments by Irish foreign minister, Simon Coveney

Forex news from the European trading session – 22 September 2020
Headlines:
Markets:
– GBP leads, EUR lags on the day
– European equities higher; E-minis up 0.2%