Consumer spending in the United States increased by 1.4% in September, exceeding market expectations. This comes after consumer spending rose by 1% in August, a level that was expected to be maintained last month. It is worth noting that consumer spending makes up around two-thirds of economic activity in the …
Read More »US: UoM Consumer Sentiment Index Improves to 81.8 in October
The Consumer Sentiment Index in the US rose from 80.4 in September 81.8 (final) in October, the University of Michigan’s latest Surveys of Consumers showed on Friday. This reading came in better than the market expectation and the previous estimate of 81.2. Further details of the publication revealed that the …
Read More »US Economic Activity Rebounds Sharply in Q3
The United States’ Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded at an annual rate of 33.1% in the third quarter, the US Bureau of Economic Analysis’ advance estimate showed on Thursday. This reading came in better than the market expectation of +31% and followed the 31.4% contraction recorded in the second …
Read More »US Consumer Confidence Rebounds
On Thursday, the Bank of Japan trimmed its forecast for the economy and prices in the current fiscal year, but revealed a more optimistic view about the chances of recovery, indicating that the stimulus measures it took are sufficient so far. The central bank warned that the outlook is shrouded …
Read More »Eurozone Consumer Confidence Declines to -15.5 in October as Expected
The Consumer Confidence for the euro area and the EU both declined by 1.6 points in October and arrived at -15.5 and -16.5, respectively, the data published by the European Commission showed on Thursday. Further details of the publication revealed that the Industrial Confidence for the euro area improved modestly …
Read More »US Wholesale Inventories Decline in September
Wholesale inventories in the United States declined last month on a monthly basis by 0.1%, preliminary data by the US Census Bureau showed on Wednesday. On an annual basis, wholesale inventories decreased by 4.5% during September, reaching a seasonally adjusted $634.8 billion. As for retail inventories, a 1.6% monthly rise …
Read More »US: Trade Deficit Narrows to $79.4 Billion in September From $83.1 Billion
The US merchandise trade deficit decreased sharply in September while exports increased to support expectations of record economic growth Q3. The US Commerce Department said on Wednesday that the merchandise trade deficit fell 4.5% last month to $ 79.4 billion. “Exports of goods for September were $122.0 billion, $3.2 billion …
Read More »US CB Consumer Confidence Index Edges Lower in October
Consumer confidence in the US weakened sharply in October with the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edging lower to 100.9 from 101.3 (revised from 101.8) in September. This reading came in worse than Reuters’ estimate of 102. Further details of the publication showed that the Consumer President Situation Index climbed …
Read More »Pelosi: New Stimulus Deal Possible Before Elections
The Speaker of the United House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, said on Friday that there remains a possibility to agree on a new COVID-19 stimulus package before the November 3 election, Reuters reported. “We could do that before the election if the president wants to,” she told reporters, noting that …
Read More »US Business Activity Expands at Fastest Rate in 20 Months
The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit Flash United States Composite Output Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) posted 55.5 at the start of the final quarter of 2020, up from 54.3 in September, This is signaling the fastest increase in private sector business activity since February 2019. Service sector firms recorded a marked …
Read More »