International Economic
'Glimmer of hope' for Eurozone economy as PMIs edge higher
Business activity across the Eurozone showed early signs of stabilising in March, according to closely-watched research published on Thursday.
Fed sees faster GDP growth in 2024, shallower path for rate decreases in later years
The U. S. central bank kept interest rates unchanged but nudged its forecasts for economic growth and interest rates in 2025 and 2026 a tad higher.
Eurozone construction output increases in January
Eurozone construction output increased 0. 5% in January, according to preliminary reports from Eurostat.
German producer prices fall 4.1% in February
German producer prices in February fell a further-than-expected 4. 1% on an annualised basis, the federal statistics office said on Wednesday.
China banks hold lending rates
Chinese banks held benchmark lending rates after the country’s central bank last week to keep monetary policy unchanged.
US housing starts surge in February, building permits rise
Both building permits and housing starts surged across the US in February, according to the Census Bureau, beating forecasts.
German business sentiment improves in March - ZEW
German business sentiment improved in March, according to a survey released on Tuesday by the ZEW Center for European Economic Research in Mannheim.
RBA leaves rates unchanged, but warns inflation risks still remain
Australia's central bank left interest rates unchanged on Tuesday, as expected, but governor Michele Bullock warned that inflation remained at high levels.
Japan lifts rates for first time in 17 years
Japan’s central bank raised interest rates on Tuesday, ending an eight-year policy of keeping them in negative territory in an attempt to boost economic growth.
NAHB US housing market index rises in March
The National Association of Housebuilders' housing market index increased to 51 in March, up from 48 in February and beating forecasts for a flat month-on-month reading.
Eurozone CPI confirmed at 2.6% in February; Trade hits surplus
Eurozone inflation in February was confirmed at 2. 6%, down from 2. 8% in January, according to official data released on Monday.
China posts upbeat data, but property sector still sluggish
China reported upbeat economic data for the first two months of the year, beating expectations, but its troubled real estate sector still showed sluggishness.
Home prices continue to fall in China
House prices continued to slide in China last month, official data showed on Friday, heaping more pressure on the country’s struggling property sector.
Global oil markets to face supply deficit in 2024
Global oil markets will face a supply deficit in 2024, according to the International Energy Agency, instead of the surplus previously predicted as OPEC+ supply cuts were expected to continue into the second half.
Weekly initial US jobless claims dip unexpectedly
Unemployment claims in the U. S. being filed for the first time dipped unexpectedly during the preceding week.
US producer prices rose more quickly than expected last month
Wholesale inflation in the U. S. rose more quickly than anticipated, due in large part to higher energy prices.
US retail sales grow by less than anticipated in February
Retail sales in the U. S. grew by less than expected last month.
US mortgage applications increase 7.1%
US mortgage applications increased by 7. 1% in the week ended 8 March, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association of America, cooling off slightly from the prior week's 9. 7% rise.
Eurozone industrial production unexpectedly tumbles
Industrial production fell sharply in the eurozone in January, official data showed on Wednesday, by more than expected.
OPEC holds oil demand forecasts, but lifts GDP outlook
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has maintained its forecasts for global oil demand over the next two years, citing "robust" economic growth that has carried over from 2023.