US consumer sentiment rises to March highs
US consumer sentiment improved in October despite constant concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.
The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment survey improved to 81.2 this month, the highest since March, while analysts expected a dip to 80.2.
Wall Street climbs after retail data
US stock indices opened the day with gains following upbeat data and renewed hopes for stimulus.
US President Donald Trump told treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin to raise the proposed stimulus to over $1.8 trillion to pass it through Congress before the November elections.
Earlier US data showed retail sales rose 1.9%, besting estimates of 0.7%, while core sales rose 1.5% in September, besting estimates of 0.4%.
Dow Jones rose 1.2% as of 15:31 GMT to 28,865, while NASDAQ rose 0.9%, as S&P 500 rose 0.9% to 3,514.
Nickel rises as dollar weakens
Nickel's prices rose on Friday as the dollar lost ground against a batch of rivals, and amid estimates of a supply shortage of the metal soon.
Markets are following US talks for new stimulus to counter Covid impact, and as the presidential elections approach in November.
Global nickel supplies are expected to register a surplus of 117 thousand tonnes in 2020 before shrinking to 68 thousand tonnes in 2021.
The dollar index fell 0.2% to 93.6 as of 14:25 GMT, with an intraday high at 93.8.
Nickel futures rose 3.3% to $15,597 a tonne, after closing at $15,105 yesterday.
