International Economic
US house price growth slows in October
House price growth in the States drifted lower in October when compared with a year earlier, despite monthly gains.
China construction and services PMIs rise in December
Economic activity in China perked up at the end of 2024, the results of three surveys revealed.
US Chicago PMI dips unexpectedly in December
Factory sector activity in the Chicago area slowed a bit more quickly at the end tail-end of 2024, the results of a closely followed survey revealed.
Japan factory activity contracts more slowly in December
Japan’s factory activity contracted at a slower pace in December, suggesting the sector could be moving closer to stabilising after months of declines.
South Korean factory output falls further than anticipated
South Korea's factory output contracted more sharply than anticipated in November, reflecting mounting challenges from slowing exports and waning business confidence.
Inflation in Tokyo accelerates in December
Inflation in Tokyo accelerated in December, with core consumer prices rising 2. 4% year-on-year, slightly below market expectations of 2. 5%, according to government data released on Friday.
China industrial profits decline more slowly in November
China’s industrial profits declined by 7. 3% in November compared to a year earlier, a significant improvement from the 10% drop recorded in October, according to fresh data released on Friday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
US consumer confidence retreats as future outlook darkens
Consumer sentiment in the US unexpectedly declined in December, pulling back after strong gains over the previous two months as concerns about the future outlook returned.
US consumer confidence edges up in December, inflation expectations mixed
Consumer confidence in the US rose modestly, although inflation expectations were mixed, the results of a closely followed survey revealed.
Americans spend at steady clip in November, PCE prices miss forecasts
Americans continued to spend at a steady clip last month, while prices rose by a tad less than anticipated.
German PPI unexpectedly turns positive
The annual change in wholesale prices in Germany unexpectedly turned positive in November for the first time in 17 months, according to data from Destatis on Friday.
China leaves benchmark rates unchanged
China left benchmark lending rates unchanged at Friday’s monthly fixing, in line with expectations.
US existing home sales rise past forecasts in November
Second-hand home sales in the States jumped last month.
Philly Fed index surprises to the downside in December
Activity in the US mid-Atlantic region weakened at the end of 2024, the results of a closely followed survey showed.
US initial jobless claims fall by 22,000
Americans lined up for unemployment benefits at a decelerated pace in the week ended 14 December, according to the Labor Department.
Norges Bank leaves rates on hold at 4.50%, signals March rate cut
Norway's central bank kept interest rates on hold on Thursday at a 16-year high of 4. 50%, as widely expected.
Swedish central bank cuts interest rates for fifth time this year
Sweden's central bank reduced interest rates to their lowest level in almost two years on Thursday and signalled that another cut could be on the cards early next year.
Bank of Japan holds rates steady; Yen falls
The Bank of Japan held interest rates unchanged at 0. 25%, in line with expectations, sending the yen to a one-month low.
German consumer confidence improves but remains low
Consumer confidence in Germany increased more than expected as income expectations and willingness to buy both improved.
'We are significantly closer to neutral', Fed's Powell says
The US central bank cut rates as expected but policymakers indicated that they were now anticipating fewer reductions in 2025.