MARKETS

Opec producers banking on slowdown in US shale boom and rising demand fuelled by low prices.

The Russian ruble opened broadly firmer on 23 December.

Gold palladium ratio falls and palladium silver ratio rises to new multi-year extremes.

Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said Opec won't cut production regardless of the price.

The National Housing Federation (NHF) said Brits are finding it hard to cope.

Tighter lending conditions are blamed for falling house prices.

Interestingly, $1000 will be a technical target for gold, platinum and palladium for 2015 and $10 for silver.

Markets do not expect a blockbuster first appearance for Dalian Wanda Commercial Properties on Tuesday.

Recruiter Technojobs.co.uk says overall there is a dearth of female applicants in the industry.

Russian state-run oil giant subject of US, EU sanctions has asked the government for financial aid.

Al-Naimi reiterated that his country is not conspiring to target US and Russian oil producers.

Edmund Shing says the potential for the traditional year-end 'Santa Claus rally' close at hand, nvesting in stocks is an obvious choice

Market manipulation across several sectors has led watchdog to take formal charge.

The Financial Reporting Council has launched a probe into the bank's accountants.

TheCityUK reports financial and professional services industry is 80% more productive than other sectors

The Financial Reporting Council joins the Serious Fraud Office in launching a probe.

MPC member Martin Weale also sees more permanent jobs being created.

Opec has admitted it is willing to let prices fall to around $40 per barrel before stepping in.

Production has diminished over recent years and low oil prices are hurting exploration.

Only 17% of Westminster homes coming on to the market in December have been sold, said online estate agents eMoov.

Opec has controlled the global oil market and has set oil prices for almost half a century until now.

Markets keen to see if there will be more year-end central bank surprises amid crashing rouble.

Crude oil prices have dropped some 50% since their peak in June: their steepest fall since the 2008 financial crisis.

Gold prices could destabilise over the holidays if the Russian economy deteriorated further.

BREAKING: Trader was arrested following a dawn raid on his home in Essex.

Canadian inflation rate fell more than expected in November.

Russia's ruble reached an all-time-low of 80 against the dollar on Tuesday but has since recovered.

Benchmark Stoxx Europe 600 poised for a weekly rise of 3%, its strongest advance since late December 2013.

Capital flight was a seminal and historically important part of the formation of free market Russia.