International Economic
Chicago PMI hits 17-month high in March
The downturn in business conditions across the wider Chicago area unexpectedly slowed in March, according to a survey out on Monday from the Institute for Supply Management, with a key measure of activity hitting a 17-month high.

US at more risk of recession from Trump's trade wars, says Goldman
Goldman Sachs has raised its forecast for the probability of a US recession from 20% to 35%, saying that the Trump administration is sacrificing weaker economic growth as it continues to step up protectionist trade measures.
Global markets in turmoil as Trump threatens all countries with tariffs
Global share markets were in turmoil on Monday as US President Donald Trump said he would impose tariffs on all countries and told his advisers to get even more aggressive with tariffs ahead of a raft of new levies due to take effect on Wednesday.
German February retail sales rise 0.8%
German retail sales rose by 0. 8% in February 2025 compared to the previous month, the federal statistics office said on Monday.
US consumer confidence revised lower as economic outlook deteriorates
US consumer sentiment was revised lower for March, according to an updated survey from the University of Michigan on Friday, with confidence falling for the third straight month.

US core PCE inflation unexpectedly rises
The annual rate of US core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) inflation unexpectedly rose in February, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis on Friday, while personal incomes increased more than forecast.

Economic sentiment weakens across the Eurozone
Economic sentiment and consumer confidence across Europe weakened unexpectedly in March, official research showed on Friday.

German unemployment hits highest since mid-2020
The jobless rate in Germany unexpectedly rose in March, reaching its highest level in four and a half years, according to data out on Friday from the Federal Employment Agency.

US trade tariffs have heightened downside risks, says Bank of Japan
The Bank of Japan has said that it is keeping a close eye on the impact of protectionist measures imposed by Donald Trump, with downside risks stemming from trade tariffs having increased.

German consumer confidence stabilises, but uncertainty remains
Consumer confidence in Germany has stabilised at a low level as sentiment was supported by the recent elections, though rising preferences to put money away still indicate a cautious attitude.

US pending home sales grow a tad more quickly than expected in February
The growth in the number of home sales signed in the US continued to be subdued last month.

Trump slaps 25% tariffs on car, parts imports as trade war escalates
US President Donald Trump escalated his global trade war overnight, announcing plans to impose swingeing 25% tariffs on all vehicle imports and parts only days before levies on other goods take effect.

US initial jobless claims drop by 1,000
Americans lined up for unemployment benefits at only a slightly decelerated pace in the week ended 22 March, according to the Department of Labor.

Norway leaves rates unchanged after inflation picks up
Norway’s central bank kept interest rates at a 17-year high on Thursday, as widely expected, following an uptick in inflation.

Europe close: Report of imminent US car tariffs hits shares
European shares were lower on Wednesday amid ongoing uncertainty and nervousness around the expected 2 April date for Washington's announcement of reciprocal trade tariffs.

German business sentiment improves in March - Ifo
German business sentiment improved in March, according to a survey released on Tuesday by the Ifo Institute.

US services activity picks up in March, but expectations deteriorate sharply
Business activity in the US picked up in March, but not in manufacturing, according to the preliminary results of two closely followed surveys.

Eurozone factory downturn shows signs of easing - PMI
The eurozone’s manufacturing sector’s enduring downturn showed signs of easing amid hopes of more spending on infrastructure and defence, according to flash survey results published on Monday.

US existing-home sales unexpectedly rise
Existing-home sales in the United States rebounded strongly in February, according to the National Association of Realtors, which pointed to "encouraging signs" for the American housing market.

Philly manufacturing growth eases as input prices climb
Manufacturing activity across Philadelphia expanded at a more modest pace in March, according to the region's Federal Reserve Bank, with growth in new orders and shipments easing and input prices hitting their highest in nearly three years.