International Economic
NAHB US housing market index rises in March
The National Association of Housebuilders' housing market index increased to 51 in March, up from 48 in February and beating forecasts for a flat month-on-month reading.
Eurozone CPI confirmed at 2.6% in February; Trade hits surplus
Eurozone inflation in February was confirmed at 2. 6%, down from 2. 8% in January, according to official data released on Monday.
China posts upbeat data, but property sector still sluggish
China reported upbeat economic data for the first two months of the year, beating expectations, but its troubled real estate sector still showed sluggishness.
Home prices continue to fall in China
House prices continued to slide in China last month, official data showed on Friday, heaping more pressure on the country’s struggling property sector.
Global oil markets to face supply deficit in 2024
Global oil markets will face a supply deficit in 2024, according to the International Energy Agency, instead of the surplus previously predicted as OPEC+ supply cuts were expected to continue into the second half.
Weekly initial US jobless claims dip unexpectedly
Unemployment claims in the U. S. being filed for the first time dipped unexpectedly during the preceding week.
US producer prices rose more quickly than expected last month
Wholesale inflation in the U. S. rose more quickly than anticipated, due in large part to higher energy prices.
US retail sales grow by less than anticipated in February
Retail sales in the U. S. grew by less than expected last month.
US mortgage applications increase 7.1%
US mortgage applications increased by 7. 1% in the week ended 8 March, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association of America, cooling off slightly from the prior week's 9. 7% rise.
Eurozone industrial production unexpectedly tumbles
Industrial production fell sharply in the eurozone in January, official data showed on Wednesday, by more than expected.
OPEC holds oil demand forecasts, but lifts GDP outlook
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has maintained its forecasts for global oil demand over the next two years, citing "robust" economic growth that has carried over from 2023.
Energy prices nudge US CPI inflation higher in February
The cost of living in the U. S. was little changed last month but did not dip as much as anticipated amid the rising cost of energy.
Inflation still a worry for US small businesses as optimism dips
Optimism among small businesses in the US unexpectedly declined last month, according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), with inflation still a concern for many firms despite the recent slowdown in price pressures over recent months.
German inflation confirmed at 32-month low in February
The secondary reading of German inflation on Tuesday confirmed that the annual rise in consumer prices eased to a 32-month low in February as a result of a sharp slowdown in food-price growth.
US non-farm payrolls grow more quickly than expected in February, but details softer
Hiring in the U. S. continued at a strong clip last month, albeit alongside a very clear slowdown in wage growth.
Eurozone GDP ends 2023 unchanged
The eurozone economy was little changed at the end of 2023, official data showed on Friday, allowing it to narrowly skirt recession.
German industrial production pushes higher
German industrial production ticked higher in January, official data showed on Friday, beating expectations.
US unit labour costs rise by a tad less than expected in Q4
Inflationary pressures in the U. S. from salaries and compensation eased at the end of 2023.
US jobless claims come in ahead of expectations
Americans lined up for unemployment benefits at a faster than anticipated clip in the week ended 2 March, according to the Labor Department.
ECB leaves rates unchanged; cuts inflation, growth forecasts
The European Central Bank kept interest rates unchanged on Thursday as it cut inflation and growth forecasts.