Articles in the Key Economic Indicators Category
Key Economic Indicators »
Global business confidence held steady at the end of June, consistent with a global economy that is expanding at the high end of its potential. Sentiment has weakened from its peak early in the year largely because of weaker responses to the broadest questions regarding current business conditions and expectations regarding the economy at year’s end. Responses to more specific questions regarding the strength of sales, equipment investment, and hiring remain firmer. The weaker readings since the beginning of the year are also largely due to a smaller percentage of …
Key Economic Indicators »
New Zealand’s monthly trade balance narrowed to NZ$605 million in May from NZ$1.1 billion in April. A strong global appetite for New Zealand’s soft commodities is keeping the trade balance in surplus. In the near term, meat exports could receive a boost from increased demand from Indonesia because Australia has suspended all live exports to the country.
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Singapore’s industrial production fell by 17.5% year on year, as changeovers in drug production again weighed on pharmaceutical production. Electronics production has been downbeat but is improving.
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Korean consumer sentiment declined by 2 points to 104 in June on renewed household concerns about the state of the economy and employment prospects. Sentiment remains optimistic on net following the March 11 earthquake in Japan.
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Domestic trade in Taiwan grew 3.8% on a year-ago basis in May, after rising 4.9% in April. A slowdown was expected in domestic trade following the natural disaster in Japan. The deceleration will only be temporary as consumer confidence in Taiwan is high amid strong employment and economic growth, and this will buoy retail trade.
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Industrial production in Taiwan accelerated in May and grew 7.8% on a year-ago basis after rising by an upwardly revised 7.2% in April. The natural disaster in Japan has not hit trade and supply flows as hard as initially expected. Given that trade and production in Japan are starting to return to more normal levels, the worst of the disaster’s impact on Taiwanese production is now likely over.
Key Economic Indicators »
Global business confidence held steady at the end of June, consistent with a global economy that is expanding at the high end of its potential. Sentiment has weakened from its peak early in the year largely because of weaker responses to the broadest questions regarding current business conditions and expectations regarding the economy at year’s end. Responses to more specific questions regarding the strength of sales, equipment investment, and hiring remain firmer. The weaker readings since the beginning of the year are also largely due to a smaller percentage of …
Key Economic Indicators »
German business confidence rose slightly in June to just below February’s record high. The Ifo business climate index unexpectedly climbed to 114.5 from 114.2 in May, driven solely by an increase in the current assessment subindex. Business confidence will remain under pressure in the coming months as concerns about Europe’s sovereign debt crisis linger and major fiscal consolidation throughout the region weighs on economic activity.