International Economic
German producer prices fall more than expected
Germany wholesale price deflation accelerated more than expected in April, according to figures released by Destatis, the Federal Statistical Office, on Tuesday.
Chinese banks hold benchmark lending rates steady
Chinese banks kept their benchmark lending rates unchanged after the People's Bank of China also chose to stay put on a key rate on loans it offers to lenders.
China moves to spark housing market with offer to buy empty homes
The Chinese central bank moved again to help the struggling property sector on Friday by relaxing lending rules and offering to buy commercial real estate, as data showed house prices in major cities fell last month.
Eurozone inflation steady in April
Eurozone inflation was unchanged in April, as expected, according to figures released by Eurostat on Friday.
US April import prices jump past forecasts on fuel costs
The cost of goods purchased overseas jumped last month amid dearer prices for fuel imports.
Weekly US unemployment claims drop
US firms continued to hold onto their workers during the latest week.
Philly Fed index declines amid drop in new orders
Factory activity in the US mid-Atlantic region slowed a tad more than expected in May, the results of a closely-followed survey revealed.
EC launches formal probe into how Meta protects minors
The European Commission has launched formal proceedings to investigate whether Meta may have breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) through how it treats and protects minors on Facebook and Instagram.
Japan GDP contracts more than expected, clouds BoJ rate plans
Japan’s economy unexpectedly shrank in the first quarter as consumers tightened their belts in response to stagnant wage growth, companies cut spending and exports fell.
April US retail sales undershoot forecasts
American consumers reined in their spending last month, especially on motor vehicles and parts, as well as online.
US CPI increases 0.3% in April
Consumer goods and services prices increased 0. 3% in April, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, principally due to higher oil prices and housing costs.
US mortgage applications rise 0.5%
US mortgage applications rose 0. 5% in the week ended 10 May, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association of America, following on from a 2. 6% jump in the previous week.
Eurozone inflation to fall faster than forecast - EU
Eurozone inflation is set to fall faster than initially expected this year, the European Commission forecast on Wednesday.
Eurozone GDP edges higher in first quarter
Eurozone economic growth ticked higher in the first quarter of 2024, official data showed on Wednesday.
IEA cuts forecasts for oil demand in 2024
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has slashed its oil demand forecast for 2024 as a result of poor industrial activity and mild winter temperatures, which have sapped gasoil consumption so far this year.
US wholesale inflation rises more than forecast
US producers prices rebounded more than expected in April after a downwardly revised fall the previous month, with the annual rate of inflation rising to its highest level in a year.
OPEC holds production forecasts, plans to use OPEC+ outlook
OPEC held global oil demand forecasts on Tuesday, adding that there was some upside potential for economic growth this year and beyond, and said it would also start using production from the wider OPEC+ group for forecasts.
US small business optimism improves, but owners remains downbeat
Optimism among small businesses in the US has increased for the first time this year, but still remains well below the long-term average as inflation continues to weigh on confidence.
Investor morale hits two-year high in Germany
German investor sentiment kicked higher in May, a closely-watched survey showed on Tuesday, reaching a two-year high.
Biden administration to hike tariffs on $18bn of Chinese goods
The Biden administration announced significant tariff increases on $18bn worth of Chinese imports overnight on Monday, targeting sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, steel, aluminium, and more.