International Economic
US consumer confidence drops to 21-month low
Consumer confidence in the United States unexpectedly weakened in April, according to data released on Tuesday by The Conference Board, as the public turned more pessimistic about future business conditions and the labour market.
US house prices near record highs as growth picks up
Urban house-price growth in the US accelerated to its highest level in 16 months in February, according to data out on Tuesday from S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller, with prices at or near all-time highs.
US Employment Cost Index rises more quickly than expected in Q1
The cost in the U. S. of employing workers picked up modestly at the start of 2024 amid a jump in benefits.
Eurozone exits recession as Q1 GDP grows 0.3%, inflation holds at 2.4%
There were further signs that the eurozone was starting to turn a corner as inflation held steady at 2. 4% and the single currency economy avoided recession in the first quarter of the year.
German economy avoids recession, labour market resilient
The German economy avoided recession in the first quarter of the year, with modest 0. 2% growth reported on Tuesday, surpassing analysts' expectations.
China's manufacturing sector gathers pace in April
China’s manufacturing sector continued to strengthen in April, closely-watched data published on Tuesday showed.
German retail sales post unexpected 1.8% rise in March
German retail sales posted a higher-than-expected by 1. 8% rise in March compared with the previous month, according to official data published on Tuesday.
German inflation edges up to 2.4% in April
German inflation registered a slight rise in April as food prices rose while energy costs fell less than expected, according to preliminary data published on Monday.
European economic sentiment takes a hit in April
Economic sentiment took a hit across both the eurozone and the wider EU in April, according to survey data released on Monday, alongside a downturn in employment expectations.
US PCE rises to 2.7% in March, ahead of estimates
The US personal consumption expenditure rate rose to 2. 7% in March, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, up from 2. 5% in February and higher than the 2. 6% expected by economists, suggesting that inflationary headwinds were still building.
Friday preview: US inflation data, NatWest Group in the spotlight
Financial markets' attention at the end of the week would be squarely on the latest inflation data out of the States.
US Q1 GDP growth comes in slower than expected
Economic activity in the U. S. slowed by more than anticipated at the turn of the year, while price pressures picked up.
Turkey central bank holds interest rates at 50%
Turkey’s central bank left interest rates on hold on Thursday at 50% as it said it was keeping a close eye on inflation.
US initial jobless claims hit two-month low
Americans lined up for unemployment benefits at a decelerated pace in the week ended 20 April, according to the Labor Department, dropping to the lowest level seen since February.
Germany consumer sentiment picks up - GfK
German consumer sentiment has continued to strengthen, a closely-watched survey showed on Thursday.
US durable goods orders rise as expected in March, details weaker
Orders in the U. S. for goods made to last more than three years rose by slightly more than expected last month.
US mortgage applications fall 2.7% week-on-week
US mortgage applications fell by 2. 7% week-on-week in the seven days ended 19 April, trimming the 3. 3% increase from halfway through the month to mark the sharpest weekly decline since early February, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association of America.
German business sentiment improves in April - Ifo
German business sentiment improved in April, according to a survey released on Wednesday by the Ifo Institute.
US new home sales jump in March
New home sales in the United States bounced back strongly in March after a sharp downwards revision to numbers the month before.
Tesla announces plans to cut 400 jobs in Germany
Tesla is set to trim around 400 positions at its German gigafactory near Berlin, it emerged on Tuesday, accounting for 3% of the factory's total workforce.