International Economic
German consumer sentiment rises, but fears over wars, prices persist
German consumer sentiment should improve in the new year, although concerns about the impact of geopolitical crises and food inflation continue to cause uncertainty, according to a survey published on Wednesday.
China leaves rates unchanged as expected
China kept benchmark lending rates unchanged as expected on Wednesday.
Eurozone Nov inflation unchanged
Eurozone inflation was unchanged at 2. 4% in November on an annualised basis and in line with expectations, according to a final reading published on Tuesday.
Bank of Japan keeps negative interest rates unchanged
The Bank of Japan has kept short-term interest rates at -0. 1% as it continues to encourage banks to lend more and kickstart an economic recovery, but said it is keeping a close eye on price and wage movements before it considers tightening monetary policy.
US housing market index rises in December
The National Association of Housebuilders' housing market index edged up to 37 in December, up from an almost 12-month low of 34 in November and beating forecasts for a reading of 36.
Business climate unexpectedly worsens in Germany, IFO data shows
The business climate in Germany unexpectedly declined in December, with indicators for both current conditions and future confidence slipping.
US industrial production rises just 0.2% in November
Industrial output in the US rebounded by less than expected in November, according to figures released on Friday by the Federal Reserve.
Empire State manufacturing index drops sharply in December
Business activity in New York's manufacturing sector declined sharply this month, according to the Empire State Manufacturing Survey by the regional Federal Reserve bank on Friday.
Bundesbank cuts German GDP forecasts for 2024 and 2025
Germany's central bank scaled back its growth projections on Friday, forecasting a meagre rebound in economic activity after a contraction in 2023.
Eurozone PMI remains at six-month high in preliminary reading
A preliminary reading of Hamburg Commercial Bank's Eurozone manufacturing purchasing managers remained at a six-month high in December, coming in at 44. 2 in December, short of expectations for a reading of 44. 6 and flat month-on-month.
China Nov industrial production up, but retail sales miss forecasts
China's November industrial output expanded at the its fastest pace since February 2022, although retail sales figures were weaker than expected as the world’s second-largest economy continued to stumble towards recovery.
ECB leaves interest rates on hold
The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged on Thursday, as widely expected.
US jobless claims unexpectedly fall
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell last week, according to data released on Thursday by the Labor Department.
US retail sales rise unexpectedly in November
Retail sales in the U. S. increased moderately last month led by purchases of motor vehicles and parts, as well as at non-store retailers.
Amazon wins court battle over Luxembourg back taxes
Luxembourg's Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled on Thursday that Amazon does not have to pay €250m in back taxes to Luxembourg.
Norway's central bank hikes interest rates again
Norway's central bank hiked rates again on Thursday, as it looked to combat inflation.
Swiss National Bank leaves rates on hold
The Swiss National Bank kept its policy rate unchanged at 1. 75% on Thursday, in line with expectations.
FOMC keeps rates unchanged, but opens door to rate cuts in 2024
Policymakers at the Federal Reserve chose to keep interest rates unchanged for the third straight meeting and hinted at the possibility of monetary loosening in 2024 with inflation slowing more than expected.
Drop in energy prices keeps U.S. wholesale inflation under wraps in November
Wholesale prices in the States were held in check last month by a drop in energy costs.
Argentina devalues peso, slashes public spending
Argentina's new hard-right government has devalued its currency by more than half in its first package of economic measures that include slashing public spending.