International Economic
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.
US weekly jobless claims rise by just 2,000
Initial claims for unemployment benefits in the United States rose by just 2,000 last week, according to data from the Department of Labor on Thursday.
Eurozone construction growth slows to just 0.2%
Construction activity across the eurozone edged higher in January, with growth slowing for the second straight month, according to data out on Thursday from Eurostat.
German producer prices rise by less than forecast
Producer prices across Germany rose by less than expected in February, official data showed on Thursday.
Fed still sees two rate cuts, to slow balance sheet reduction
Rate-setters in the US voted to stand pat on rates, but said that they would slow the pace at which the central bank reduced its balance sheet until a deal was reached on the government debt ceiling.
US mortgage applications pull back as rates climb
Mortgage applications in the United States pulled back last week after a significant uptick over the preceding two weeks, as long-term mortgage rates rose for the first time in more than two months.
Eurozone inflation revised lower as price pressures ease
Eurozone inflation slowed more than initially expected in February with price pressures easing across France, Germany and Ireland.
Bank of Japan keeps key policy rate at 0.5%
The Bank of Japan maintained its key policy rate steady at 0. 5% on Wednesday, as expected.
German MPs approve defence spending package to counter Russia threat
Germany's parliament has approved an historic package of spending and debt limit reforms, potentially clearing the way for a massive boost in defence and infrastructure spending for Europe's biggest economy.
Fund managers make record rotation out of US stocks - BofA
Fund managers made the sharpest rotation in March out of US stocks and into Europe since records began in 1999, according to the latest fund manager survey from Bank of America.
US industrial output beats forecasts in February, but economists cautious
Industrial production in the US jumped last month as aircraft and automobile manufacturing rebounded.
US housing starts, building permits beat forecasts
The numbers of new houses being built in the United States came in higher than expected in February, along with the volume of permits authorising residential construction, according to data from the Census Bureau on Tuesday.