Australia's labour market remained fragile, as the nation's unemployment climbed in April, underlying a degree of spare capacity officials need to reduce to put the economy back on track.
The value of Canadian building permits enjoyed the biggest jump in six months in March, driven by an increase in construction intentions for multi-family homes in Ontario and British Columbia, according to Statistics Canada.
The Bank of Japan's policy meeting minutes showed a unity of policy makers has cracked.
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose slightly in the week ended May 2 after falling to the lowest level in 15 years, but the level remains consistent with improving labour market.
Industrial production in France remained weak in March, as drops in the production of energy and water offset increases in other industries, according to Insee.
Australian retailers reported weaker sales growth in March, justifying the RBA's latest decision to reduce interest rates to a new low in an attempt to boost demand.
Services sector in the world's second biggest economy, China, rose at its fastest pace this year in April as a sizzling stock market rally helped bolster consumer confidence and spending.
Activity in the UK services sector accelerated more than expected in April amid growth of new business, while job creation increased at a strong pace.
US private sector created fewer jobs than expected in April, adding to recent soft fundamentals from the world's number one economy.
Euro zone retail sales came out weaker than expected in March, turning negative when measured on a monthly basis for the first time since September last year.
New Zealand's unemployment rate remained unchanged in the first quarter as the participation rate in the jobs market reached its highest level on record.
Canada's merchandise trade deficit increased to a record high in March as the value of energy exports fell and imports of consumer goods rose.
Activity in the UK construction sector retreated to its lowest level in nearly two years in April as companies put off decisions ahead of this week's national election, but confidence remained high and hinted at a post-election pickup.
The US trade deficit ballooned in March to the highest level in six years, driven by a record increase in imports as commercial activity resumed at West Coast ports after a resolution to labour disputes.
The number of registered unemployed in Spain declined more than expected in April, according to the Spanish Employment Ministry.
Business activity in China's manufacturing sector slowed considerably last month as new orders fell, fuelling speculation the Chinese government may step up stimulus measures to revive growth in the world's second biggest economy.
The Reserve Bank of Australia cut interest rates to a new low against the backdrop of a deteriorating economic outlook and a stronger exchange rate.
Orders for US factory goods recorded the biggest rise in eight months in March, amid increased demand for transportation equipment.
Euro zone's manufacturing PMI came at 52.0 in April, beating expectations for a no change from 51.9 points a month before.
China's manufacturing and services sectors expanded modestly last month, yet the growth was not enough to erase fears about the downward trend of the world's second biggest economy.
Australia's factory gate inflation rose at a faster pace than expected in the beginning of the year.
Activity growth in the UK factories unexpectedly slowed in April, as the strong Sterling undermined demand for British goods overseas.
Manufacturing activity in the US continued to grow at a tepid pace in April as a recovery in new orders was offset by employment falling to its lowest level in more than five years.
Canada's gross domestic product remained unchanged in February, as a decline in oil rigging and drilling was offset by an increase in consumer spending.