International Economic

US PCE price index growth slows in March
March's personal consumption expenditures price index pointed to a softening in inflationary pressures across the US, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, potentially giving the Federal Reserve room to move when it comes to monetary policy.

US private sector adds just 62,000 jobs in April
US companies eased up on hiring in April as they tried to prepare themselves for impacts stemming from Donald Trump's so-called "Liberation Day" tariffs, according to ADP.

US employment cost growth steady in Q1, as expected
Worker compensation growth in the States was steady at the start of 2025, but the rate of salary increases ebbed.

US GDP contracts 0.3pc in Q1
America's economy contracted at an annualised rate of 0. 3% in the three months ended 31 March, according to a preliminary reading from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the first decline since Q122 and a sharp reversal from the 2. 4% growth rate seen in Q4.

China's factories falter as Trump's tariffs start to bite
China’s manufacturing sector faltered last month, official data showed on Thursday, as Donald Trump’s trade war started to hit home.

Eurozone GDP accelerates more than expected, but momentum likely to fade
Economic activity across the eurozone increased by more than expected in the first quarter of 2025, according to figures out on Wednesday from Eurostat, though a potential slowdown is looming as the impact of US trade tariffs are felt over the coming months.

US job openings decline by more than forecast in March
According to the Department of Labor, the number of job openings in the US fell at a seasonally adjusted pace of 3. 9% in March to reach 7. 192m.

Eurozone economic sentiment deteriorates in April
Eurozone economic sentiment deteriorated in April, according to a survey released on Tuesday by the European Commission.

German consumers shrug off tariff concerns as confidence hits six-month high
Consumer sentiment in Germany has risen to its highest level in six months, according to a survey published jointly by GfK and the Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions (NIM) on Tuesday, as public confidence remained unfazed by ongoing trade tensions.

US existing home sales drop by more than forecast in March
Second hand home sales fell by more than anticipated last month.

US durable goods orders surge in March thanks to Boeing
Durable goods orders in the States surged in March, as Boeing ramped up its production cadence following a very damaging strike.

US initial jobless claims rise to 222,000
Americans lined up for unemployment benefits at an accelerated pace in the week ended 19 April, according to the Department of Labor.

Trump says that he will be 'very nice' with China
The US President sounded a conciliatory tone regarding the country's trade disputes with Beijing.

US mortgage applications slump 12.7pc
US mortgage applications slumped 12. 7% in the week ended 18 April, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association of America, extending the prior week's 8. 5% drop with the sharpest decline since October 2024.

Euro area factory activity holds up in April, but services softens
Economic activity in the single currency bloc continued to cool in April, as new orders fell more rapidly and weaker confidence in the outlook, preliminary survey results revealed.

US Treasury Secretary expects trade war with China to de-escalate
The head of America's Treasury believes that the trade war with China will de-escalate.

Russia offers to halt invasion at current frontline
The Russian president has offered to stop the invasion of Ukraine at the point where the frontline currently stands.

Richmond Fed's manufacturing index plummets in April
The Richmond Federal Reserve's manufacturing index plummeted to -13 in April, down from March's -4 reading and far worse than analysts' estimates of -6.

Putin announces 30-hour Easter truce
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a 30-hour halt to attacks on Ukraine at the weekend.

US initial jobless claims unexpectedly fall by 9,000
Americans lined up for unemployment benefits at a decelerated pace in the week ended 12 April, according to the Department of Labor.