Breaking Economic News
UK unemployment drops in March, wages higher
The jobless rate in Britain slipped by one tenth of a percentage point to 5. 5 % in the three months to March, according to the Office for National Statistics.
German economic growth slower than expected, France's growth faster
The German economy grew at a slower 0. 3% than the 0. 5% that was expected in the first quarter, while France over-delivered, growing GDP 0. 6% in the quarter versus the 0. 4% consensus estimate and the 0. 1% in the prior quarter.
Second major earthquake hits Nepal
Nepal has been hit by a second major earthquake measuring 7. 4 on the Richter scale.
US job openings decline to 4.99m in March, Labor Department figures show
Figures released by the Labor Department showed US job openings declined to 4. 99m in March from 5. 14m in the previous month, falling short of analysts’ expectations that called for a largely unchanged reading.
NIESR says UK GDP growth picked up slightly in April
Economic growth in the UK picked up slightly in April, according to a prestigious think-tank which forecast a further re-acceleration through the rest of the year.
ECB to increase funding for Greek banks, report says
The European Central Bank will reportedly increase its funding to Greek banks under its Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA) facility.
US small business optimism rises in April, says NFIB
US small-businesses sentiment improved in April, the National Federation of Independent Business said.
IMF does not want to participate in third bail-out for Greece
Following the Eurogroup’s meeting on Monday in Brussels, the International Monetary Fund reportedly made clear it did not want to participate in a third bailout for Greece, that could be valued at €50bn.
Greece confirms latest IMF repayment
Greek officials have confirmed that it has completed its €750m loan repayment to the International Monetary Fund.
Business leaders urge Tories to begin campaign to keep UK inside EU
Business leaders are calling on Prime Minister David Cameron to kick-off a campaign for keeping the UK in the European Union (EU) as soon as possible.
China cuts interest rates, further easing likely
China has further loosened monetary policy in a bid to support economic growth, likely in reaction to Friday's weaker than expected reading on international trade for April, economists said, with further easing measures considered to be highly likely over the rest of the coming year.
US non-farm payrolls rose by 223,000 in April
The US labour market generated almost exactly the number of jobs which markets had been predicting but wage pressures continued to be muted.
Chinese export growth in April disappoints
Chinese exports staged a disappointing recovery in April but some economists remained optimistic regarding the outlook for Chinese trade.
Sharp gains in pound ahead of open
The pound was registering sharp gains ahead of the start of trading as markets continued to digest the surprisingly strong showing for the Conservatives at the elections.
General Election: Fifth results round-up [06:00 BST]
As results for the UK general election continue to roll in on Friday morning, stunning outcomes continue to emerge from Scotland on what is turning out to be a very bad night for the Liberal Democrats and Labour, with Conservatives tipped to emerge as the largest party. See below for a round-up of results.
Miliband admits bad night for Labour, stops short of conceding defeat
Labour party leader Ed Miliband has admitted the general election had been a “disappointing” one for his party.
General Election: Fourth results round-up [05:00 BST] - Nick Clegg wins, Cable loses
As results for the UK general election continue to roll in on Friday morning, stunning outcomes continue to emerge from Scotland on what is turning out to be a very bad night for the Liberal Democrats and Labour, with Conservatives tipped to emerge as the largest party. See below for a round-up of the constituencies that have released their results.
General Election: Third results round-up [04:00 BST]
As results for the UK general election continue to roll in early on Friday, stunning outcomes continue to emerge from Scotland. See below for a round-up of the constituencies that have released their results; Scotland aside, most of which are incumbent holds.
General Election: Second results round-up [03:00 BST] - Ed Miliband "could" resign
As results for the UK general election continue to roll in early on Friday, stunning outcomes continue to emerge from Scotland. See below for a round-up of the constituencies that have released their results; Scotland aside, most of which are incumbent holds.
Exit polls put Conservatives on top
The Conservatives will hold the most seats according to exit poll, which puts the party firmly in the lead.