World markets hit 2019 high amid trade war optimism - as it happened
(The Guardian Business News)

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news, as investors cling to hopes that Beijing and Washington are making progress in their trade talksLatest: World markets hit highest level since December 2018Introduction: Trade optimism is buildingMore US-China talks due this weekBrent crude near $67 per barrelChinese stocks surged this morning 1.33pm GMT Time for a recap.World stock markets have hit their highest level of 2019, as optimism builds that the US and China can calm their trade wars.On Friday, China and the U.S. announced plans to resume trade negotiations in Washington, fueling hopes that both countries were edging toward a deal. `We feel we have made headway on very, very important and difficult issues,` U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. 1.22pm GMT Brexit uncertainty, and fears of job losses, are eating into UK household confidence.British households grew more downbeat about their finances this month, according to data firm Markit. Continue reading...