Mario Draghi’s policy challenge was highlighted once again yesterday, with the fastest economic growth in a year overshadowed by another drop in consumer prices.

As Mario Draghi prepares to ramp up debt purchases starting Friday in his biggest assault against eurozone deflation risks, he’s about to get another sense of the magnitude of the challenge.

The dollar climbed to a seven-month high against the euro as the rate of US inflation increased in October, fuelling speculation the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates from near zero as soon as next month.

Gold advanced to the highest in seven weeks, boosted as investor confidence in the dollar waivered amid doubts US interest rates will rise this year.

The ECB’s second round of long-term loans came in at the low end of analysts’ estimates, bolstering the case for the institution to start large-scale quantitative easing.

The ECB has picked four asset managers to aid purchases of asset-backed securities that it says will start next month.

TRACKER mortgage holders are likely to be spared any interest rate increases in the coming months, with the European Central Bank (ECB) signalling rates will remain at their record low rate.

An online sports auction website is to create up to 50 jobs next year, it was announced today.

ISEQ-listed exploration company Kenmare Resources will take on 30 years of experience in the equities business with the enrolment of Tony Lowrie as a new board member.

Tony Lowrie has agreed to join the board of ISEQ-listed exploration company Kenmare Resources as a non-executive director, with immediate effect.

Xinhua Financial Network (XFN), the Hong Kong-based China financial information provider, held its first China credit ratings seminar in Singapore today, receiving an enthusiastic response from leading financial institutions.