The Euro inched up versus the U.S. Dollar on unemployment report from the Euro block, as investors await the conclusion of the Federal Reserve meeting. The common currency advanced 0.18% to $1.3286 versus the greenback and jumped 0.35% to 0.8734 against the Sterling. Euro area's unemployment rate remained flat at 12.1% in June.
Swiss shares were little changed, with the regional benchmark SMI set for the biggest one-month advance since March, as U.S. economic-growth report and the Fed's statement are awaited by investors. The SMI fell 0.1% to 7,803.73 as of 10:21 a.m. Zurich time, after dropping 0.6% earlier, while the Swiss Performance Index slid 0.1% today.
U.K. shares climbed, with the regional benchmark FTSE 100 Index set for its biggest one-month advance since January, as companies as Centrica Plc. and Diageo Plc. posted their results. The FTSE 100 rose 0.5% to 6,602.02 as of 9:17 a.m. London time and the equity-benchmark has gained 6.2% monthly. The FTSE All-Share Index increased 0.4% today, while Ireland's ISEQ Index
The British currency weakened to the lowest level in approximately four months versus the Eurozone's currency after U.K. shop prices dropped for a third month in a row. The Sterling slipped 0.2% to 87.20 pence per Euro as of 8:23 a.m. in London after reaching 87.26, the lowest since March 13. The Pound slid 0.2% to $1.5205 and it is
Italy has published a first drop in its unemployment rate in about a year. The rate declined from 12.2% in June to 12.1% this month, against analysts expectations of 12.3%. The Business Confidence Index advanced to 79.6 this month and the industrial output increased 0.1% in May. Italy's Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing expanded to the highest level in four
German jobless claims declined for a second straight month in July, suggesting that nation's economy is recovering and the government most likely is gaining support ahead of the election in September. The number of unemployed people fell by 7,000 touching 2.93 million, according to Federal Labor Agency. It was previously predicted that German unemployment will stay flat.
The common currency fell moderately versus the U.S. Dollar before key data releases that may indicate that the Euro area's unemployment rate remains high, while investors expect the outcome of the Federal Reserve's policy meeting. The 17-nation currency added 0.03% to $1.3266 versus the greenback and jumped 0.11% to 129.86 against the Japanese Yen.
German retail sales fell surprisingly in June, underlining the worries that about Europe's recovery depended on consumer spending. It was expected that retail sales will rise 0.2%; however, they declined 1.5% from May, when sales climbed 0.7%, according to Federal Statistics Office. For comparison, they fall 2.8% compared to previous year.
European shares declined, snapping their biggest monthly gains in almost two years, as major companies reported their financial results. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index slipped 0.2% to 298.89 as of 8:08 a.m. London time; however, the gauge rose 4.9% in July after Fed's remarks. Standard & Poor's 500 Index futures slid 0.1% today, while the MSCI Asia Pacific Index retreated
German government bunds remained steady as Germany prepared to auction 30-year notes worth 2 billion euros. German 10-year bond yield remained flat at 1.68% and the price of the 1.5% bund maturing in May 2023 was 98.385. The 30-year security yield was also unchanged at 2.49%. Germany last auctioned 30-year notes in April at an all-time low average yield of
Asian shares declined, with the regional benchmark index cutting its first monthly gain since April, ahead of U.S. economic growth report and the outcome of the Federal Reserve policy meeting. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index decreased 0.9% to 132.59. Japanese Topix index and the benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average both declined 1.5%.
Gold prices increased as investors expect the outcome from the Federal Reserve's two-day policy meeting, seeking for signs on when the bank may begin to reduce its bond purchases. Gold futures climbed 0.64% to $1,333.40 per ounce, adding to signs bullion has decreased over 20% this year. At the same time silver added 0.86% to $19.850 per ounce
The Australian Dollar declined versus the greenback to the lowest level in 19 days, as investors curbed demand for the Aussie on speculation that the central bank will cut borrowing costs at the Reserve Bank of Australia meeting on August 6. The Australian currency slipped 0.30% to $0.9035 versus the U.S. Dollar and fell 0.29% to A$1.4673 versus the Euro.
The U.S. Dollar traders are a little bullish even as data showed weaker-than-expected consumer sentiment in July. Median estimate was 81.3, while the actual figure was 80.3. The greenback recovered from its intranet low versus the 17-nation currency tand traded at$1.3244 at 10:39 a.m. EDT. Investors await the Fed and ECB meetings which will give more information about monetary policies.
The Australian Dollar depreciated 1% to 90.87 against the greenback as of 9 a.m. in New York after the Reserve Bank of Australia Chairman Glenn Stevens said that there is still room for interest rate cuts and the currency may weaken further. Also Swedish Krone fell 1.2% to 8.6890 versus the Euro after preliminary data showed that Sweden's economy has
Lithuania's economic growth fell behind economist estimates on weak consumer sentiment and investments. GDP growth rate was 3.7% in the second quarter, while economist survey showed a median estimate of 4.2%. This might put at risk the nations ambition of entering the Eurozone in 2015 as the government may fail to cut the budget deficit below 3%, the requirement of
The Canadian Dollar was little changed versus the U.S. Dollar. The manufacturing prices report had little impact on the pair. The currency traded at a one-month high due to oil demand, the nation's largest export. The loonie remained at C$1.0266 before GDP data release tomorrow which is most likely to show a 0.2% economic growth in June in Canada.
According to economists, Eurozone unemployment is expected to remain at a record level of 12.2% in June even as the block's economy managed to emerge from the recession. An increase in manufacturing production is one of the signs that the common currency economy is recovering, while stabilization in the labour market may occur with a delay toward the end of
The German Consumer Price Index speeded up by 1.9% year-on-year this month, according to preliminary information released by German statistical office, while the final figures will be be announced on August 13. Markets expected a 1.7% increase. Also the German consumer sentiment gauge rose from 6.8 to 7 as labour market and economic conditions are improving.
Organization's for Economic Cooperation and Development inflation rose for the second month in a row in June, as the food and energy prices increased, according to the latest data. Consumer Price Index climbed to 1.8% in June, for comparison, it was 1.5% in May and 1.3% in April. The main driver was energy prices that soared 3.4% from previous year.
U.S. stock-index futures climbed, while the Aussie depreciated after the Reserve Bank of Australia gave signs it may cut its interest rates as inflation data allows that. Metals dropped for a fifth consecutive day. Standard & Poor's 500 Index futures gained 0.1% as of 6:37 a.m. New York time. The Australian Dollar lost 0.6% versus all 16 main trading peers,
The Japanese Yen slid from its highest point in two weeks against the Euro after worse-than-expected industrial production data, which increased investors' expectations that the central bank might add further stimulus. The currency dropped 0.1% to 130.07 per Euro after reaching 129.59 yesterday. The Yen was virtually unchanged against the U.S. Dollar and traded at 98.02 per greenback.
West Texas Intermediate crude oil dropped to a three-week low, trimming its largest monthly jump in about a year, before data that may suggest U.S. growth rate has declined in the second quarter. Crude for September settlement fell 99 cents to $103.56 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. A quarterly GDP report will be released tomorrow at 8:30
Euro area's economic sentiment appreciated in July, pushed higher by increased sentiment among consumers and managers in the industry, services and retail trade. The economic sentiment index inched up from 91.3 in last month to 92.5 in July, in line with economists predictions. Confidence in the industrial sector climb to -10.6 and in services sector to -7.8 in July.