Market Volatility and Consumer Confidence

The current market environment is marked by significant volatility, with fluctuations seen throughout the trading day. Traders are reassessing trade deal prospects, influenced by commentary from state-run Chinese media, suggesting that negotiations are paused. This uncertainty has led to mixed results in the markets, with consumer confidence recently reported at a 15-year high. Consumer confidence, being a significant driver of the economy, is crucial as 70% of economic activity stems from consumer spending, although overall growth remains inconsistent.