French consumers appeared to be lavish in January, adding to hopes buoyant consumer spending will support recovery of the Euro zone's second biggest economy.
Euro zoneA slew of positive fundamentals came out last week from the Euro zone's number economy, Germany. The German economy managed to move further away from recession territory, receiving a boost from domestic spending and exports. Germany's GDP expanded 0.7%, with private consumption rising 0.8%, contributing 0.5 percentage points to economic growth in Q4, and exports surging 1.3%, adding 0.2
Inflation rate in Canada fell to the lowest level in more than a year in January, as plunging oil prices continue to impact consumer prices.
New private capital expenditure in Australia fell more than analysts predicted in the December quarter, weighed down by reduced spending on buildings and structures, raising likelihood for another rate cut from the Reserve Bank of Australia.
The British economy grew in the fourth quarter of 2014 in line with expectations, according to the second estimate released by the Office for National Statistics.
Welcome to the club! The annual inflation rate in the world's number one economy turned negative in January for the first time since 2009.
German consumer mood brightened amid increasing optimism about the economic growth and low oil prices, which freed up cash for Germans to spend.
New Zealand's trade balance unexpectedly swung to a surplus in January for the first time since June last year, as the impact of falling oil prices outweighing the effect of low dairy export prices.
Business activity in the Australian construction sector improved in the final quarter of 2014, boosted by an increase in home building.
The number of mortgages approved by British banks picked up in January following six-month streak of declines, but remained markedly lower compared with the same period last year.
Sales of new US single-family homes declined less than expected in January, while supply increased to the highest level since 2010.
Greece's Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis sees the country returning to the financial markets as soon as it succeeds in debt restructuring, investment and sustains primary budget surpluses.
The Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz said the effect of the precipitous plunge of oil prices remains uncertain, but the rate cut last month will buy some time to evaluate its economic impact.
Activity in China's manufacturing sector reached the highest level in four month in February.
Kristin Forbes, a former economic adviser to President George W. Bush and now BOE's Monetary Policy Committee member, said that the Bank of England may have to hike interest rates to ensure financial stability if signs of asset bubbles emerge or household debt increases to unhealthy levels.
Janet Yellen, the Fed Chairwoman, told Congress that policy makers are satisfied with recent economic growth but believed there is room for improvement, thus still pondered when to begin lifting interest rates.
The final data confirmed that the German economy managed to move further away from recession territory, receiving a boost from domestic spending and exports.
New Zealand businesses again cut their inflation expectations over the next two years and did not see the Reserve Bank of New Zealand raising interest rates this year.
British retail sales volumes tumbled to the lowest level in 21 months in February, driven down by weaker food sales.
Sales of previously owned homes in the US declined sharply in January to the lowest level since April last year, reflecting a shortage of properties on the housing market and rising prices that could potentially constrain the market this year.
German business confidence strengthened for a fourth consecutive month in February, climbing to the highest level in seven months, fanning concerns over a waning resilience of the Euro zone's biggest economy.
Activity in the Japanese manufacturing sector expanded at the slowest pace in seven months in February as domestic orders declined, whereas orders from overseas rose, adding to signs that the nation's economy will continue to recover.
Canada's retail sales dropped at the fastest pace in over four years in the festive period, as gasoline prices plummeted and holiday shopping was subdued.
Retail sales in the UK dropped in January more than expected to the lowest level in 12 months, led by a decline in food sales.