Economy in Brief

Since February, the Index of Leading Indicators for the Major Seven OECD Countries is virtually unchanged. Flat readings in both June and May pulled the six-month rate of growth to 3.6%, less than half the growth rate when the year [...]

Since February, the Index of Leading Indicators for the Major Seven OECD Countries is virtually unchanged. Flat readings in both June and May pulled the six-month rate of growth to 3.6%, less than half the growth rate when the year [...]

Preliminary data on Germany's international trade position show that the balance on trade in goods declined 1.44 billion euros from 15.22 billion euros in May to 13.78 billion euros in June. The decline was the result of 3.69 billion [...]

As expected, the Federal Reserve raised the target rate for federal funds by 25 basis points to 1.50%. The discount rate also was raised to 2.50%. The decision was unanimous. Perhaps suggesting that rates will be raised even further, [...]

Chain store sales inched 0.1% higher in the opening week of August according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)-UBS. Sales began the month 0.4% above the July average which rose 0.3% versus June. During the last [...]

Non-farm labor productivity grew 2.9% last quarter, a slowdown from 3.7% growth in 1Q but firmer than Consensus expectations for 2.0% growth. Part of the upside surprise was due to a 3.8% (5.9% y/y) gain in non-farm output versus the [...]

As expected, the Federal Reserve raised the target rate for federal funds by 25 basis points to 1.50%. The discount rate also was raised to 2.50%. The decision was unanimous. Perhaps suggesting that rates will be raised even further, [...]

June machinery orders point to continued expansion in the Japanese economy. Machinery orders rose sharply in June. Foreign and public orders, taken together, were up 8.20% and core private orders, excluding ships and utilities were up [...]