Major stock markets mostly advanced Monday, with attention focused on central banks this week and their latest decisions over interest rates as inflation remains high.

Stocks slipped Wednesday after Canada's central bank made a surprise interest rate hike, dampening hopes that the US Federal Reserve would skip an interest rate increase later this month.

Oil prices slid Tuesday as dealers mulled the weak demand outlook after having rallied the previous day on output cuts from key crude producer Saudi Arabia.

Oil prices advanced Monday after key producer Saudi Arabia slashed output by a million barrels in a bid to prop up prices, while Wall Street stocks retreated from multi-month peaks.

Wall Street and European markets ended with healthy gains, and Asia followed suit on Friday.

PwC's recent estimate casts doubt on the achievement of ambitious climate goals, underscoring the urgent need for transparency and proactive measures.

Resolving the debt debate would allow traders to turn their attention back to the economy, high inflation and central bank interest rates.

Wall Street extended losses while European stocks suffered their biggest single-day loss since March, after Asia had also closed in the red.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that the US government would likely run out of cash by June 1

European markets fell in the red after starting the day in the green.

Most European indices closed down as well, including the FTSE 100 in London which dipped into the red after earlier gains.

As UK economic dynamics continue to evolve, British SMEs are positioning themselves for long-term success with a digital presence, AI, and other emerging trends.

Markets are looking ahead to Wednesday's release of key consumer price data

US financial authorities announced the seizure of First Republic on Monday and that it had been sold to JPMorgan Chase

Earlier this week, the US received encouraging economic indicators. However, analysts are considering the pros and cons as Chinese growth also beat expectations.

Markets fear that the monetary tightening by central bankers will tip the economy into recession.

Whilst the economic outlook is still uncertain after the March collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and near-collapse of Credit Suisse, recent results bring good news.

The Office for National Statistics reported that the "prices of food and non-alcoholic drinks rose at the fastest rate in more than 45 years in the 12 months to February 2023."

The shock reduction will start in May and last until the end of the year.

UK retail sales rose in February as consumers' confidence reached a one-year high while US market struggles amid banking moves and monetary tightening.

Wall Street bounced but European markets wobbled Thursday as investors weighed fresh interest rate hikes by central banks and signs of a possible pause in US monetary tightening following turmoil in the banking sector.

The Bank of England and the US Federal Reserve have claimed the safety and strength of banking systems ahead of key decisions on interest rates.

After Silicon Valley Bank collapsed, the failure of regulatory action to stop declines in bank stocks prompted alarm on both sides of the Atlantic.

Wall Street titans including JP Morgan, Bank of America and Citigroup pledged to inject $30 billion into under-pressure lender First Republic Bank.

Asian and European stock markets mostly rose Friday, extending a global rally, as traders welcomed a multi-billion-dollar show of support for troubled banks aimed at soothing concerns about contagion in the sector.

Finance minister Jeremy Hunt presented less gloomy forecasts for Britain's economy at his Spring Budget on Wednesday.

Europe's stock markets and the euro slumped Wednesday on renewed fears of contagion following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.

European stocks tanked Monday while US stocks fell as investors shrugged off global efforts to stem a fast-moving crisis emanating from the US banking sector.

The UK arm of failed US lender Silicon Valley Bank has been bought by HSBC for a nominal ?1 ($1.2) in a rescue deal, the government and HSBC announced Monday.

Equity valuations are attractive to investors as UK equities slumped in 2022, while UK investors expect an innovation-friendly budget from the Chancellor.