The key points from today’s economic news, brought to you by Guardian Stockbrokers.
UK unemployment rate unexpectedly dropped in November
In the UK, the unemployment rate unexpectedly declined to 4.10% in December, compared to 4.20% in the prior month. Markets were expecting the unemployment rate to remain unchanged at 4.20%.
UK average earnings including bonus climbed as expected in November
In the UK, average earnings recorded a rise of 4.20% on a YoY basis in November, meeting market expectations and compared to a rise of 4.90% in the prior month.
Euro-zone economic sentiment index unexpectedly jumped in January
In the Euro-zone, the economic sentiment index unexpectedly climbed to level of 49.40 in January, compared to a reading of 26.80 in the prior month. Markets were expecting the index to drop a level of 26.40.
German economic sentiment index rose more than expected in January
In Germany, the economic sentiment index advanced to level of 51.70 in January, compared to a reading of 29.90 in the previous month. Markets were expecting the index to record a rise to 32.70.
US housing market index unexpectedly declined in January
In the US, the housing market index unexpectedly eased to a level of 83.00 in January, compared to a reading of 84.00 in the previous month. Markets were expecting the index to remain unchanged at 84.00.
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