Retail sales in the U.K. declined in August, said the Confederation of British Industry on Thursday. The index measuring sales declined to minus 3, the lowest level in four months, from 11 in July. Above 0 indicates higher sales volume, below indicates lower.
The number of Americans claiming for unemployment benefits rose slightly to 372,000 in the week ended August 18 from 368,000 the week before, said the Department of Labor on Thursday.
Eurozone manufacturing and services output shed for a seventh consecutive month in August, London-based Markit Economics survey showed on Thursday. An index measuring output in both industries rose to 46.6 from 46.5 in July, adding to signs the economic slump is deepening.
Japanese stocks rose on Thursday, after a report showed China's manufacturing activity may contract further in August, boosting hopes for stimulus.
Swiss stocks closed in red on Wednesday ahead of Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
U.K. industrial order expectations worsened in August, a survey conducted by the the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) showed. An index measuring expectations fell to minus 21 from minus 6 in July.
U.S. existing home sales rose in July helped by record low mortgage rates. Sales of previously owned houses jumped to an annual rate of 4.47 million from 4.37 million in June, said the National Association of Realtors.
European stocks tumbled on Wednesday after Japan published wider than expected trade deficit.
Japan's trade deficit widened in July as the debt crisis in Europe and economic slowdown in China dragged down exports. Deficit in trade came in at 517.4 billion yen, the highest reading ever for the month.
Swiss stocks climbed on Tuesday amid growing hopes of the European Central Bank' action.
U.K. public sector borrowing rose by more than expected in July as corporate tax receipts fell and government spending increased. Public sector net borrowing rose by 557 million pounds to 44.9 billion pounds for the fiscal year started April 1.
Sales of previously owned homes probably increased in July, adding to signs the housing market is improving, claim economists before today's report set to be released at 4:00pm CET.
European stocks closed higher on Tuesday amid hopes the European Central Bank will take actions to address the sovereign debt crisis.
Japanese stocks closed mixed on Tuesday ahead of U.S. housing and durable goods data.
Swiss stocks retreated on Monday, paring two week gains after the European Central Bank rejected a possibility of setting yield limits on each country's debt.
U.K. stocks fell on Monday weighted by a decline in banks. The FTSE 100 Index edged lower 0.5 per cent, or 28.05 points to 5,824.37.
U.S. stocks were little changed on Monday ahead of Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker visit to Greece tomorrow.
Greece, Spain and Italy are only halfway through implementing reforms and adjusting the economic imbalances, said the Moody's Investors Service on Tuesday.
Japanese stocks closed mixed on Monday after a report showed home prices in China are rising, a sign the government may refrain from easing policy.
Swiss stocks rose further on Friday amid optimism law makers will take measures to help Eurozone banks.
U.K. house prices fell 2.4 per cent to 236,260 pounds in August, said the Rightmove Plc, owner of the U.K.'s largest residential property Web site on Monday.
The difference between U.S. bank loans and deposits is increasing, providing more room for lenders to purchase government securities. Deposits rose 3.3 per cent to 8.88 trillion dollars in the two months ended July 31 and lending to businesses rose 0.7 per cent to 7.11 trillion dollars, Federal Reserve data show.
The single currency index rose on Monday, extending the previous week's gains amid speculations the European Central Bank considers setting yield limits on each country's debt.
Japanese stocks advanced on Friday after German Chancellor Angela Merkel signalled support for a European Central Bank plan to combat the debt crisis.