International Economic
Fed members continue to push back against rate-cut hopes
Federal Reserve policymakers are continuing to push back against expectations for significant interest-rate cuts this year, with governor Michelle Bowman asking for patience before any policy easing takes place.
US consumer sentiment at six-month low as outlook weakens
Consumer sentiment in the United States dropped to a six-month low in May, according to a closely watched survey from the University of Michigan, falling much more than economists were expecting.
US jobless claims hit nine-month high
Americans lined up for unemployment benefits at an accelerated clip in the week ended 4 May, according to the Department of Labor, hitting a nine-month high in the process.
China imports smash forecasts as exports also rise
China’s exports rose 1. 5% in April, while imports surged 8. 4%, beating forecasts, according to data released by the customs agency on Thursday.
Sweden's Riksbank trims interest rates
Sweden’s central bank trimmed interest rates on Wednesday, for the first time since 2016.
German industrial production falls less than expected
Industrial output in Germany fell in March, according to data released on Wednesday by the Federal Statistical Office, Destatis, though it wasn't as big a drop as expected after figures for the previous month were revised lower.
German exports up 0.9% in March but factory orders post shock fall
Germany on Tuesday reported an unexpected 0. 9% rise in exports in March compared with the previous month, according to official data.
Eurozone retail sales push higher
Eurozone retail sales pushed higher in March, official data showed on Tuesday, beating expectations.
Eurozone construction sector struggles as new orders fall
The eurozone construction sector remains in decline at the start of the second quarter of the year after a sharp fall in new orders, with Germany, Italy and France the major contributors, a survey published on Tuesday revealed.
RBA leaves rates unchanged despite slow inflation fall
Australia's central bank left interest rates unchanged on Tuesday despite a slower-than-expected fall in inflation.
U.S. non-farm payroll growth slows to just 175,000 in April
Hiring in the U. S. slowed by noticeably more than expected in April, alongside lower than expected wage growth.
US services activity softens in April, ISM says
Services activity in the States shrank unexpectedly at the start of spring, marking the first contraction since December 2022.
Norway holds rates steady as expected
Norway's central bank kept interest rates on hold at 4. 50% on Friday, in line with expectations, adding that a tight monetary policy stance may be necessary longer than planned to curb inflation.
Eurozone jobless rate unchanged for fifth straight month
The jobless rate in the eurozone held steady at a record low for the fifth straight month in March, according to figures released on Friday by Eurostat.
US jobless claims hold steady in week ended 26 April
The number of Americans lining up for unemployment benefits was unchanged at 208,000 in the week ended 27 April, according to the Labor Department, remaining at the lowest level in two months and firmly below market expectations for a reading of 212,000.
U.S. foreign trade deficit little changed in March, consumer goods imports strong
America's shortfall on trade with the rest of the world was little changed in March, as both exports and imports suffered large declines.
US unit labour cost growth exceeds forecasts in Q1
Workers' productivity in the U. S. slowed more sharply than anticipated at the start of 2024, pushing labour costs much higher.
German manufacturing downturn eases slightly - PMI
The downturn in Germany’s hard-pressed manufacturing sector eased marginally last month, a closely-watched survey showed on Thursday, although it remained in contraction.
UK economic growth to remain 'sluggish' - OECD
UK growth is set to remain sluggish this year, a leading economic organisation forecast on Thursday, weighed down by restrictive monetary policy.
Federal Reserve stays put on rates
America's central bank stood pat on rates on Wednesday, but refrained from sounding a hawkish note that might tighten financial conditions further.