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The key points from today’s economic news, brought to you by Guardian Stockbrokers.
UK Halifax house price index advanced more than expected in the January-March 2018 period
On an annual basis, the Halifax house price index in the UK climbed 2.70% in the January-March 2018 period, compared to a rise of 1.80% in the December-February 2018 period. Markets were expecting the Halifax house price index to advance 2.00%.
UK retail sales across all sectors surprisingly climbed in March
On an annual basis, retail sales across all sectors unexpectedly advanced 1.40% in March, in the UK, compared to a rise of 0.60% in the prior month. Market expectation was for retail sales across all sectors to drop 0.10%.
UK Halifax house price index advanced more than expected in March
In March, the Halifax house price index registered a rise of 1.50% on a monthly basis in the UK, higher than market expectations for a rise of 0.10%. In the previous month, the Halifax house price index had registered a revised rise of 0.50%.
Euro-zone investor confidence index dropped in April
In April, the investor confidence index registered a drop to 19.60 in the Euro-zone, lower than market expectations of a drop to a level of 20.80. The investor confidence index had recorded a level of 24.00 in the prior month.
German imports unexpectedly eased in February
On a MoM basis, the seasonally adjusted imports in Germany unexpectedly dropped 1.30% in February, lower than market expectations for an advance of 0.50%. Imports had fallen 0.50% in the previous month.
German trade surplus expanded in February
In February, the seasonally adjusted trade surplus in Germany rose to €18.40 billion, compared to a revised trade surplus of €17.30 billion in the previous month. Markets were expecting the nation’s trade surplus to rise to €20.10 billion.
German exports unexpectedly slid in February
In February, the seasonally adjusted exports unexpectedly dropped 3.20% in Germany on a monthly basis, lower than market expectations for a rise of 0.40%. In the prior month, exports had dropped 0.50%.
German current account surplus widened in February
The non-seasonally adjusted current account surplus in Germany widened to €20.70 billion in February, from a revised current account surplus of €20.30 billion in the prior month. Markets were anticipating the nation to post a current account surplus of €22.90 billion.
Swiss unemployment rate declined in March
The non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to a level of 2.90% in Switzerland, in March, lower than market expectations of a drop to 3.00%. Unemployment rate had recorded a level of 3.20% in the prior month.
Swiss unemployment rate remained unchanged in March
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Switzerland remained flat at a level of 2.90% in March, meeting market expectations.
Canada’s overall business lending conditions fell in 1Q 2018
The Bank of Canada, in its quarterly senior loan officer survey on business-lending practices, indicated that overall business lending conditions in Canada eased during the 1Q 2018, with the reading coming in at -5.20 from a reading of -6.40 in the previous quarter.
Japanese consumer confidence index remained unchanged in March
In Japan, the consumer confidence index remained steady at 44.30 in March, compared to market expectations of a rise to 44.50.
Japanese Eco Watchers Survey for future outlook slid in March
The Eco Watchers Survey for the future outlook recorded a drop to 49.60 in March, in Japan, compared to market expectations of a drop to 51.00. Eco Watchers Survey for the future outlook had registered a level of 51.40 in the previous month.
Japanese Eco Watchers Survey for current situation unexpected rose in March
The Eco Watchers Survey for the current situation climbed unexpectedly to a level of 48.90 in Japan, in March, compared to market expectations of a fall to a level of 48.00. In the prior month, Eco Watchers Survey for the current situation had recorded a reading of 48.60.
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