Economy in Brief

The Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) rose 0.3% in August versus the Consensus expectation for a 0.4% gain. A weaker than expected gain in "core" prices accounted for the relatively tame report. The 0.1% rise in the CPI less food & energy [...]

In contrast to many of the countries in the Pacific Rim, Thailand reported a rise in its seasonally adjusted real GDP of 0.87% in the second quarter. Hong Kong earlier reported a 3.39% decline in its second quarter GDP, Taiwan, a [...]

Industrial production rose less than expected last month by 0.1%. The Consensus of economists forecast a 0.3% gain. Prior months' figures were revised up slightly. Output in the manufacturing sector fell 0.2% (-1.5% y/y) although the [...]

Industrial production reports from three widely diverse countries highlight recent differences between industrial and emerging market countries. July production increased in both India and Malaysia, with India extending a firm trend [...]

Retail sales rose 0.6% in August. That was much less than the Consensus expectation for a 1.2% gain. July sales were revised to show a 1.3% gain versus 1.4% reported initially. Motor vehicle dealers' sales rose just 0.5% m/m in July. [...]

Inflation in Europe remains fairly steady, according to August CPI reports released this morning by four diverse countries. 12-month rates of change for France, Spain and Sweden are all hovering within the ranges that have prevailed [...]

Initial claims for jobless insurance rose unexpectedly to 422,000 last week. The prior week's level was revised up slightly. Consensus expectations had been for claims of 400,000. The four-week moving average of initial claims rose to [...]

The Japanese economy continues some improvement. The Cabinet Office’s Economic and Social Research Institute today (10 September) published a marked upward revision to second quarter GDP from the initial a 0.6% quarterly rate to 1.0%. [...]