Economy in Brief

• Mortgage applications rise moderately. • Mortgage interest rates decline to another survey low. The Mortgage Bankers Association Mortgage Loan Applications Index rebounded modestly in the week ended December 11, rising 1.1% w/w [...]

Japan's exports headed lower in November but still commanded a strong growth rate over the last three months. Imports are lower in November by 4%, a large drop; they also are growing over three months but not as robustly as exports. [...]

EMU inflation trends The chart gives the big picture overview of trend based on year-on-year calculation conducted on headline inflation. On that basis, inflation has been well under-wraps. The ECB has not met or exceeded its [...]

• Production gain moderates m/m but surges since April. • Durable goods strength is pronounced, notably for motor vehicles. • Capacity utilization continues to rise. Industrial production increased 0.4% (-5.5% y/y) during November [...]

• Oil prices increase firmly as nonpetroleum prices hold steady. • Export price strength led by higher agricultural costs. Import prices improved 0.1% (-1.0% y/y) during November following an unrevised 0.1% October slip. A 0.3% [...]

• The headline index eased slightly. • However, components were stronger, showing a slight improvement in activity. • Employment posted its strongest performance in months. The Empire State General Business Conditions Index edged [...]

• Gasoline prices unchanged at nine-week high. • Crude oil prices rise again to highest level since February. • Natural gas prices ease but are trending higher. The price of regular gasoline was unchanged at $2.16 per gallon (-14.9% [...]

Japan's tankan survey for large firms improved this quarter with the current manufacturing index logging a value of -10 compared with -27 last month. The manufacturing outlook improved to -8 from -17 last quarter. The tankan is a [...]