Economy in Brief

During March, the Leading Index of the Major 7 OECD economies increased another 0.2% after five consecutive months of 0.4% gain. The leaders' six month growth rate held at 3.9%, its best since early 2004. During the last ten years [...]

During March, the Leading Index of the Major 7 OECD economies increased another 0.2% after five consecutive months of 0.4% gain. The leaders' six month growth rate held at 3.9%, its best since early 2004. During the last ten years [...]

After some contraction in 2004, home finance in Australia has strengthened considerably. In data reported at midday May 12 in Canberra, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) indicated that housing commitments totaled 59,724 in [...]

Consumer sentiment fell hard early this month. The preliminary May reading from the University of Michigan dropped 9.6% m/m to 79.0, the lowest level since last October. Consensus expectations had been for a far lesser decline to [...]

Total import prices jumped 2.1% last month following declines during the prior two months. The gain was nearly double consensus expectations for a 1.1% increase. Petroleum prices were notably strong and rose 11.5% (32.5% y/y). [...]

The U.S. foreign trade deficit fell to $62.0B during March, the lowest level since last August. The decline exceeded Consensus expectations for a deficit of $67.0B. Total exports recovered from the prior month's drop with a 1.9% jump [...]

The U.S. foreign trade deficit fell to $62.0B during March, the lowest level since last August. The decline exceeded Consensus expectations for a deficit of $67.0B. Total exports recovered from the prior month's drop with a 1.9% jump [...]

GDP growth picked up in the first quarter for the EuroZone and several individual countries.Eurostat reported this morning that GDP in the EuroZone grew 0.6% over Q4 following 0.3% in that period. The year/year gain was 2.0% from Q1 [...]