Two world export leaders China and Japan faced a rapid decline in overseas shipments in June as factory activity faded. A private purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China dropped from 48.4 in May to 48.2 in June. Meanwhile the similar gauge in Japan for respective period slipped below 50 to 49.9.
Spain, the country that for years underestimated its lenders' losses, may overestimate the future earnings as economy moves deeper into recession. One of bank stress tests estimated the losses could amount to EUR 274 billion over next three years while the profit may reach around EUR 23 billion per year prior to loss provisions. Although Spanish two biggest lenders gain
The 17-nation currency depreciated against most of its counterparts on Monday ahead of data releases that are predicted to show Eurozone manufacturing contracted while the unemployment rate climbed to region's all time high to 11.1%. Data are expected to add pressure on ECB to lower interest rates. Euro fell 0.3% versus US Dollar to USD 1.2628. Currently EUR/USD is trading at
Australian inflation rate has declined to the lowest level since the world's financial crisis, boosting hopes that the central bank may reduce the interest rates further. The inflation gauge measured by TD-Securities-Melbourne Institute dropped by 1.6% in June on an annual basis, the lowest mark since 2009. The figure spurred speculation that the Reserve Bank of Australia, which has inflation
China's manufacturing sector expansion slowed to seven-month low in June, lingering concerns over the health of the country's economy. China's PMI dropped from 50.4 to 50.2 in June on a monthly basis, boosting hopes for fresh measures from the government to stimulate domestic consumption. Experts claimed that slowdown in the EU and US was hurting demand for the country's exports
Gold futures inched down in Asian session on Monday, erasing previous gains on news that the EU leaders managed to agree on measures to combat crisis in the area. Comex gold futures for delivery in August traded at 1,591.15 US Dollars per troy ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange, sliding 0.81%.
Crude oil prices declined in Asian session on Monday as traders started to cash out from the market to lock gains after last week's rally. Even a start of a full Iranian oil embargo on July 1 failed to support the commodity. Light, sweet crude oil futures for August delivery traded at 84.25 US Dollars per barrel on the New
Australian manufacturing sector continued to shrink last month; however, the pace of contraction slowed, reported Australian Industry Group. The country's PMI added 4.8 points on a seasonally adjusted basis in June to approach 47.2. The survey also indicated that manufacturers are the most concerned about appreciating Australian Dollar, tough competition and the start of carbon tax.
China's GDP grew at a pace between 7.5% and 7.6% in the first half of this year, according to Chen Dongqi, researcher at the National Development and Reform Commission. He urged the government to design more proactive policies such as tax reductions to stimulate domestic consumption and support exports. Moreover, a reasonable amount of investments in infrastructure has to be
Japan's manufacturing sentiment rose unexpectedly in the last quarter, according to the latest Tankan survey. Tankan manufacturing index rose to minus 1 from minus 4 on a quarterly basis. Experts predicted Japan's manufacturing sentiment to stay unchanged at minus 4 in Q1. The survey also indicated that manufacturers are planning to increase capital spending in 2012.
China disclosed details about planning USD 45 billion project, a business zone in southern Shenzhen similar to New York and London. China will provide investors and entrepreneurs with favorable business conditions, such as preferential tax rates and growth opportunities. The area will be developed during the following 8 years and mainly serve offshore Yuan dealings. China seeks internationalization of Yuan accomplished by
India, the third largest economy in Asia, faced a significant growth slowdown in the first quarter of the year. Indian Rupee has appreciated against USD by 0.6% yesterday after 12-month downfall. This harmed the costs of import as the Bombay Sensitive 30 index instantly rose by 0.1%. GDP climbed by 5.3%, which is the lowest indicator since 2003, whereas trade
Hang Seng Index soared 2.19% or 416.19 points to 19,441.46 on Friday as market participants turned to riskier assets after the EU leaders agreed to ease borrowing conditions for Spain. A fall in industrial profits in May restricted gains of oil and gas sector. China Life Insurance and Citic Securities led rally for insurers and brokerage firms on speculation that
British FTSE 100 pared previous day's losses and rallied on Friday as European leaders unexpectedly managed to come up with a bundle of measures to boost growth and support region's banking sector. Financial and resource shares sent index higher. Lloyds Banking Group added 4.4% and RBS accelerated 3.9%. BP PLC gained 2.3% and BG Group PLC advanced 3.5% as oil
Despite a 0.3% drop in German retail sales nation's main stock index DAX 30 appreciated sharply on Friday after European leaders agreed on measures to aid Spanish banking system and indicated further support for Italy if needed. Carmakers recovered from previous slump. Daimler AG jumped 3.1% after the German firm and Nissan agreed to supply each other light-duty trucks in
Agricultural commodities dropped on Thursday as weather conditions in the US improved while demand remained uncertain.Wheat eased down on speculation that long-awaited rains in the US Great Plans will be sufficient to revive crops. Moreover, wetter weather boosted harvest perspectives in Canada.Corn moved lower for the first time in the week as rains in the US top-growing regions stimulated hopes
Energy commodities posted losses on Thursday on global demand concerns. Pessimism about the EU summit and possible introduction of healthcare reform in the US both added pressure on the commodity pack.Crude oil lost more than 3% as traders shifted from riskier assets to the US Dollar amid turmoil in the Eurozone. Even looming Iranian oil embargo failed to support the
Industry metals, except for zinc, plunged on Thursday on decreasing risk-appetite among traders as the EU summit has not generated clear response to deepening crisis in the single currency union yet.Aluminum was the top-loser despite sharp production falls in Asia and Australia. Alcoa announced large labor force reductions in Australia aimed at cost-cutting in view of weak aluminum prices.Copper inched
Precious metals tumbled on Thursday amid stronger US Dollar and weaker global equities. Disappointing EU summit also created additional pressure on the commodity group.Gold declined on rising risk-aversion in the markets as investors doubt in EU leaders ability to resolve debt crisis in the region. Silver decreased amid softer equities worldwide. Strengthening US Dollar also weighed on the white metal.
Profits of Chinese industrial companies shrank for a second consecutive month in May owing to economic slowdown. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, income declined by 5.3% from 2012 to USD61 billion. It is expected that the Chinese government may introduce measures to foster economic growth by stabilizing international trade and investing in infrastructure development.
The 17 nation currency rallied most in 2012 on Thursday after European officials lessened rules on loans to Spain's banks and signalled more support to Italy. Euro jumped 1.5% versus U.S. Dollar on Thursday, the biggest daily gain since November 2011 and added 1% during London morning trade on Friday. Currently EUR/USD is trading at 1.2581.
South Korean Won rocketed to a seven-week high and government bonds diminished following the EU leaders` decision to aid troubling banks, agglomerating demand for riskier assets. The Won added 0.8% at the close in Seoul, after weakening by 0.3%. The currency advanced 1% since June 22 fixing a fifth weekly gain. The Won`s one-month volatility deteriorated 31 basis points.
Eurozone leaders agreed to relieve repayment requirements for loans to Spain's banks and ease conditions to aid Italy after German Chancellor Merkel capitulated on applying more measures to halt the debt woe. Euro rallied 1.1% versus US Dollar to 1.2579 on the news.
Retail sales in Germany unexpectedly declined for a second straight month in May highlighting the negative impact of debt crisis on economy. On monthly basis retail sales contracted 0.3% contrasting the predicated improvement of 0.2%. On annual basis sales have lost 1.1%. Germany's unemployment level remained flat at 6.8% in June while the number of jobless people climbed by 7000.