Philip Shaw Street Quotations

The strength of high street activity during the month (November) reflects an abrupt turn in the weather driving demand for winter wear.

There was quite a positive effect on Wall Street overnight with both the Dow and the S&P fairly close to five-year highs, and that's given Continental European markets a boost first thing.

It's very early to be drawing too many conclusions on the high street after the Christmas and New Year trading period. It's going to take some time for the full picture to unfold.

While we believe the recent run of stronger high street spending will peter out, a majority of MPC members may differ and we expect official rates to remain on hold at 4.5 percent.