08.12. Asian stocks up, oil prices down; markets await US inflation data

News for today, December 8:

Asian stocks hit a nearly two-week high on Wednesday, rallying alongside other assets as investors were relieved to learn that Omicron may be less damaging to the global economy than anticipated. Markets await U.S. inflation data on Friday, and if high, it will stimulate policymakers to accelerate the winding down of the Federal Reserve's massive bond-buying program.

Oil prices eased Wednesday, taking a breather after two days of gains as investors await a reliable assessment of the impact of the new coronavirus strain on the global economy and fuel demand, as well as data on the effectiveness of existing vaccines. The price of Brent crude is $ 75.05 per barrel, WTI — $ 71.49. EUR/USD is at 1.1286, GBP/USD — 1.3245, gold is at $ 1,788.33 per ounce.­­­­