UK unemployment climbed to its highest level in almost five years and wage growth eased, cementing the case for a widely expected Bank of England interest-rate cut later this week.

Private-sector activity in the euro area grew less than anticipated in December as Germany’s industrial sector unexpectedly deteriorated.

US retail sales were little changed in October as solid spending in several categories was muted by a decline at motor vehicle dealers.

US business activity expanded in December at the slowest pace in six months, while a measure of input prices jumped to a more than three-year high.

China’s markets shed the “uninvestable” tag this year. To bury it for good, investors say an acceleration in the domestic economy is needed so the bullishness doesn’t fizzle out.