US unemployment claims fell to 220 thousand in the week ending December 14, beating estimates of 229 thousand, and down from 242 thousand in the previous reading. 

US GDP grew 3.1% y/y in the third quarter, beating estimates of 2.8%, and up from 2.8% in the previous preliminary reading, and after a 3% increase in the second quarter. 

The Bank of England was rather divided on its decision to hold interest rates unchanged at the December 19 meeting, with 6 members voting in favor of no changes, and three members voting in favor of a 0.25% interest rate cut, according to an official tally released by the BOE.

At the previous November meeting, which ended with a 0.25% interest rate cut 4.75%, 8 members voted in favor of the cut, and a single member voted in favor of holding the rates. 

The Bank of England held interest rates unchanged at 4.75% at the December 19 meeting, the lowest rate since May 2023, thus matching analysts' expectations.