Inflation in China continues to slow–watch the GDP data for the fourth quarter set for release on January 17

Inflation at the consumer level fell to a 15-month low in December, China’s National Bureau of Statistics announced today. Inflation at the producer level fell to the lowest rate in two years.The path to another cut by the People’s Bank of China in the bank reserve requirement before the Lunar New Year holiday is now wide open.

Now North Korea roils the financial markets

The death of North Korea’s Kim Jong Il on Saturday December 17 has thrown Asian markets into a tizzy. The fear is that Kim Jong Un, the designated successor, doesn’t have a very secure grip on power and will feel compelled to solidify his control with a bit of military adventurism such as a new nuclear test or a new shelling attack on South Korean territory.