The talks between the EU leaders and the United Kingdom delegation on Wednesday resulted in the EU leaders deciding to grant the United Kingdom a second Brexit delay. The announcement increased uncertainty about the future of the UK and with it decreased the value of the GBP.
The spokesman of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas announced that the EU has fully prepared for a no-deal Brexit scenario.
CEOs of largest US banks were set to testify before the Congress on Wednesday. This is the first time that the CEOs are set to testify since the 2007-2009 financial recession.
On Wednesday, French anti-trust officials raided wine and spirit production companies. The raids were conducted on the base of suspected possible illegal anti-competitive practices.
The head of the Saudi Kingdom Holding Prince Alwaleed announced on Wednesday that the firm did not buy any Saudi Aramco issued bonds. The CEO of the company announced that the yield of the bonds is lower than the fund expects.
On Tuesday, Saudi Aramco released its first bond, which set a $100 billion demand record. The company issued $12 billion worth of bonds. On Wednesday, the price of the bond increased during the Asian trading session.
After the EU granted the UK another Brexit extension the Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel announced that the United Kingdom has to be given reasonable time to work out a Brexit deal. The increase of the future uncertainty hurt the value of the GBP.
On Wednesday, Delta Air Lines increased its second quarterly profit forecast. The event caused a three percent surge in the company's stock price.
On Wednesday, the North Korean state media announced that the ruling party of the country will hold a meeting to discuss how to make progress during current "tense situation." The announcement signals that progress will be made in the US-NK talks.
The cyber security firm Symantec on Wednesday announced that in accordance with its research two out of three hotels leak personal data of their guests. The leaks mostly happen due to accident and neglect.
On Wednesday, US Justice Department accused British drug maker Indivior PLc of illegally increasing prescription numbers for its opioid addiction treating drug. The announcement caused a 75% drop in the company's stock value.
On Wednesday, British Financial Conduct Authority sent out letters to the CEOs of various insurers. The insurers are advised to reevaluate the value proposed to their clients. The officials announced that they are prepared to act against the insurance companies.
On Wednesday, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, was reelected to his position by the Israeli Parliament. It indicates that the current policies of the Presidential cabinet will continue.
French officials proposed on Tuesday to the European Union financial controllers to reconsider the planned Brexit stock ban. The ban would forbid thousands of EU stock from being traded in the UK. That would hurt the stock prices, as demand would decrease.
French Financial Minister announced on Wednesday that the trade war escalating between Airbus and Boeing is bound to help the Chinese airplane makers.
The statisticians of the United Kingdom on Wednesday published the monthly UK GDP data. The economy grew by 0.2%. The number was forecast by the Bloomberg survey of various market participant firms.
On Wednesday, Alphabet and Facebook representatives appeared before US congress. The representatives were defending the efforts that the companies have taken to get rid of hate speech on social media.
On Wednesday, the Swedish government presented its budget for spring, which included additional 2 billion Swedish crowns to combat the negative consequences of climate change.
The Finance Minister of Turkey Berat Albayrak stated on Wednesday that the government would increase banks' capital and adjust taxes in order to give stimulus to the country's fragile economy.
The Japanese carmaker Infiniti stated on Wednesday that it plans to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) produced in China in 2022.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the price of Saudi Aramco's issued 30-year bonds on Wednesday morning increased by 1%, thus showing better performance compared to the company's short-term bonds.
The German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz stated on Wednesday that he remained confident that the British Parliament would eventually approve deal on Brexit.
According to reports coming from Brussels, the European Union leaders are ready to approve another delay on Brexit, though there is a high chance that they would ask Theresa May to accept a longer extension and conditions.
On Wednesday, crude oil prices edged higher. The surge was attributed to OPEC supply cuts and the US sanctions against Venezuela and Iran.