New York — Stocks on major world markets rose further on Wednesday and US Treasury yields rose after a batch of US economic data increased the possibility of an interest rate rise by the Federal Reserve. US retail sales rose more than expected in January, while other data showed consumer prices recorded their biggest increase in nearly four years last month and manufacturing output steadily rising. The reports come on the back of comments from US Fed Chair Janet Yellen on Tuesday that the central bank would probably need to raise rates at one of the upcoming meetings. The economic data and Yellen’s comments heightened expectations of a March interest rate hike, with US short-term interest rates futures implying a 27% chance of a 25 basis point rise at its March meeting. "It makes it more interesting, March, for sure," said Brian Rehling, co-head of global fixed income strategy for Wells Fargo Investment Institute in St. Louis. "There is a chance more so than when she started speakin...
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