The world would look dramatically different without NATO’s and the U.N.’s keeping the world relatively peaceful.

Technical analysis of the Dow as it nears its record high while EUR/JPY and US natural gas futures hit multi-year highs.

UK retail sales rose 0.4% in December, beating forecasts, while consumer confidence improved. Sterling remained subdued despite the positive data surprise.

An emergency meeting of the National Party on Wednesday night has led to the mass resignation of eight MPs from the shadow ministry. Follow live.