United States Exports of Newsprint & Other Paper Products  1989-2017

New orders for US manufactured durable goods fell 1.1 percent month-over-month in May of 2017, following an upwardly revised 0.9 percent drop in April. Figures came worse than market expectations of a 0.9 percent decline, mainly driven by a 3.4 percent slump in transport equipment. Non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircraft, seen as a proxy for business spending plans decreased 0.2 percent.

Sales of new single-family houses in the United States increased 2.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 610 thousand in May of 2017 from an upwardly revised 593 thousand in April. The figure came above market expectations of 597 thousand, as sales rose in the South and the West.

The IHS Markit US Manufacturing PMI fell to 52.1 in June of 2017 from 52.7 in May and well below market expectations of 53, flash estimates showed. It is the lowest reading since September of 2016 as output and new business growth slowed, offsetting stronger contributions from job creation and inventory building.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 3 thousand to 241 thousand in the week ended June 17th from the previous week's revised level of 238 thousand and above market expectations of 240 thousand.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States went down to 94.5 in June of 2017 from 97.1 in May and well below market expectations of 97. It is the lowest reading in seven months as both present and future expectations declined, preliminary estimates showed. The recent erosion of confidence was due to more negative perceptions of the proposed economic policies among Democrats and the reduced likelihood of passage of these policies among Republicans.

Housing starts in the United States slumped 5.5 percent from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 1092 thousand in May of 2017, following a downwardly revised 1156 thousand in the previous month and compared to market expectations of a 4.1 percent rise. It is the weakest construction activity in eight months as starts plunged in the Midwest and the South.

Industrial production in the United States was flat month-over-month in May of 2017, following an upwardly revised 1.1 percent rise in April and compared to market expectations of a 0.2 percent gain. Manufacturing went down 0.4 percent, offsetting a 1.6 percent rise in mining and a 0.4 percent gain in utilities.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 8 thousand to 237 thousand in the week ended June 10th 2017, compared to market expectations of 242 thousand. The four-week moving average, considered a better measure of labor market trends as it removes out week-to-week volatility, rose 1,000 to 243,000 in last week.

The Federal Reserve raised the target range for its federal funds rate by 25bps to 1 percent to 1.25 percent during its June 2017 meeting, in line with market expectations. Policymakers kept forecasts for three rate hikes this year while increasing growth projections and lowering inflation expectations. In addition, details on how the central bank will start reducing its USD 4.5 trillion portfolio were also provided.

Retail sales in the United States decreased by 0.3 percent month-over-month in May of 2017, following a 0.4 percent rise in April and missing market expectations of a 0.1 percent gain. It was the biggest decline since January of 2016, driven by lower sales of motor vehicles, electronics & appliance stores, gasoline stations, sporting goods, hobby, book & music stores and general merchandise stores. On a year-on-year basis, retail sales rose 3.8 percent.

Consumer prices in the United States increased 1.9 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, easing from a 2.2 percent rise in April and below market expectations of 2 percent. It is the lowest inflation rate since November last year although it was still above the 1.6 percent average over the past 10 years. Core inflation slowed further to a 2-year low of 1.7 percent.

The US government posted a USD 88 billion budget deficit in May of 2017, compared to a USD 52.5 billion gap a year earlier and slightly above market expectations of a USD 86.5 billion shortfall. Outlays jumped 19 percent to USD 329 billion while receipts rose by 7 percent to USD 240 billion.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 10 thousand to 245 thousand in the week ended June 3rd 2017, compared to market expectations of 240 thousand. The 4-week moving average which removes week to week volatility went up by 2.25 thousand to 242 thousand.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index for the United States fell to 56.9 in May of 2017 from 57.5 in April, slightly below market expectations of 57. Production and new orders rose at a slower pace while employment picked up. The majority of respondents’ comments continue to indicate optimism about business conditions and the overall economy.

The goods and services deficit in the United States widened to USD 47.6 billion in April of 2017 from an upwardly revised USD 45.6 billion gap a month earlier and higher than market expectations of a USD 46.1 billion shortfall. Exports fell 0.3 percent to USD 190.98 billion, driven by lower sales of consumer goods and vehicles. Imports rose 0.8 percent to USD 238.6 billion, boosted by cellphones and capital goods.

US unemployment rate fell to 4.3 percent in May 2017 from 4.4 percent in the previous month and below market expectations of 4.4 percent. It was the lowest jobless rate since May 2001, as the number of unemployed persons was little changed at 6.9 million and the labor force participation rate fell to 62.7 percent.

Non farm payrolls in the United States increased by 138 thousand in May of 2017, below a downwardly revised 174 thousand in April and compared to market expectations of 185 thousand. In May, job gains occurred in health care and mining.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI in the US edged up to 54.9 in May of 2017 from 54.8 in April, beating expectations of 54.5. New orders, employment and inventories went up, offsetting slower growth in production.

The IHS Markit US Manufacturing PMI edged down to 52.7 in May of 2017 from 52.8 in April but higher than a preliminary 52.5. It is the lowest reading in 8 months amid a moderate rise in new business and subdued increases in output and employment while input cost inflation slowed, final figures showed.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 13 thousand to 248 thousand in the week ended May 27th from the previous week's revised level of 235 thousand and way above market expectations of 239 thousand.

Personal spending in the United States rose 0.4 percent on the month in April of 2017, following an upwardly revised 0.3 percent gain in March, matching market expectations. It is the biggest increase so far this year, boosted by a rebound in spending on durable and nondurable goods.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States was at 97.1 in May of 2017, only slightly up from 97 in April and below initial estimates of 97.7. Both current and future expectations were revised down, final figures showed. Yet, it is still the highest reading in four months.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods fell 0.7 percent month-over-month in April 2017, following an upwardly revised 2.3 percent jump in March, better than expectations of a 1.2 percent drop. It was the first decline this year, as orders for machinery fell 0.8 percent and those for civilian aircraft shrank 9.2 percent. Meanwhile, orders for defense aircraft jumped 7.1 percent and those for motor vehicles and parts went up 0.3 percent, the first rise in three months.

The US economy expanded an annualized 1.2 percent on quarter in the first three months of 2017, better than the advance estimate of 0.7 percent growth and beating market expectations of 0.9 percent, figures from the second estimate showed. It is the lowest growth rate in a year, better than the weakest first-quarter growth in three years initially estimated. Consumer spending and nonresidential fixed investment rose faster than anticipated and the drag from public spending and investment was lower than initially estimated. In contrast, private inventories decreased more.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 1 thousand to 234 thousand in latest week, lower than market expectations of 238 thousand. It is 116th straight week that claims were below 300,000, a level associated with a healthy jobs market. In addition, the 4-week moving average which removes weekly volatility fell to 235.25 thousand, the lowest in 44 years.

Another increase in the federal funds rate would be appropriate soon, proven that recent growth slowdown is only transitory, minutes from last FOMC meeting showed. Fed officials also discussed strategies to start reducing its USD 4.5 trillion portfolio.

Sales of new single-family houses in the United States slumped 11.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 569 thousand in April of 2017 from an upwardly revised near 9-1/2-year high of 642 thousand in March. The figure came below market expectations of 610 thousand, as sales fell in all four main regions.

The IHS Markit US Manufacturing PMI fell to 52.5 in May of 2017 from 52.8 in April, below market expectations of 53, flash figures showed. It is the lowest reading since September of 2016, driven by softer growth of output, new orders and employment.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 4K to 232K in latest week, the lowest level since February. It was the third straight week of falls bringing the claims close to values only seen in 1973. Meanwhile, continuing claims fell by 22K to 1898K, the lowest since November 1988.

US industrial production increased by 1 percent month-over-month in April 2017, following a downwardly revised 0.4 percent rise in March and beating market expectations of a 0.3 percent gain. It was the largest increase in industrial production since February 2014, as output rebounded for both manufacturing and mining while utilities grew at a slower pace.

Housing starts in the United States went down 2.6 percent from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 1172 thousand in April of 2017, following a downwardly revised 1203 thousand in the previous month and worse than market expectations of a 3.7 percent rise. It is the weakest construction activity in five months as starts fell in the South and the Northeast.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States rose to 97.7 in May of 2017 from 97 in the previous month, according to preliminary estimates. Figures beat market forecasts of 97, boosted by an improvement in future expectations.

Retail sales in the United States increased by 0.4 percent month-over-month in April 2017, following an upwardly revised 0.1 percent rise in March but missing market expectations of a 0.6 percent gain. The increase was mainly driven by a rebound in sales of motor vehicles and higher receipts at service stations, building material stores and electronics and appliance stores.

Consumer prices in the United States increased 2.2 percent year-on-year in April of 2017, lower than 2.4 percent in March and below market expectations of 2.3 percent. It is the lowest inflation rate so far this year due to a slowdown in energy, transport and health cost. The monthly index increased 0.2 percent, recovering from a 0.3 percent fall in March and matching forecasts, boosted by prices of shelter, energy, tobacco and food.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 2 thousand to 236 thousand in the week ended May 6th, 2017 from the previous week's unrevised level of 238 thousand, below market expectations of 245 thousand. It is the lowest figure in four weeks. Meanwhile, the number of continuing claims fell by 61 thousand to 1918 thousand, the lowest figure since November 5th, 1988 when it was 1898 thousand.

The US government posted a USD 182 billion budget surplus in April of 2017, compared to a USD 106.5 billion surplus a year earlier and well above market expectations of USD 175.9 billion deficit. Outlays decreased 18 percent to USD 273 billion while receipts rose by 4 percent to USD 456 billion.

US unemployment rate fell to 4.4 percent in April 2017 from 4.5 percent in the previous month, better than market expectations of 4.6 percent. It was the lowest jobless rate since May 2007, as the number of unemployed persons declined by 146 thousand to 7.1 million and the labor force participation rate edged down to 62.9 percent from an 11-month high of 63 percent in March.

Non farm payrolls in the United States increased by 211 thousand in April of 2017, higher than a downwardly revised 79 thousand in March and beating market expectations of 185 thousand. Employment rose in leisure and hospitality, health care and social assistance, financial activities, and mining.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 19 thousand to 238 thousand in the week ended April 29th, 2017 from the previous week's unrevised level of 257 thousand and below market expectations of 247 thousand. It is the lowest figure in three weeks. Meanwhile, the 4-week moving average, which removes week-to-week volatility, increased by 750 to 243 thousand. The continuing claims drawn by workers for more than a week decreased by 23 thousand from a 17-year low to 1.964 million.

The goods and services deficit in the United States narrowed slightly to USD 43.7 billion in March of 2017 from an upwardly revised USD 43.8 billion gap a month earlier and lower than market expectations of a USD 44.5 billion shortfall. Exports declined for the first time in four months mainly due to lower sales to China and imports fell for the second straight month.

The Federal Reserve left the target range for its federal funds rate steady at 0.75 percent to 1 percent during its May 2017 meeting, in line with market expectations. Policymakers said the labor market has continued to strengthen despite a slowdown in economic activity during the first quarter, seen as transitory.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index for the United States went up to 57.5 in April of 2017 from 55.2 in March, beating market expectations of 55.8. Business activity increased and new orders reached the highest since August of 2005 as non-manufacturers were mostly positive about business conditions and the overall economy.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI in the US fell to 54.8 in April 2017 from 57.2 in March and below market expectations of 56.5. It was the lowest reading since December 2016, as new orders and employment expanded at a slower pace.

The seasonally adjusted Markit final US Manufacturing PMI fell to 52.8 in April 2017 from 53.3 in March, in line with the preliminary estimate. It was the lowest reading since September 2016, as a slowdown in output and new business growth more than offset a slight rebound in job creation.

Personal spending in the United States was unchanged for the second straight month in March 2017, missing market expectations of a 0.2 percent gain. An increase in spending for services, notably spending for household utilities was partially offset by a decrease in spending for durable goods, mainly in motor vehicles and parts.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States came in at 97 in April 2017 compared with a preliminary reading of 98 but slightly higher than 96.9 in March, a final estimate showed. The gauge of future expectations increased slightly while the barometer for current economic conditions fell.

The US economy grew an annualized 0.7 percent on quarter in the first quarter of 2017, following a 2.1 percent expansion in the previous period and below expectations of 1.1 percent, an advance estimate showed. The deceleration in real GDP in the first quarter reflected a deceleration in PCE and downturns in private inventory investment and in state and local government spending that were partly offset by an upturn in exports and accelerations in both nonresidential and residential fixed investment.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods went up 0.7 percent month-over-month in March of 2017, following an upwardly revised 2.3 percent jump in February and below expectations of a 1.2 percent rise.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 14 thousand to 257 thousand in the week ended April 22nd 2017 from the previous week's revised level of 243 thousand and above market expectations of 245 thousand.

The Markit US Manufacturing PMI fell to 52.8 in April of 2017 from 53.3 in March and well below market expectations of 53.5, flash figures showed. It is the lowest reading since September of 2016, indicating another slowdown in manufacturing growth from the near two-year high in January, mainly due slower expansion in output and new orders.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 10 thousand to 244 thousand in the week ended April 15th 2017 from the previous week's unrevised level of 234 thousand and above market expectations of 242 thousand.

US industrial production rose by 0.5 percent month-over-month in March 2017, following a 0.1 percent gain in February and matching market expectations. Utilities output jumped 8.6 percent, the largest gain on record, while manufacturing production fell 0.4 percent, missing consensus of a 0.1 percent gain.

Housing starts in the United States slumped 6.8 percent from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 1215 thousand in March of 2017, following an upwardly revised 1303 thousand in the previous month and much worse than market expectations of a 3 percent drop. It is the lowest rate in four months, led by drops in the Midwest.

Consumer prices in the United States increased 2.4 percent year-on-year in March of 2017, lower than 2.7 percent in February and below market expectations of 2.6 percent. It is the lowest inflation rate in three months due to a slowdown in energy and services cost. On a monthly basis, consumer prices went down 0.3 percent, the first drop in 13 months.

Retail sales in the United States decreased by 0.2 percent month-over-month in March 2017 after February figures were revised to a 0.3 percent drop which previously was reported as a 0.1 percent gain. The primary drivers of the decline were lower spending at auto dealerships and gas stations. It was the first consecutive two-month drop in more than two years.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States rose to 98 in April of 2017 from 96.9 in the previous month, according to preliminary estimates. Figures beat market forecasts of 96.5, boosted by an improvement in current financial and economic situation.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 1 thousand to 234 thousand in the week ended April 8th 2017 from the previous period, below expectations of 245 thousand. It is the lowest figure in six weeks. The 4-week moving average that removes week-to-week volatility fell by 3 thousand to 247.25 thousand.

The US government posted a USD 176 billion budget deficit in March of 2017, compared to a USD 108 billion gap a year earlier and above market expectations of USD 167 billion. Outlays increased 17 percent to USD 393 billion while receipts fell by 5 percent to USD 217 billion.

US unemployment rate fell to 4.5 percent in March 2017 from 4.7 percent in the previous month, better than market expectations of 4.7 percent. It was the lowest jobless rate since May 2007, as the number of unemployed persons declined by 326,000 to 7.2 million while the labor force participation rate was unchanged at an 11-month high of 63 percent.

Non farm payrolls in the United States increased by 98 thousand in March of 2017, below a downwardly revised 219 thousand in February and compared to market expectations of 180 thousand. It is the lowest payroll number since May last year as retailers cut jobs while employment went up in professional, business services and mining.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 25 thousand to 234 thousand in the week ended April 1st 2017 from the previous period, well below expectations of 250 thousand. It is the lowest figure in five weeks and the largest decline since April of 2015. The 4-week moving average that removes week-to-week volatility fell by 4.5 thousand to 250 thousand.

Further increases in the federal funds rate would continue and a cut in the $4.5 trillion in bonds the central bank holds would be appropriate later this year if the economy continues to perform as expected, minutes from last FOMC meeting showed.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index for the United States fell to 55.2 in March of 2017 after reaching a 16-month high of 57.6 in February and below market expectations of 57. It is the lowest reading since October of 2016 as production, new orders , employment and inventories slowed and inventories contracted.

The goods and services deficit in the United States narrowed to USD 43.6 billion in February of 2017 from a downwardly revised USD 48.2 billion gap a month earlier and lower than market expectations of a USD 44.8 billion shortfall. Exports increased 0.2 percent to 2 year high, boosted by rise in shipments of cars and industrial supplies and materials while imports went down 1.8 percent.

The ISM Manufacturing PMI fell to 57.2 in March from a 2-1/2-year high of 57.7 reported in February. New orders and production grew less while employment and export orders indexes jumped.

The final Markit US Manufacturing PMI fell to 53.3 in March of 2017 from a preliminary reading of 53.4 and a final of 54.2 in February. It is the lowest reading in six months as output, new orders and payrolls rose at a slower pace.

The final reading of the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States fell to 96.9 in March of 2017 from a preliminary reading of 97.6 but was higher than 96.3 in February. Both current conditions and futures expectations were revised slightly down.

Personal spending in the United States edged up 0.1 percent month-over-month in February of 2017, easing from a 0.2 percent gain in January and below market expectations of 0.2 percent. It is the smallest gain since August amid delays in the payment of income tax refunds and mainly due to a fall in purchases of durable goods.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 3 thousand to 258 thousand in the week ended March 25th 2017, from the previous week's unrevised level of 261 thousand. The figure came in above expectations of 248 thousand.

The US economy advanced an annualized 2.1 percent on quarter in the fourth quarter of 2016, higher than 1.9 percent in the previous estimates, final figures showed. Consumer spending and inventories increased faster than anticipated while investment rose less and net trade subtracted more from growth. In 2016, the GDP expanded 1.6 percent, the lowest since 2011.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 15 thousand to 261 thousand in the week ended March 18th 2017, above market expectations of 240 thousand. It is the highest reading in 13 weeks. The 4-week moving average that removes week-to-week volatility increased by 3,500 to 246,500, revised data showed. Claims had been initially reported at 258 thousand for the week ended March 18th 2017. In contrast, continuing claims were revised down to 1,990 thousand from 2,000 thousand.

The Markit flash US manufacturing PMI fell to 53.4 in March of 2017 from 54.2 in February and well below expectations of 54.8. It is the lowest reading since October of 2016, mainly due to a slowdown in new orders and lower stocks while input cost inflation picked up.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods went up 1.7 percent month-over-month in February of 2017, following an upwardly revised 2.3 percent jump in January and beating market expectations of a 1.2 percent rise. Civilian aircraft orders surged 47.6 percent and were the main driver of the increase. Non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircraft, a closely proxy for business spending plans, fell 0.1 percent after edging up 0.1 percent in the previous month.

Sales of new single-family houses in the United States jumped 6.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 592,000 in February of 2017. It follows an upwardly revised 558,000 in the previous month, and well above market expectations of 565,000 as unusual warm weather boosted sales in the Midwest, West and the South. Meanwhile, sales of previously owned houses dropped 3.7 percent to 5480 thousand, down from a ten-year high of 5690 thousand in January.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 15 thousand to 258 thousand in the week ended March 18th 2017, above market expectations of 240 thousand. It is the highest reading in seven weeks. The 4-week moving average that removes week-to-week volatility increased by 1,000 to 240,000.

The preliminary reading of the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States rose to 97.6 in March of 2017 from 96.3 in the previous month and beating market forecasts of 97.

Industrial production in the United States stalled in February from January of 2017, following a downwardly revised 0.1 percent fall in the previous period and compared to market expectations of a 0.2 percent gain. Utilities shrank amid warm weather, offsetting rises in manufacturing and mining.

Housing starts in the United States rose 3 percent from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 1288 thousand in February of 2017, following an upwardly revised 1251 thousand in the previous month and beating market expectations of a 1.4 percent rise. It is the biggest rate in four months as construction of single-family houses hit a near 9-1/2-year high.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits went down by 2 thousand to 241 thousand in the week ended March 11th 2017, slightly below market expectations of 243 thousand. The four-week moving average increased to 237,250 last week from 236,500.

The Federal Reserve raised the target range for its federal funds by 25bps to 0.75 percent to 1 percent during its March 2017 meeting. The decision came in line with market expectations as the labor market strengthened and economic activity continued to expand at a moderate pace, policymakers said. Interest rate forecasts point to another two rate hikes this year, the same as in the December projection.

Retail sales in the United States increased by 0.1 percent month-over-month in February 2017, following an upwardly revised 0.6 percent rise in January and in line with market expectations. It was the smallest increase since August, due to lower purchases at motor vehicle and parts dealers and electronics and appliance stores. In contrast, sales rose for building material and garden equipment and nonstore retailers.

Consumer prices in the United States increased 2.7 percent year-on-year in February of 2017, following a 2.5 percent rise in January and in line with market expectations. It was the highest inflation rate since March of 2012, boosted by a rise in gasoline prices.

The US government posted a USD 192 billion budget deficit in February of 2017, barely unchanged from a USD 192.6 billion gap a year earlier but above market expectations of USD 150 billion. Outlays increased 1 percent to USD 364 billion and receipts rose faster by 2 percent to USD 172 billion.

Non farm payrolls in the United States increased by 235 thousand in February of 2017, below an upwardly revised 238 thousand in January but above market expectations of 190 thousand. Job gains occurred in construction, private educational services, manufacturing, health care, and mining.

US unemployment rate fell to 4.7 percent in February 2017 from 4.8 percent in the previous month, in line with market expectations. The number of unemployed persons was almost unchanged at 7.5 million while the labor force participation rate increased by 0.1 percentage point to 63 percent.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits went up by 20 thousand to 243 thousand in the week ended March 4th 2017, slightly above expectations of 235 thousand. The 4-week moving average that removes week-to-week volatility rose by 2,250 to 236,500. Yet, claims have been below 300 thousand for 105 straight weeks, the longest streak since 1970.

The goods and services deficit in the United States widened to USD 48.5 billion in January of 2017 from a USD 44.3 billion gap a month earlier and in line with market expectations of a USD 48.5 billion shortfall. It is the highest deficit since March of 2012 as imports jumped 2.3 percent due to consumer goods and oil and exports rose at a slower 0.6 percent.

A further adjustment of the federal funds rate would likely be appropriate at the March meeting if employment and inflation continue to evolve in line with expectations, Fed Chair Yellen said in a speech in Chicago, further raising expectations of a rate hike in two weeks.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index rose to 57.6 in February of 2017 from 56.5 in January and beating market expectations of 56.5. It is the highest reading since October of 2015, boosted by a surge in activity and rising new orders and employment. The majority of service providers indicated a positive outlook on business conditions and the overall economy although some uncertainty persists.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 19 thousand to 223 thousand in the week ended February 25th 2017, from the previous week's revised level of 242 thousand. The figure came in below expectations of 243 thousand to hit the lowest level since March 1973.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI rose to 57.7 in February of 2017 from 56 in January and well above market expectations of 56. It is the highest reading since August of 2014 amid rising new orders and production while employment eased. Comments from the panel largely indicate strong sales and demand, and reflect a positive view of business conditions.

The final Markit US Manufacturing PMI was revised slightly down to 54.2 in February of 2017 from a preliminary reading of 54.3 and 55 in January. Production eased from January's 22-month high, strong domestic demand offset subdued export sales and cost inflation continued to rise.

Personal spending in the United States went up 0.2 percent in January of 2017 from December, following a 0.5 percent gain in the previous period. Figures came in below market expectations of 0.3 percent mainly due to a fall in purchases of durable goods, namely autos while spending on services was flat.

The US economy advanced an annualized 1.9 percent on quarter in the last three months of 2016, slowing from a 3.5 percent growth in the previous period and matching earlier estimates. Consumer spending rose faster than anticipated while business investment was revised lower. In 2016, the GDP expanded 1.6%, the lowest since 2011.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods went up 1.8 percent month-over-month in January of 2017, following an upwardly revised 0.8 percent drop in December and beating market expectations of a 1.7 percent rise. It is the first gain in three months, boosted by a 6 percent jump in transportation equipment. However, non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircraft, a closely watched proxy for business spending plans, fell 0.4 percent after an upwardly revised 1.1 percent gain in December.

The final reading of the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States came in at 96.3 in February 2017 compared to a preliminary figure of 95.7 and a final 98.5 in January. It was the weakest reading in three months, due to a drop in future expectations.

Sales of new single-family houses in the United States went up 3.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 555,000 in January of 2017. It follows a downwardly revised 535,000 in the previous month, but lower than market expectations of 570,000.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 6 thousand to 244 thousand in the week ended February 18th 2017, from the previous week's downwardly revised level of 238 thousand and above market expectations of 241 thousand. Claims have been below 300 thousand for 103 straight weeks, the longest streak since 1970.

Many Fed officials said it might be appropriate to raise rates again fairly soon, depending on incoming data for labour market and inflation, minutes from FOMC meeting held on January 31-February 1 showed. However, policymakers emphasized uncertainty regarding fiscal policies and showed concerns over the dollar appreciation.

The Flash Markit US Manufacturing PMI decreased to 54.3 in February of 2017 from a near 2-year high of 55 in January. Figures came below market expectations of 55.3, mainly due to softer output and new order growth.

Housing starts in the United States went down 2.6 percent from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 1246 thousand in January of 2017, following an upwardly revised 1279 thousand in the previous month and due to a fall in the multi-family segment. Figures beat market expectations of 1222 thousand. Building permits rose 4.6 percent to a one-year high of 1285 thousand, also better than forecasts of 1230 thousand.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 5 thousand to 239 thousand in the week ended February 11th 2017, from the previous week's unrevised level of 234 thousand and below market expectations of 245 thousand.

US industrial production fell by 0.3 percent month-over-month in January 2017, following a downwardly revised 0.6 percent rise in the previous month and worse than market expectations of a 0.1 percent gain. Utilities output dropped sharply by 5.7 percent due to unseasonably warm weather while manufacturing production grew 0.2 percent, matching analysts' forecasts, and mining output rose 2.8 percent.

Retail sales in the United States increased by 0.4 percent month-over-month in January 2017, following an upwardly revised 1 percent rise in December and above market expectations of a 0.1 percent gain. Higher sales at gasoline stations, restaurants and electronics and appliances stores offset a sharp drop in motor vehicle purchases.

Consumer prices in the United States increased 2.5 percent year-on-year in January of 2017, following a 2.1 percent rise in December and above market expectations of 2.4 percent. The inflation rate accelerated for the sixth consecutive month to the highest since March of 2012, mainly boosted by gasoline prices.

The US economy is expected to continue to expand at a moderate pace and wait too long to raise rates would be unwise, Fed Chair Yellen said in prepared remarks to the Congress. However, the economic outlook and fiscal policy face uncertainty and monetary policy is not on a preset course thus any changes will depend on incoming data, Fed Chair added.

The US government posted a $51 billion budget surplus in January of 2017, 7.1 percent lower than a $55 billion surplus a year earlier but above market expectations of $40 billion. Receipts rose 10 percent to $344 billion and outlays increased 13 percent to $293 billion.

The preliminary reading of the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States fell to 95.7 in February of 2017 from a 13-year high of 98.5 in the previous month and lower than market forecasts of 97.9. Future expectations declined and current conditions edged down.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 12 thousand to 234 thousand in the week ended February 4th 2017, below market expectations of 250 thousand. It is the smallest figure since the week ended November 12th 2016 when claims came in at 233,000, the lowest in 43 years. Claims have been below 300 thousand, the level associated with a healthy labor market for 101 straight weeks. That’s the longest streak since 1970. Yet, the 4-week moving average considered a better measure as removes week-to-week volatility reached the lowest since 1973.

The goods and services deficit in the United States narrowed to USD 44.3 billion in December of 2016 from an upwardly revised USD 45.7 billion gap a month earlier and lower than market expectations of a USD 45 billion shortfall. Exports reached the highest in 1-1/2-years with shipments of advanced technology goods hitting a record high. Considering full 2016, the trade deficit widened 0.4 percent to a four-year high of USD 502.3 billion.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index edged down to 56.5 in January of 2017 from a downwardly revised 56.6 in December and below market expectations of 57. Business activity and new orders eased and price pressures intensified while payrolls rose faster. Comments from non-manufacturers were mixed, indicating both optimism and a degree of uncertainty in the business outlook as a result of the change in government administration.

US unemployment rate rose to 4.8 percent in January 2017 from 4.7 percent in the previous month and above market expectations of 4.7 percent. The number of unemployed persons was almost unchanged at 7.6 million while the labor force participation rate increased by 0.2 percentage point to 62.9 percent.

Total nonfarm payroll employment in the United States rose by 227,000 in January of 2017, following an upwardly revised 157,000 in December and beating market expectations of 175,000. It is the strongest job growth in four months as employment increased in retail trade, construction, and financial activities.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 14 thousand to 246 thousand in the week ended January 28th 2017, below market expectations of 250 thousand. Claims have been below 300,000, the level associated with a healthy labor market, for 100 straight weeks. That’s the longest streak since 1970.

The Federal Reserve kept the target range for its federal funds steady at 0.5 percent to 0.75 percent during its February 2017 meeting, in line with market expectations and following a 25bps hike in December. Policymakers noted the improvement in business and consumer confidence and the rise in consumer prices and said near-term risks to the economic outlook appear roughly balanced.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI rose to 56 in January of 2017 from a downwardly revised 54.5 in December and well above market expectations of 55. It is the highest reading since November of 2014 as new orders, production and employment increased and business conditions are seen generally positive.

The final Markit US Manufacturing PMI fell slightly to 55 in January of 2017 from a preliminary of 55.1 but was above 54.3 in the previous month. It is the highest reading since March of 2015 amid robust output and new order growth. Confidence regarding the year-ahead business outlook was the strongest since March 2016.

Personal spending in the United States went up 0.5 percent in December from November of 2016, following a 0.2 percent gain in the previous period. Figures came in line with market expectations, boosted by spending on durables, namely cars and services. Considering full 2016, personal consumption increased 3.8 percent after rising 3.5 percent in 2015.

The final reading of the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States rose to 98.5 in January of 2017 compared to a preliminary figure of 98.1 and 98.2 in December. It is the highest reading since January of 2004, due to a more optimistic outlook for the economy and job growth during the year ahead as well as more favorable economic prospects over the next five years.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods decreased by 0.4 percent month-over-month in December 2016, following an upwardly revised 4.8 percent drop in November. The number came worse than market expectations of a 2.6 percent rise as orders for transport equipment dropped 2.2 percent and defense capital goods fell 33.4 percent.

The US economy advanced an annualized 1.9% on quarter in Q4, below expectations of 2.2%. Exports slumped reversing the impact from the surge in soybean shipments in Q3 and consumer spending slowed while investment jumped, boosted by equipment and home building. In 2016, the GDP expanded 1.6%, the lowest since 2011.

Sales of new single-family houses in the United States shrank 10.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 536,000 in December of 2016, much worse than market expectations of a 1 percent drop. It is the lowest figure since February. Considering full 2016, new home sales went up 12.2 percent to 563,000, the highest since 2007.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 22 thousand to 259 thousand in the week ended January 21st, 2017, its highest level in one month and above market expectations of 247 thousand. Still, the four-week moving average, which removes week-to-week volatility, fell by 2 thousand to 245.5 thousand last week, the lowest level since November 1973.

The Flash Markit Manufacturing PMI in the United States increased to 55.1 in January of 2017 from 54.3 in the previous month, beating market expectations of 54.5. It is the highest reading since March of 2015 as new work boosted output and purchasing activity while growth in new export work remained muted and employment eased.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 15 thousand to 234 thousand in the week ended January 14th, 2017, from the previous week's revised level of 249 thousand. The figure came in below market expectations of 254 thousand and was close to the 233 thousand touched in mid-November, which was the lowest since November 1973.

Housing starts in the United States jumped 11.3 percent from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 1226 thousand in December of 2016, beating market expectations of 1200 thousand. Multi-segment starts rebounded while single-family declined for the second month. Considering full 2016, housing starts rose 4.9 percent to 1166.4 thousand. Considering full 2016, housing starts rose 4.9 percent to 1166.4 thousand.

Industrial production in the United States grew by 0.8 percent month-over-month in December 2016, following an upwardly revised 0.7 percent fall in November and better than market expectations of a 0.6 percent rise. It was the largest gain since November 2014, as utility output jumped 6.6 percent, its sharpest increase since December 1989.

Consumer prices in the United States increased 2.1 percent year-on-year in December 2016, following a 1.7 percent rise in November and matching market expectations. The inflation rate accelerated for the fifth consecutive month to the highest since June of 2014, boosted by gasoline and shelter cost.

The preliminary reading of the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States edged down to 98.1 in January of 2017 from a 13-year high of 98.2 in the previous month and lower than market forecasts of 98.5. Future expectations declined and inflationary pressures jumped.

Retail sales in the United States increased 0.6 percent month-over-month in December of 2016, following an upwardly revised 0.2 percent rise in November and below market expectations of a 0.7 percent gain. Sales of autos and gasoline rebounded. Considering the three months to December, retail sales went up 1.6 percent and for full 2016 sales rose 3.3 percent, higher than 2.3 percent in 2015.

The US government posted a $28 billion budget deficit in December of 2016, a 94.4 percent increase from a $14.4 billion gap the same month of the previous year and slightly above market expectations of a $25 billion gap. Receipts slumped 8.9 percent to $319 billion and outlays fell 4.7 percent to $347 billion.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 10 thousand to 247 thousand in the week ended January 7th 2017, below market expectations of 255 thousand. It is the 97th consecutive week of initial claims below 300,000, the longest streak since 1970. Yet, the 4-week moving average that removes week-to-week volatility fell by 1.75 thousand to 256.5 thousand.

The trade gap in the United States increased by $2.9 billion to $45.2 billion in November of 2016, from a downwardly revised $42.4 billion in October and above market expectations of $42.5 billion shortfall. It was the biggest trade deficit since February. Exports fell 0.2 percent, due to lower shipments of civilian aircraft. In contrast, imports rose 1.1 percent and reached the highest level in 15 months, driven by crude oil purchases.

Non Farm Payrolls in the US increased by 156 thousand in December of 2016, lower than upwardly revised 204 thousand in November and below market expectation of 178 thousand. Job growth occurred in health care and social assistance. Job growth totaled 2.2 million in 2016, less than the increase of 2.7 million in 2015.

US unemployment rate rose to 4.7 percent in December 2016 from a nine-year low of 4.6 percent in the previous month and in line with market expectations. The number of unemployed persons was nearly unchanged at 7.5 million while the labor force participation rate increased by 0.1 percentage point to 62.7 percent.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index came in at 57.2 in December of 2016, the same as in the previous month and above market expectations of 56.6. It is the highest figure since October of 2015 as new orders increased while business activity and employment eased and price pressures went up.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 28 thousand to 235 thousand in the week ended December 31st from the previous week's revised level of 263 thousand. The figure came in way below market expectations of 260 thousand and was close to the 233 thousand touched in mid-November, which was the lowest level since November 1973.

The Federal Reserve might need to raise rates faster than previously anticipated as the "undershooting” of the unemployment rate might help return inflation to the 2 percent target. Policymakers emphasized their uncertainty about the timing, size, and composition of any future fiscal and other economic policy initiatives, minutes from FOMC meeting held on December 13-14 showed. The Fed last hiked the target for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to between 0.50 percent and 0.75 percent in December.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI rose to 54.7 in December of 2016 from 53.2 in November, beating market expectations of 53.6. It is the highest reading since December of 2014 as new orders, production and employment all registered new highs for the year 2016.

The final Markit US Manufacturing PMI increased to 54.3 in December of 2016 from a preliminary reading of 54.2 and 54.1 in November. It is the highest value since March of 2015, boosted by rises in new orders and production volumes and the fastest upturn in payroll numbers since June of 2015.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 10 thousand to 265 thousand in the week ended December 24th from the previous week's unrevised level of 275 thousand. The figure came in slightly above market expectations of 264 thousand.

The final reading of the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States rose to 98.2 in December 2016 compared to a preliminary figure of 98 and a final 93.8 in November. It was the highest reading since January 2004, as consumers expected a favorable impact of Trump's policies on the economy.

Sales of new single-family houses in the United States jumped 5.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 592,000 in November of 2016, beating market expectations of a 2.1 percent increase. It is the highest figure in four months.

Personal sending in the United States rose 0.2 percent in November from October of 2016, following an upwardly revised 0.4 percent gain in the previous period. It is the lowest rise since a flat reading in March and below market expectations of a 0.3 percent increase. Personal income was flat, the worst performance since a 0.1 percent drop in February.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods decreased by 4.6 percent month-over-month in November 2016, following a 4.8 percent gain in October and slightly better than market expectations of a 4.7 percent fall. It was the first decline in five months and the sharpest drop since August 2014, mainly dragged by transport equipment orders.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 21 thousand to 275 thousand in the week ended December 17th from the previous week's unrevised level of 254 thousand. The figure came above market expectations of 256 thousand to hit the highest level since the week ended June 11th.

The US economy advanced an annualized 3.5 percent on quarter in the three months to September of 2016, up from 1.4 percent growth in the previous period and better than a 3.2 percent expansion in the second estimate. It is the highest growth rate in two years as personal consumption, investment in structures and intellectual property products and government expenditure rose faster than anticipated and exports were boosted by boom in soybean shipments.

Housing starts in the United States fell 18.7 percent from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 1090 thousand in November 2016, way below market expectations of 1230 thousand. Single-family housing starts dropped 4.1 percent and those for the volatile multi-family segment tumbled 45.1 percent. Housing starts decreased in all four regions.

The seasonally adjusted Markit Flash US Manufacturing PMI rose to 54.2 in December 2016 from 54.1 in the previous month and in line with market expectations. It was the strongest reading since March 2015, as employment rose further and stocks of inputs accumulated at the fastest pace since the survey began in May 2007.

Consumer prices in the United States increased by 1.7 percent year-on-year in November 2016, following a 1.6 percent rise in October and in line with market expectations. It was the highest inflation rate since October 2014, mainly boosted by higher energy cost while food prices continued to fall.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 4 thousand to 254 thousand in the week ended December 10th from the previous week's unrevised level of 258 thousand. The figure came in below market expectations of 255 thousand to hit the lowest level in three weeks.

The Federal Reserve raised the target federal funds rate by 25 basis points to between 0.50 percent and 0.75 percent during its December 2016 meeting, as widely expected. The policymakers also projected a three quarter-point increases for 2017, up from two previously two.

Industrial production in the United States fell 0.4 percent month-over-month in November 2016, following an upwardly revised 0.1 percent gain in October and worse than market expectations of a 0.2 percent drop. It was the largest decline since March, due to a steep decrease in utility output and a dip in manufacturing.

Retail sales in the United States edged up 0.1 percent month-over-month in November 2016, following a downwardly revised 0.6 percent rise in the previous period. The figure came in below market expectations of a 0.3 percent gain, mainly dragged by lower sales of motor vehicles.

The US government posted a $137 billion budget deficit in November 2016, a 112 percent increase from a $65 billion gap the same month of the previous year, as outlays rose 25 percent to $337 billion while receipts fell 2 percent to $200 billion.

The preliminary reading of the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States increased to 98 in December 2016 from a final reading of 93.8 in November. It was the highest reading since January 2015, as consumers expected a positive impact of new economic policies following Donald Trump’s election.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 10 thousand to 258 thousand in the week ended December 3rd from the previous week's unrevised level of 268 thousand and in line with market expectations. It was the 92nd straight week that claims were below 300 thousand, the longest stretch since 1970.

The trade gap in the United States increased to $42.6 billion in October of 2016, up $6.4 billion from a downwardly revised $36.2 billion in September. Exports recorded the biggest decline since January due to lower shipments of food, industrial supplies and materials, automobiles, consumer goods and soybeans while imports reached the highest in 14 months.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index rose to 57.2 in November of 2016 from 54.8 in the previous month, beating market expectations of 55.4. It is the highest value since October last year, boosted by business activity and employment while new orders growth slowed.

US unemployment rate fell to 4.6 percent in November 2016 from 4.9 percent in the previous month and well below market expectations of 4.9 percent. It was the lowest jobless rate since August 2007, as the number of unemployed persons declined by 387 thousand to 7.4 million while the labor force participation rate decreased by 0.1 percentage point to 62.7 percent.

Total nonfarm payroll employment in the United States increased by 178,000 in November of 2016, more than a downwardly revised 142,000 in October and above market expectations of 175,000. Employment gains occurred in professional and business services and in health care.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI rose to 53.2 in November 2016 from 51.9 in October, above market expectations of 52.2. It was the highest reading in five months as new orders, production and inventories of raw materials came in stronger than in the previous month while employment growth slowed down.

The Final US Markit Manufacturing PMI increased to 54.1 in November of 2016 from 53.4 in October and above flash estimates of 53.9. It is the strongest reading since October last year as output rose the most in 20 months, payrolls increased and cost inflation slowed.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 17 thousand to 268 thousand in the week ended November 26th from the previous week's level of 251 thousand. It is the highest figure since the last week of June and above market expectations of 253 thousand. However, it is the 91st consecutive weeks of initial claims below 300,000, the longest streak since 1970.

Personal consumption expenditures in the United States increased by 0.3 percent month-over-month in October 2016, easing from an upwardly revised 0.7 percent growth in September and below market expectations of 0.5 percent gain. Consumption of goods rose by 1.3 percent while spending on services fell by 0.2 percent.

The US economy advanced an annualized 3.2 percent on quarter in the three months to September of 2016, up from 1.4 percent growth in the previous period and better than a 2.9 percent expansion in the advance estimate. It is the highest growth rate in two years, as consumer spending, exports and investment in structures rose faster than anticipated while fixed investment fell more, according to the second estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Federal Reserve policymakers consider the case for a rate hike continued to strengthen and that it would be appropriate to raise rates relatively soon, depending on further evidence of progress on inflation and employment, minutes from FOMC meeting held on November 1-2 showed.

The final reading of the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States rose to 93.8 in November 2016 compared to a preliminary figure of 91.6 and a final 87.2 in October. It was the strongest reading since May this year, as consumers' expectations regarding their personal finances and prospects for the national economy improved sharply.

Sales of new single-family houses in the United States declined 1.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 563,000 in October of 2016, compared to market expectations of a 0.3 percent rise. Figures for the previous month were revised down by 19,000 to 574,000.

The flash Markit US Manufacturing PMI increased to 53.9 in November of 2016 from 53.4 in October and above expectations of 53.4. It is the highest reading since October last year as output growth and new orders accelerated and inventories increased.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods jumped 4.8 percent month-over-month in October of 2016, following an upwardly revised 0.4 percent gain in September and beating market expectations of a 1.5 percent increase. It is the biggest gain since October last year, mainly boosted by a 12 percent surge in transport equipment. Excluding transportation, new orders increased 1 percent and excluding defense, new orders went up 5.2 percent. Non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircrafts, a proxy for business spending increased 0.4 percent.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 18 thousand to 251 thousand in the week ended November 19th from the previous week's revised level of 233 thousand. The figure came in slightly above market expectations of 250 thousand.

Housing starts in the United States climbed 25.5 percent from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 1323 thousand in October 2016, way above market expectations of 1156 thousand. It was the highest reading since August 2007 and the biggest increase since July 1982, as single-family housing starts advanced 10.7 percent and those for the volatile multi-family segment soared 68.8 percent.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 19 thousand to 235 thousand in the week ended November 12th from the previous week's unrevised level of 254 thousand. The figure came in below market expectations of 257 thousand to hit the lowest level since November 1973.

Consumer prices in the United States went up 1.6 percent year-on-year in October of 2016, up from a 1.5 percent rise in September and in line with market expectations. It is the highest inflation rate since October of 2014, boosted by rising shelter and energy cost while food prices declined for the second month.

The case for a rate hike has strengthen as the economy appears on track to expand at a moderate pace sufficient to generate further strengthening in labor market and a return of inflation to the 2 percent objective over the next couple of years, Fed Chair Yellen said in a prepared remarks to Congress's Joint Economic Committee.

Industrial output in the United States was unchanged in October from September of 2016, following a 0.2 percent drop in the previous period and lower than market expectations of a 0.2 percent gain. Warmer-than-normal temperatures reduced the demand for heating, hurting utilities output and offsetting gains in mining and manufacturing.

Retail sales in the United States increased 0.8 percent month-over-month in October from September of 2016, following an upwardly revised 1 percent rise in the previous period. Figures beat market expectations of a 0.6 percent gain, mainly boosted by sales of motor vehicles.

The preliminary reading of the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States increased to 91.6 in November of 2016 from a final reading of 87.2 in October. It is the highest reading since June as consumers were more confident about future and present conditions and inflation expectations increased.

The US government posted a USD 44 billion budget deficit in October 2016, a 68 percent decrease from a USD 137 billion gap the same month of the previous year, as outlays fell 24 percent to USD 266 billion while receipts rose 5 percent to USD 222 billion.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 11 thousand to 254 thousand in the week ended November 5th from the previous week's unrevised level of 265 thousand. The figure came in below market expectations of 260 thousand to hit the lowest level in four weeks.

The US goods and services deficit decreased 9.9 percent mom to $36.44 billion in September of 2016, slightly lower than market expectations of a $37.8 billion gap. It was the lowest trade gap since February 2015, as imports fell by 1.3 percent to $225.6 billion to the lowest level since May while exports rose 0.5 percent mom to $189.2 billion to the highest since July of 2015.

Total nonfarm payroll employment in the United States increased by 161,000 in October of 2016, less than an upwardly revised 191,000 in September and below market expectations of 175,000. Employment continued to trend up in health care, professional and business services, and financial activities. So far this year, employment growth has averaged 181,000 per month, lower than an average monthly increase of 229,000 in 2015.

US unemployment rate fell to 4.9 percent in October 2016 from 5 percent in the previous month and in line with market expectations. The number of unemployed persons was almost unchanged at 7.9 million while the labor force participation rate decreased by 0.1 percentage point to 62.8 percent.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index fell to 54.8 in October of 2016 from 57.1 in September and below market expectations of 56. Activity, new orders and employment grew at a slower pace while prices increased for the seventh straight month.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits rose by 7 thousand to 265 thousand in the week ended October 29th, above market expectations of 255 thousand and reaching the highest figure since August 6th. However, it is the 87th straight week of initial claims below 300 thousand, the longest streak since 1970.

The Federal Reserve left the target range for its federal funds rate unchanged at 0.25 percent to 0.5 percent for the seventh time during its November 2016 meeting, saying the labor market has continued to strengthen and growth of economic activity has picked up. Policymakers also added that the case for an increase in the federal funds rate has continued to strengthen.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI rose to 51.9 in October 2016 from 51.5 in September, above market expectations of 51.7. It was the highest reading in three months, as employment rebounded sharply and output grew further, while new orders expanded at a slower pace.

The final IHS Markit Manufacturing PMI for the US increased to 53.4 in October 2016 from 51.5 in September and slightly better than the earlier flash reading of 53.2. It was the highest figure since October last year, as both production and new orders expanded at a faster pace and employment rose for the fortieth month in a row. Meanwhile, cost inflation went up to highest level for two years.

Consumer spending in the United States increased 0.5 percent in September from August of 2016, following a 0.1 percent fall in the previous period. It is the biggest gain in three months, in line with market expectations.

The final reading of the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States decreased to 87.2 in October of 2016 from a preliminary reading of 87.9 and a final of 91.2 in September. It is the lowest reading since September of 2015 due to less favorable prospects for the national economy, with half of all consumers anticipating an economic downturn sometime in the next five years.

The United States economy expanded an annualized 2.9 percent in the third quarter of 2016, more than 1.4 percent in the previous period and beating market expectations of a 2.5 percent rise, the advance estimate from BEA showed. It is the strongest growth rate since the third quarter of 2014, as exports grew the most in nearly three years boosted by soybeans and inventories recovered while personal consumption slowed.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell to 258 thousand in the week ended October 22nd, compared with the previous week's revised level of 261 thousand and above market expectations of 255 thousand. It was the first decline in three weeks and the 86th straight week of initial claims below 300 thousand, the longest streak since 1970.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods declined 0.1 percent month-over-month in September of 2016, following an upwardly revised 0.3 percent gain in August and compared to market expectations of a 0.1 percent increase. Excluding transportation, new orders increased 0.2 percent and excluding defense, new orders rose 0.7 percent. Non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircrafts, a proxy for business spending fell 1.2 percent, the biggest drop since February, following three months of gains.

Sales of new single-family houses in the United States rose 3.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 593,000 in September of 2016, compared to market expectations of a 1 percent decline. Figures for the previous month were revised down by 34,000 to 575,000.

The flash IHS Markit Manufacturing PMI for the US increased to 53.2 in October of 2016 from 51.5 in September, beating market expectations of 51.5. It is the highest figure since October last year, boosted by stronger output and new business growth.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits rose to 260,000 in the week ended October 15th, above market expectations of 250,000 and reaching the highest in five weeks. Yet, it marks the 85th consecutive week initial claims are below 300,000, the longest streak since 1970 and signaling the labour market strength.

Housing starts in the United States tumbled 9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 1047 thousand in September from August of 2016, below market expectations of 1175 thousand. It is the lowest figure since March of 2015, due to a fall in construction of multifamily homes. In contrast, building permits rose 6.3 percent to 1225 thousand, beating expectations of 1165 thousand.

Consumer prices in the United States went up 1.5 percent year-on-year in September of 2016, higher than 1.1 percent in August and in line with market expectations. It is the highest inflation rate since October of 2014 boosted by robust gains in shelter and a smaller drop in energy prices while food cost fell for the first time in more than six years.

Industrial output in the United States increased 0.1 percent month-over-month in September of 2016, following an upwardly revised 0.5 percent fall in August and below market expectations of a 0.2 percent gain. Manufacturing and mining rebounded while utilities fell. For the third quarter as a whole, industrial production rose at an annual rate of 1.8 percent for its first quarterly increase since the third quarter of 2015.

The US government posted a USD 33 billion budget surplus in September of 2016, a 63.7 percent fall from a USD 91 billion surplus in the same month a year earlier but above market expectations of a USD 25 billion surplus. For the 2016 fiscal year, the country's budget deficit widened to USD 587 billion or 3.2 percent of the GDP, the highest in three years.

The preliminary reading of the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States fell to 87.9 in October of 2016 from 91.2 in September. It is the lowest figure since September last year and well below market expectations of 91.9, hurt by a fall in future expectations.

Retail sales in the United States increased 0.6 percent on the month in September of 2016, following a downwardly revised 0.2 percent drop in August and in line with market estimates. It is the best performance in three months, mainly boosted by auto sales and spending in grocery stores and gasoline stations.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was flat at 246,000 in the week ended October 8th, the lowest in 43 years and below market expectations of 254,000. It marks the 84th consecutive week initial claims are below 300,000, the longest streak since 1970 and signaling the labour market strength.

Fed's decision to leave the target for the federal funds rate on hold in September was a close call and policymakers generally agreed that the case for a rate hike had strengthened in recent months, minutes from FOMC meeting held on September 20-21st showed.

US unemployment rate increased to 5 percent in September 2016, compared to 4.9 percent in the previous month and missing market expectations of 4.9 percent. It was the highest jobless rate since April, as the number of unemployed persons rose by 90 thousand to 7.9 million while the labor force participation rate edged up by 0.1 percentage point to 62.9 percent.

Total nonfarm payroll employment in the United States increased by 156,000 in September of 2016, lower than an upwardly revised 167,000 in August but below market expectations of 175,000. It is the lowest payroll figure in 4 months. Employment gains occurred in professional and business services and in health care. So far this year, job growth has averaged 178,000 per month, compared with an average of 229,000 per month in 2015.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell by 5,000 to 249,000 in the week ended October 1st, below market expectations of 257,000 and reaching the lowest figure since mid-April. The four-week average, which smooths out week-to-week volatility in the claims data, dropped to 253,500, the lowest since 1973.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index jumped 5.7 percentage points to 57.1 percent in September of 2016 after slumping to a 6-1/2-year low of 51.4 in August. It is the highest reading since October and well above market expectations of 53 as business activity, new orders and employment all expanded at a faster pace.

The US goods and services deficit increased 3 percent mom to $40.73 billion in August of 2016. Figures came slightly worse than market expectations of a $39.3 billion gap as imports jumped to the highest since September last year and exports reached the highest in 13 months.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI rose to 51.5 in September 2016 from 49.4 in August, way above market expectations of 50.3. New orders and production rebounded sharply while employment contracted at a slower pace.

The seasonally adjusted Markit final US Manufacturing PMI fell to 51.5 in September 2016 from 52 in the previous month, but better than the earlier flash reading of 51.4. It was the weakest reading in three months, as output and new orders expanded at a slower pace while new export sales dropped for the first time in four months.

The final reading of the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States increased to 91.2 in September of 2016 from a preliminary reading of 89.8 and a final of 89.8 in the previous month. It is the highest reading in three months and better than market expectations of 90. Consumers were more confident about the future and less pessimistic over current conditions than initially anticipated.

Consumer spending in the United States was flat in August from July of 2016, after rising an upwardly revised 0.4 percent in the previous period. It is the worst performance in five months and worse than market expectations of a 0.1 percent gain.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 3,000 to 254,000 in the week ended September 24th compared with the previous week's revised level of 251,000 and below market expectations of 260,000. The four-week average, which smooths out week-to-week volatility in the claims data, dropped to 256,000, matching an April reading as the lowest average since 1973.

The US economy expanded an annualized 1.4 percent on quarter in the three months to June of 2016, better than a second estimate of 1.1 percent. It is the strongest growth rate in three quarters. Consumer spending continued to boost growth although it expanded less than expected while exports rose at a faster pace and business investment posted the first gain in three quarters.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods were unchanged in August from July of 2016, following a downwardly revised 3.6 percent gain in the previous period and better than market expectations of a 1.4 percent fall. Yet, non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircrafts, a proxy for business spending increased 0.6 percent, the third consecutive gain.

Sales of new single-family houses in the United States fell 7.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 609,000 in August of 2016, better than market expectations of an 8.8 percent decline. Figures for the previous month were revised up by 5,000 to 659,000, the highest since 2007.

The flash Markit manufacturing PMI for the United States declined to 51.4 in September of 2016 from 52 in August and below market expectations of 51.9. New business growth eased further, output slowed and export orders fell for the first time in four months while payrolls increased.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell by 8,000 to 252,000 in the week ended September 17th 2016. It is the lowest figure in two months and below market expectations of 262,000. It marks the 81st consecutive week initial claims are below 300,000, the longest streak since 1970 and signaling the labour market strength.

The Federal Reserve left the target range for its federal funds rate unchanged at 0.25 percent to 0.5 percent for the sixth time during its September 2016 meeting. Policymakers said that the case for a rate hike has strengthened but decided, for the time being, to wait for further evidence of continued progress toward its objectives. Three out of ten members voted for a rate hike.

Housing starts in the United States shrank 5.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 1142 thousand in August from July of 2016, after rising a downwardly revised 1.4 percent in the previous period. Figures came much worse than market expectations of a 1.7 percent decline, reaching the lowest in three months. Permits for future construction fell 0.4 percent to 1139 thousand.

The preliminary reading of the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States was unchanged at 89.8 in September of 2016 from 89.8 in the previous month. Figures came below market expectations of 90.8, mainly due to less favorable current conditions while future expectations regarding the overall economy improved.

Consumer prices in the United States went up 1.1 percent year-on-year in August of 2016, higher than 0.8 percent in July and above market forecasts of a 1 percent gain. It is the biggest inflation figure in four months, boosted by rising shelter and medical cost.

Industrial production in the United States declined 0.4 percent in August from July of 2016, following a downwardly revised 0.6 percent gain in the previous month and worse than market expectations of a 0.3 percent fall. Manufacturing and utilities output declined while mining went up for the fourth straight month.

Retail sales in the United States declined 0.3 percent in August from July of 2016, following an upwardly revised 0.1 percent gain in the previous period. Figures came worse than market expectations of a 0.1 percent fall, mainly due to lower auto sales. Excluding autos, retail sales edged down 0.1 percent.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 1,000 to 260,000 in the week ended September 10th compared with the previous week's unrevised level of 259,000 and below market expectations of 265,000. The four-week average, seen as a better measure of labor market trends as it removes week-to-week volatility, dropped to a five-week low of 260,750.

The US government posted a USD 107 billion budget gap in August 2016, a 67 percent rise from a USD 64 billion deficit in the same month a year earlier and in line with market expectations of a USD 108 billion gap. Outlays rose 23 percent to USD 338 billion while receipts increased at a slower 9.5 percent to USD 231 billion.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell by 4 thousand to 259,000 in the week ended September 3rd 2016. Figures came below market expectations of 265,000, reaching the lowest since mid-July. The 4-week moving average, seen as a better measure of labor market trends as it removes week-to-week volatility, fell by 1,750 to 261,250.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index fell 4.1 percentage points to 51.4 percent in August of 2016 from 55.5 in July, well below market expectations of 55. It is the lowest reading since February of 2010 as activity, new orders and employment all slowed.

The trade gap in the United States declined to USD 39.47 billion in July of 2016 from an upwardly revised USD 44.66 billion deficit in the previous month and below market expectations of a USD 42.7 billion shortfall. Imports declined 0.8 percent while exports rose 1.9 percent to the highest level since September 2015.

Total nonfarm payroll employment in the United States increased by 151,000 in August of 2016, much lower than an upwardly revised 275,000 in July and below market expectations of 180,000. It is the lowest figure in four months, with employment rising in service-providing industries but falling in manufacturing, mining and construction.

US unemployment rate was recorded at 4.9 percent in August 2016, unchanged from the previous two months while missing market expectations of 4.8 percent. The number of unemployed persons was flat at 7.8 million and the labor force participation rate stood at 62.8 percent.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI came in at 49.4 in August of 2016, down from 52.6 in July. The figure came much worse than market expectations of 52, reaching the lowest in seven months, as new orders, production and employment all contracted.

The final Markit US Manufacturing PMI came in at 52 in August of 2016, down from 52.1 in the preliminary estimate and 52.9 in July. Output growth was unchanged from July’s eight-month high while new orders and employment slowed and input price inflation eased.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 2,000 to 263,000 in the week ended August 27th compared with the previous week's unrevised level of 261,000 and below market expectations of 265,000. The four-week average, seen as a better measure of labor market trends as it removes week-to-week volatility, dropped to a three-week low of 263,000.

Consumer spending in the United States increased 0.3 percent in July from June of 2016, slowing from an upwardly revised 0.5 percent gain in the previous period but matching market expectations. It is the fourth straight month of gains, mainly boosted by spending for new vehicles and suggesting robust consumer demand. Income rose at a faster 0.4 percent, also in line with forecasts.

The US economy continues to expand and the case for raising the interest rate has strengthened in recent months, Fed Chair Yelllen said in a speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium, suggesting a rate hike this year is still on the table.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States came in at 89.8 in August 2016, compared to a preliminary reading of 90.4 and below 90 in July. It was the lowest reading since April, mainly due to less favorable current conditions while future expectations regarding the overall economy improved slightly, final figures showed. Meanwhile, long term inflation expectations fell to the lowest level ever recorded.

The US economy expanded an annualized 1.1 percent on quarter in the three months to June of 2016, down from a 1.2 percent growth in the advance estimate. Net trade contribution was lower than anticipated and the fall in inventories was steeper than expected while consumer spending rose at a faster pace, according to the second estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods jumped 4.4 percent in July from June of 2016, recovering from an upwardly revised 4.2 percent drop in the previous period. It is the first increase in three months and the biggest gain since October last year, beating market expectations of a 3.3 percent rise. Non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircrafts, a proxy for business spending increased 1.6 percent, the second consecutive gain.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 1,000 to 261,000 in the week ended August 20th compared with the previous week's unrevised level of 262,000. The figure came in below market expectations of 265,000 to hit its lowest level in five weeks.

Sales of new single-family houses in the United States surged 12.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 654,000 in July of 2016. It is the highest figure since October of 2007 and much better than market expectations of 580,000. Figures for June were revised down by 10,000 to 582,000.

The Markit Flash US Manufacturing PMI came in at 52.1 in August of 2016, down from 52.9 in the previous month and lower than market expectations of 52.7. Production continued to expand although new orders growth slowed despite a faster increase in export sales and job creation also eased.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 4,000 to 262,000 in the week ended August 13th, 2016. It is the lowest figure in four weeks and better than market expectations of 265,000. It marks the 76th consecutive week initial claims are below 300,000, the longest streak since 1970 and signaling the labour market strength.

Fed policymakers considered that near-term risks to the US outlook had diminished although the UK vote to leave the EU and other developments abroad still impart uncertainty. As a result, Fed officials decided to leave policy options open and maintain the flexibility to adjust rates based on incoming information, thus leaving the door open for a rate hike this year, minutes from FOMC meeting held on July 26-27th showed.

Industrial output in the United States went up 0.7 percent in July from June of 2016, following a downwardly revised 0.4 percent gain in the previous period and better than market expectations of a 0.3 percent increase. It is the biggest rise since November of 2014 boosted by a 0.5 percent growth in manufacturing.

Housing starts in the Unites States rose 2.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1211 thousand in July 2016 compared to a downwardly revised 1186 thousand in the previous month. The figure came in above market expectations of 1180 thousand to hit the highest level since February, as building activity increased across the board. Housing starts rose the most in the Northeast.

Consumer prices in the United States rose 0.8 percent year-on-year in July of 2016, following a 1 percent increase in the previous two months and below market expectations of 0.9 percent. It is the lowest inflation figure since December last year as shelter cost rose at a slower pace, food inflation eased to a fresh 6-1/2-year low and energy cost fell further.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States came in at 90.4 in August 2016 from 90 in July but well below market expectations of 91.5, preliminary figures showed. Consumer expectations improved firmly while current conditions deteriorated.

Retail sales in the United States were flat in July from June 2016 compared to an upwardly revised 0.8 percent gain in the previous period while missing market expectations of 0.4 percent rise.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 1,000 to 266,000 in the week ended August 6th compared with the previous week's revised level of 267,000. The figure came in above market expectations of 265,000. This marks 75 consecutive weeks of initial claims below 300,000, the longest streak since 1970.

The US government posted a USD 113 billion budget gap in July 2016, a 24 percent drop from a USD 149 billion deficit in the same month a year earlier, as outlays fell 14 percent to USD 323 billion while receipts declined at a slower 7 percent to USD 210 billion.

The trade gap in the United States widened to USD 44.5 billion in June of 2016 from a downwardly revised USD 40.96 billion deficit in the previous month. Figures came above market expectations of a USD 43.1 billion shortfall as imports rose 1.9 percent due to higher oil prices and rising domestic demand while exports edged up only 0.3 percent.

Total nonfarm payroll employment in the United States increased by 255,000 in July of 2016, lower than a upwardly revised 292,000 in June, but above market expectations of 180,000. Job gains occurred in professional and business services, health care, and financial activities. Employment in mining continued to trend down.

US unemployment rate came in at 4.9 percent in July 2016 unchanged from the June rate and above market expectations of 4.8 percent. The number of unemployed persons was essentially unchanged at 7.8 million.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 3,000 to 269,000 in the week ended July 30th compared with the previous week's unrevised level of 266,000. The figure came in above market expectations of 265,000.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index fell 1 percentage points to 55.5 percent in July 2016 from 56.5 in June, below market expectations of 56. Business activity and employment expanded at a slower pace while new orders increased further.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI came in at 52.6 in July 2016, down 0.6 p.p. from 53.2 in June. The figure came in below market expectations, but was pointing to the fifth consecutive month of growth in factory activity as 12 of our 18 industries reported an increase in new orders and 9 of our 18 industries reported a rise in production.

The seasonally adjusted Markit final U.S. Manufacturing PMI came in at 52.9 in July 2016, up from 51.3 in the previous month and unchanged from the earlier flash reading. It was the highest value since October last year, mainly driven by stronger rates of output, new order and employment growth.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States came in at 90 in July 2016, slightly up from a preliminary reading of 89.5 but well below 93.5 in June. It is the lowest reading since April as both current conditions and future expectations worsened, final figures showed.

The US economy advanced an annualized 1.2 percent on quarter in the three months to June of 2016, following a downwardly revised 0.8 percent growth in the first three months of the year and well below market expectations of a 2.6 percent expansion, the advance estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis showed. Consumer spending was the main driver of growth while investment slumped and inventories fell for the first time since 2011.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 14,000 to 266,000 in the week ended July 23rd compared with the previous week's downwardly revised level of 252,000. The figure came above market expectations of 260,000, the highest in four weeks. However, the four-week moving average fell to 256,500, the lowest since April.

The Federal Reserve left the target range for its federal funds rate unchanged at 0.25 percent to 0.5 percent for the fifth time during its July 2016 meeting. Policymakers said that the labor market strengthened and near-term risks to growth decreased, suggesting a rate hike is still possible this year although dependent on incoming economic data.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods slumped 4 percent in June from May of 2016, following an upwardly revised 2.8 percent drop in the previous period. It is the biggest fall since August of 2014 and much worse than market expectations of a 1.1 percent decline, dragged down mainly by transport equipment. However, non-defense core capital goods orders, a proxy for business spending edged up 0.2 percent, recovering from a 0.5 percent decline in May.

Sales of new single-family houses in the United States jumped 3.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 592,000 in June of 2016. It is the highest figure since February of 2008 and better than market expectations of 560,000 boosted by sales in the West and the Midwest.

The Markit Flash US Manufacturing PMI came in at 52.9 in July of 2016, up from 51.3 in June and much better than market expectations of 51.6. It is the highest reading since October last year as output and new business growth accelerated and payrolls rose the most in 12 months.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 1,000 to 253,000 in the week ended July 16th compared with the previous week's unrevised level of 254,000. The figure came in way below market expectations of 265,000 and hit its lowest level since April.

US housing starts jumped 4.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 1189 thousand in June from May of 2016, after falling an upwardly revised 1.7 percent in the previous period. Figures came much better than market expectations of a 0.5 percent gain, reaching the highest in four months, as groundbreaking on single-family homes rebounded.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States came in at 89.5 in July 2016, down from 93.5 in June and well below market expectations of 93.5. It is the lowest reading since April as current conditions worsened, the future outlook reached the lowest since September of 2014 and inflation expectations rose, preliminary figures showed.

Industrial production in the United States increased 0.6 percent in June from May 2016, recovering from a downwardly revised 0.3 percent drop in the previous period and better than market expectations of a 0.2 percent gain. It was the biggest gain since July last year, as output of manufacturing, mining and utilities moved up.

Retail sales in the United States advanced 0.6 percent in June from May 2016, following a downwardly revised 0.2 percent gain in the previous period and beating market expectations of 0.1 percent rise. It was the third straight month of gains as sales of motor vehicles, furniture and building material rebounded.

Consumer prices in the United States increased 1 percent year-on-year in June of 2016, the same as in the previous month and slightly below market expectations of a 1.1 percent rise. Inflation accelerated for shelter and medical care and energy prices fell at a slower pace while food inflation reached the lowest in more than 6 years.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits held steady at 254,000 in the week ended July 9th, the lowest since early April. Figures came better than market expectations of 265 thousand, suggesting further labour market strength. It is the 71st straight week initial claims are below 300,000, the longest streak since 1973.

The United States recorded a USD 6 billion budget surplus in June of 2016, much lower than a USD 50 billion surplus a year earlier and market expectations of USD 24 billion. Outlays rose 10.6 percent while receipts fell 3.8 percent.

Total nonfarm payroll employment in the United States increased by 287,000 in June of 2016, much higher than a downwardly revised 11,000 in May when a strike in Verizon led to job losses in information. Figures came well above market expectations of 175,000, easing concerns about labour market strength. Job growth occurred in leisure and hospitality, health care and social assistance, financial activities and information, largely reflecting the return of workers from the strike.

US unemployment rate went up to 4.9 percent in June 2016 after falling by 0.3 p.p. to 4.7 percent in the previous month. The figure came in worse than market expectations, as more people entered the labor force. The number of unemployed persons increased by 347,000 to 7.8 million, offsetting declines in May and bringing both measures back in line with levels that had prevailed from August 2015 to April.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell 16,000 to 254,000 in the week ended July 2nd, the lowest in eleven weeks. Figures came better than market expectations of 270 thousand, suggesting labour market strength. It is the 70th straight week initial claims are below 300,000, the longest streak since 1973.

Fed policymakers decided to wait for additional labor market data and the impact of upcoming referendum in the United Kingdom on global financial markets before rising the rates, minutes from FOMC meeting held on June 14-15th showed.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index went up 3.6 percentage points to 56.5 percent in June of 2016, up from 52.9 in May and well above market expectations of 53.3. It is the highest reading since November last year, boosted by new orders and new business and a recovery in employment.

The trade gap in the United States widened to USD 41.14 billion in May of 2016 from a USD 37.4 billion deficit in the previous month. Figures came worse than market expectations of a USD 40 billion shortfall as exports shrank 0.2 percent hurt by a stronger dollar and imports rose 1.6 percent due to higher oil prices.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI came in at 53.2 in June of 2016, up from 51.3 in May and well above market expectations of 51.4. It is the highest reading since February of 2015 as new orders growth accelerated and employment expanded for the first time since November.

The final Markit Manufacturing PMI for the United States came in at 51.3 in June of 2016, slightly below a preliminary reading of 51.4 but above 50.7 in May. Yet, it is still the highest reading in three months. Production increased and new business grew the most since March while payroll numbers expanded moderately and stocks of purchases fell further.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 10,000 to 268,000 in the week ended June 25th compared with the previous week's revised level of 258,000. The figure came in slightly above market expectations of 267,000.

Consumer spending in the United States rose 0.4 percent in May from April of 2016, following an upwardly revised 1.1 percent increase in the previous period. It is the second straight month of gains, in line with market expectations, boosted by demand for both goods and services. Income rose 0.2 percent, below expectations of a 0.3 percent increase.

The US economy expanded an annualized 1.1 percent on quarter in the first three months of 2016, higher than a second estimate of 0.8 percent, according to final figures released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Consumer spending continued to boost growth although it expanded less than expected while exports and software investment rebounded.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States came in at 93.5 in June 2016, down from a preliminary reading of 94.3 and a final of 94.7 in the previous month. Consumers were less optimistic about current conditions and future economic prospects.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods shrank 2.2 percent in May from April of 2016, following a downwardly revised 3.3 percent rise in the previous period. Figures came worse than market expectations of a 0.5 percent decline, dragged down mainly by transport equipment. Core capital goods orders, a proxy for business spending fell 0.7 percent.

New US single-family home sales fell 6 percent to 551,000 in May of 2016 compared to market expectations of 560,000. The April's sales was downwardly revised to 586,000 units, but still remained the highest since February 2008. The pace points to a healthy growth in the housing sector helped by consistent employment gains and ultra-low mortgage rates.

The flash Markit Manufacturing PMI in the United States came in at 51.4 in June of 2016, up from 50.7 in the previous month and beating market expectations of 50.8. It is the highest figure in three months. New business growth accelerated helped by fastest rise in export sales since September of 2014 and output levels increased.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 18,000 to 259,000 in the week ended June 18th compared with the previous period's unrevised reading of 277,000. The figure came in below market expectations of 270,000, hitting its lowest level in eight weeks.

A cautious approach to monetary policy remains appropriate amid a hiring slowdown and uncertain economic outlook, Fed Chair Yellen said in a testimony before the Senate Banking Committee.

U.S. housing starts slipped 0.3 percent in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1164 Thousand as groundbreaking for multi-family housing units declined 1.2 percent to a 400 Thousand and on single-family homes rose 0.3 percent to a 764 Thousand.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 13,000 to 277,000 in the week ended June 11th 2016 from unrevised 264,000 in the previous period. It is the highest figure in four weeks and above market expectations of 270,000, marking the 67th consecutive week of initial claims below 300,000, the longest streak since 1973.

Consumer prices in the United States went up 1 percent year-on-year in May of 2016, slowing slightly from a 1.1 percent rise in April. Figures came below market expectations of 1.1 percent as inflation for food and transportation services slowed while energy cost fell at a faster pace. Yet, core inflation accelerated slightly to 2.2 percent.

The Federal Reserve left the target range for its federal funds rate unchanged at 0.25 percent to 0.5 percent for the fourth time during its June 2016 meeting. Yet, future rate assessment suggests policymakers still expect two interest-rate hikes this year. GDP growth forecasts were lowered for 2016 and 2017.

Industrial output in the United States declined 0.4 percent in May from April of 2016, following a downwardly revised 0.6 percent rise in the previous period and worse than market expectations of a 0.2 percent drop. Automobiles and electricity accounted the most for the decline, offsetting a rebound in coal mining.

Retail sales in the United States went up 0.5 percent in May from April of 2016, following a 1.3 percent rise in the previous period and above market expectations of a 0.3 percent increase. It is the second straight month of gains as 9 of 13 major categories showed increases in demand.

The United States recorded a budget gap of USD 53 billion in May 2016, down 38 percent from a USD 84 billion deficit in the same month a year earlier, as outlays fell 7 percent to USD 277 billion while receipts rose 6 percent to USD 225 billion.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States came in at 94.3 in June 2016, down from 94.7 in the previous month, but beating market expectations of 94. Consumers were less optimistic due to increased concerns about future economic prospects, while assessments of current economic conditions improved to its highest level since July 2005, preliminary estimates showed.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased for the fourth straight time to 264,000 in the week ended June 4th 2016 from an upwardly revised 268,000 in the previous period. It is the lowest figure in six weeks and below market expectations of 270,000, marking the 66th consecutive week of initial claims below 300,000, the longest streak since 1973.

The economic expansion in the US is expected to continue, with the labor market improving further, GDP growing moderately and inflation moving up to 2 percent over the next couple of years, despite disappointing Friday's labor market report, Fed Chair Yellen said in a speech at The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia. The current monetary policy stance is generally appropriate, in that it is providing support to the economy although the federal funds rate will probably need to rise gradually over time, Fed Chair added.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index decreased 2.8 percentage points to 52.9 percent in May of 2016, below market expectations of 55.5. It is the lowest reading since February 2014 as business activity and new orders growth slowed and employment fell after rising in the previous two months.

The US trade gap widened to USD 37.4 billion in April of 2016 from a downwardly revised USD 35.5 billion deficit in the previous month while below market expectations of USD 41.3 billion. Exports increased 1.5 percent to the largest since December last year, mainly driven by industrial supplies and materials sales. Imports rose at a faster 2.1 percent, due to higher purchases of capital goods.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 38,000 in May of 2016, lower than a downwardly revised 123,000 in the previous month and well below market expectations of 164,000. Job growth occurred in health care while mining continued to lose jobs, and a strike in Verizon led to job losses in information.

The unemployment rate declined by 0.3 p.p. to 4.7 percent in May 2016 from 5 percent in April, beating market expectations of 4.9 percent. It was the lowest reading since November 2007, as the number of unemployed persons declined by 484,000 to 7.4 million and the labor force participation rate fell for the second month in a row.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was recorded at 267,000, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 268,000, below market expectations of 270,000. This marks 65 consecutive weeks of initial claims below 300,000, the longest streak since 1973.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI came in at 51.3 in May of 2016, up from 50.8 in April and much better than market expectations of 50.4. The gauge of supplier deliveries jumped to 54.1, the highest level since December 2014 while new orders and production growth eased slightly and employment and inventories fell.

The final Markit US Manufacturing PMI came in at 50.7 in May of 2016, slightly up from 50.5 in the preliminary estimate but down from 50.8 in the previous month. It is the lowest figure since September of 2009 as output fell for the first time in more than 6-1/2-years, new work expanded at the slowest pace since December last year while job growth picked up and input cost inflation accelerated to a nine-month high.

Consumer spending in the United States rose 1 percent in April from March of 2016, after posting no growth in the previous period and much better than market expectations of a 0.7 percent gain. It is the highest growth since August of 2009 as consumption of nondurable goods rebounded. Meanwhile, personal income increased 0.4 percent, suggesting a robust and accelerating economic recovery.

The final University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States came in at 94.7 in May of 2016, down from 95.8 in the preliminary release but higher than 89 in the previous month. Future expectations decreased while the current conditions index rose to its highest since January 2007.

The US economy expanded an annualized 0.8 percent on quarter in the first three months of 2016, better than a 0.5 percent increase initially estimated, according to the second estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Consumption continued to boost growth as spending on home building increased more than expected and the drag from net trade and inventories was smaller. In contrast, business investment fell faster than anticipated.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 10,000 to 268,000 in the week ended May 21st compared to unrevised 278,000 in the previous period. Claims fell for the second time in five weeks, below market expectations of 275,000. It is the 64th consecutive week initial claims are below 300,000, the level associated with a healthy jobs market.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods surged 3.4 percent in April from March of 2016, following an upwardly revised 1.9 percent rise in the previous period and much better than market expectations of a 0.5 percent increase. It is the biggest gain since January, boosted by demand for transportation equipment. Excluding transportation, new orders rose 0.4 percent and without defense orders increased 3.7 percent. In contrast, capital goods orders fell 0.8 percent, down for the third straight month.

New US single-family home sales jumped 16.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 619,000 in April of 2016, much higher than an upwardly revised 531,000 in the previous month and compared to market expectations of 523,000. It is the highest reading since January of 2008 and the biggest gain since 1992.

The Markit Flash US Manufacturing PMI came in at 50.5 in May of 2016, lower than 50.8 in April and below market expectations of 51. Production declined for the first time since September of 2009 and new orders expanded at the slowest pace so far this year.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 16,000 to 278,000 in the week ended May 14th compared to a 15-month high of 294,000 in the previous period. Claims fell for the first time in four weeks, slightly higher than market expectations of 275,000. It is the 63rd consecutive week initial claims are below 300,000, the level associated with a healthy jobs market.

The Federal Reserve opened up the option of raising short-term interest rates at their next meeting based on how the incoming data and developments shaped their outlook for the labor market and inflation, minutes from April FOMC meeting showed. Policymakers agreed that the risks associated with global developments had diminished and that labor market conditions had improved further even as growth in economic activity had appeared to slow.

Industrial production in the United States went up 0.7 percent in April from March, rebounding from falls in the previous two months and beating market expectations of a 0.3 percent gain. It is the highest growth rate since November of 2014, led by gains in machinery and car manufacturing and utilities.

Housing starts in the Unites States rose 6.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1172 thousand in April 2016, compared to an upwardly revised 1099 thousand in the previous month. The figure came in above market expectations of 1127 thousand, boosted by single-family housing starts.

Consumer prices in the United States went up 1.1 percent year-on-year in April of 2016, higher than a 0.9 percent rise in the previous month and in line with market expectations. The monthly index rose 0.4 percent, the biggest in three years, led by gains in gasoline prices and rents.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States came in at 95.8 in May of 2016, up from 89 in the previous month and above market expectations. It is the highest reading since June last year, as both future expectations and current conditions improved, preliminary estimates showed, suggesting a strength in consumer spending.

Retail sales in the Unites States rose 1.3 percent in April from March of 2016, compared to a 0.3 percent drop in the previous month and above market forecasts. It is the highest gain since March last year, mainly driven by auto sales, in a sign that economic growth could gain momentum in the second quarter.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 20,000 to 294,000 in the week ended May 7th. Claims rose for the third straight week, reaching the highest since February last year and well above market expectations of 270,000. However, it is the 62nd consecutive week initial claims are below 300,000, the level associated with a healthy jobs market.

The United States recorded a budget surplus of USD 106 billion in April 2016, down 32 percent from a USD 157 billion surplus in the same month a year earlier, as outlays rose 5.4 percent to USD 332 billion while receipts fell 7.2 percent to USD 438 billion.

Unemployment rate in the United States was recorded at 5 percent in April 2016, unchanged from the March rate, as more people dropped out of the labor force while the number of unemployed persons was little changed at 7.9 million. The labor force participation rate fell for the first time since September.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 160,000 in April of 2016, compared to a downwardly revised 208,000 in the previous month and market expectations of 202,000. It is the lowest figure since September last year. Employment gains occurred in professional and business services, health care, and financial activities, while mining continued to lose jobs.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 17,000 to 274,000 in the week ended April 30th. Figures came above market expectations of 260,000, reaching the highest in five weeks. However, it is the 61st consecutive week initial claims are below 300,000, the level associated with a healthy jobs market.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index increased 1.2 percentage points to 55.7 percent in April of 2016, higher than market expectations of 54.7. Although business activity slowed, new orders expanded at a faster pace, employment grew for the second month and prices increased for the first time in three months, reflecting optimism over business and growth.

The US trade gap narrowed to USD 40.44 billion in March of 2016 from a downwardly revised USD 46.96 billion deficit in the previous month and below market expectations of USD 41.5 billion. It is the smallest gap since February last year as imports hit a 5-year low. Purchases of industrial supplies and materials fell to its smallest since April 2004 and imports of petroleum were the lowest since September 2002.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI came in at 50.8 in April of 2016, down from 51.8 in March and below market expectations of 51.4. Manufacturing activity in the US expanded for the second consecutive month although growth slowed as production, new orders and inventories declined while employment remained negative, suggesting the recovery is still fragile.

The final Markit Manufacturing PMI for the United States came in at 50.8 in April of 2016, matching preliminary estimates and down from 51.5 in the previous month. It is the lowest reading since September of 2009 as production and job creation grew marginally, new business expanded at the slowest pace so far this year, input cost increased while output prices decreased further.

The final University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States came in at 89 in April of 2016, down from 91.0 in the previous month and lower than preliminary estimates of 89.7. It is the smallest reading since September as future expectations decreased to its lowest since September of 2014 and inflation rate for the next year is seen at a 7-month high.

Consumer spending in the United States edged up 0.1 percent in March from February of 2016, lower than an upwardly revised 0.2 percent gain in the previous month and below market expectations of a 0.2 percent rise. It is the lowest gain so far this year. Personal income grew at a faster 0.4 percent, compared to a downwardly revised 0.1 percent rise in February and market expectations of a 0.3 percent increase.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was 257,000 in the week ended April 23rd, an increase of 9,000 from the previous week's revised level of 248,000, better than market expectations of 260,000. This marks 60 consecutive weeks of initial claims below 300,000, the longest streak since 1973.

The US economy expanded an annualized 0.5 percent on quarter in the first three months of 2016, lower than a 1.4 percent expansion in the previous period, and below market expectations of 0.7 percent growth, according to the advanced estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. It is the weakest performance since the first quarter of 2014 when the economy contracted 0.9 percent as consumer spending slowed, the drag from trade and business inventories worsened and business investment fell for the third straight quarter.

The Federal Reserve left the target range for its federal funds rate unchanged at 0.25 percent to 0.5 percent for the third time during its April 2016 meeting. Policymakers said labor market conditions improved but economic activity appears to have slowed although concerns regarding risks from global economic and financial developments to the US economy eased.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods increased 0.8 percent in March from February of 2016, rebounding from an upwardly revised 3.1 percent fall in the previous period but below market forecasts of a 1.8 percent rise. Excluding transportation, new orders dropped 0.2 percent and without defense orders fell 1 percent.

New US single-family home sales unexpectedly fell by 1.5 percent on the month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 511,000 in March of 2016, following a downwardly revised 0.4 percent drop in February and missing market expectations of 1 percent rise. The decline was led by a sharp drop in home sales in the West region.

The flash Markit Manufacturing PMI for the United States came in at 50.8 in April of 2016, down from 51.5 in the previous month and below market expectations of 52. It is the lowest reading since September of 2009 as production almost stagnated, new business growth slowed and job creation was the weakest since June of 2013.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was 247,000 in the week ended April 16th, a decrease of 6,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 253,000, staying below market expectations of 263,000. It was the lowest reading since November 24, 1973 when it was recorded at 233,000.

Housing starts in the Unites States fell 8.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1089 thousand in March of 2016, compared to an upwardly revised 1194 thousand in the previous month. It is the lowest reading since October last year and well below market expectations of 1170 thousand. Building permits slumped 7.7 percent, hitting a one-year low.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States came in at 89.7 in April of 2016 from 91 in the previous month and below market expectations of 92. It is the lowest reading since September of 2015, as both future expectations and current conditions deteriorated, preliminary estimates showed.

Industrial output in the United States declined 0.6 percent in March of 2016 from the previous month, following an upwardly revised 0.6 percent drop in February. Figures came worse than market expectations of a 0.1 percent decrease, as mining shrank the most since September of 2008 when production was curtailed because of hurricanes and utilities and manufacturing also fell. For the first quarter as a whole, industrial production shrank at an annual rate of 2.2 percent.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was 253,000 in the week ended April 9th, a decrease of 13,000 from the previous week's revised level of 266,000, and matching March 3rd level, which was the lowest since November 1973. Figures came below market expectations of 270,000, marking the 58th straight week claims are below 300,000, the level associated with a healthy jobs market.

Consumer prices in the United States rose 0.9 percent year-on-year in March of 2016, lower than 1 percent in the previous month and below market expectations of a 1.1 percent increase. Cost of shelter, medical care and food slowed while energy prices declined slightly more.

Retail sales in the United States declined 0.3 percent in March from February of 2016 after posting no growth in the previous period and compared to market expectations of a 0.1 percent increase, due to lower auto sales. Considering the first quarter of the year, retail sales declined 0.1 percent.

The United States recorded a budget deficit of USD 108 billion in March of 2016, compared with a USD 53 billion gap in the same month a year earlier and market expectations of a USD 104 billion shortfall. Outlays increased 17 percent and receipts declined 2.5 percent.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits was 267,000 in the week ended April 2nd, a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week's level of 276,000. Figures came below market expectations of 270,000, marking the 57th straight week claims are below 300,000, the level associated with a healthy jobs market.

The Federal Reserve expects the US economy to expand at a moderate pace and labor market indicators to strengthen although global economic and financial developments continue to pose risks, minutes from March FOMC meeting showed.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index increased 1.1 percentage points to 55.5 percent in March of 2016, higher than market expectations of 54. It is the highest reading so far this year, boosted by increases in business activity, new orders and employment.

The US trade gap widened to USD 47.06 billion in February of 2016 from an upwardly revised USD 45.88 billion deficit in the previous month and above market expectations of USD 46.2 billion. It is the biggest gap in six months as imports rebounded and exports rose for the first time in five months.

The final University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States came in at 91 in March of 2016, down from 91.7 in the previous month but better than a preliminary estimate of 90. Still, it was the lowest reading in five months, as both current and future expectations decreased while the 5 to 10 years inflation outlook went up.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI came in at 51.8 in March of 2016, up from 49.5 in February and above market expectations of 50.7. Manufacturing activity grew for the first time in six months as production, new orders and prices increased while employment declined.

The final Markit US Manufacturing PMI came in at 51.5 in March of 2016, slightly up from a preliminary reading of 51.4 and 51.3 in the previous month, boosted by a rise in new work and sustained employment.

Unemployment rate in the United States edged up to 5 percent in March 2016, from 4.9 percent in the previous month and compared with expectations that it would hold steady. The number of unemployed persons was little changed at 8 million.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 215,000 in March of 2016, lower than an upwardly revised 245,000 in the previous month but beating market expectations of 205,000. Employment gains occurred in retail trade, construction, and health care, while job losses occurred in manufacturing and mining.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits was 276,000 in the week ended March 26th, an increase of 11,000 from the previous week's level of 265,000. Figures came above market expectations of 265,000, reaching the highest in eight weeks.

It is appropriate for the Federal Reserve to proceed cautiously in adjusting interest rates due to uncertain growth and inflation outlook and markets turbulence, Chair Janet Yellen said in a speech at the Economic Club of New York. Fed Chair also added that achieving employment and inflation goals are likely to require a somewhat lower path for the federal funds rate than was anticipated in December.

Consumer spending in the United States edged up 0.1 percent in February from January of 2016, following a downwardly revised 0.1 percent gain in the previous period. Figures came in line with market forecasts as spending on durable goods went up 0.1 percent and services grew 0.4 percent while consumption of nondurables declined 1.1 percent. The personal consumption expenditure price index dropped 0.1 percent.

The US economy expanded an annualized 1.4 percent on quarter in the last three months of 2015, higher than a second estimate of 1 percent, according to final figures released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Consumer spending increased more than anticipated and the negative impact from trade came lower than expected while the drag from business inventories was larger.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was 265,000 in the week ended March 19th, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week's revised level of 259,000 while staying below market expectations of 268,000.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods shrank 2.8 percent in February from January of 2016, following a downwardly revised 4.2 percent gain in the previous month and compared to market expectations of a 2.9 percent decline. Excluding transportation, new orders dropped 1 percent and without defense orders fell 1.9 percent.

Sales of new single-family houses in February of 2016 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 512,000, up 2 percent from last month and compared to market expectations of a 3.2 percent rise. Sales rebounded from a downwardly revised 7 percent drop in January, as home sales in the West surged but fell in the remaining three regions.

The flash Markit manufacturing PMI for the United States came in at 51.4 in March of 2016, slightly up from 51.3 in the previous month but lower than market expectations of 51.8. Output and new business increased at a slightly faster pace than in February while factory gate prices decreased for the second straight month.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States came in at 90 in March of 2016 from 91.7 in the previous month and hitting its lowest reading since October 2015, as both future expectations and current conditions deteriorated sharply. Markets were expecting the index to rise to 92.2.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was 265,000 in the week ended March 12th, an increase of 7,000 from the previous week's revised level of 258,000 while staying below market expectations of 268,000. This marks 54 consecutive weeks of initial claims below 300,000, the longest streak since 1973.

The Federal Reserve left the target range for its federal funds rate unchanged at 0.25 percent to 0.5 percent for the second time during its FOMC meeting held in March 2016. Policymakers said economic activity has been expanding at a moderate pace but lowered GDP growth and inflation estimates for this year.

Industrial output in the United States declined 0.5 percent in February of 2016 from the previous month, following a downwardly revised 0.8 percent gain in January. Figures came worse than market expectations of a 0.3 percent drop as sizable declines in utilities and mining outweighed a gain of 0.2 percent for manufacturing.

Housing starts in the Unites States increased by a higher-than-expected 5.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1178 thousand in February 2016, compared to an upwardly revised 1120 thousand in the previous month. It was the highest reading since September last year, boosted by starts of single-family houses and of buildings with five units or more. Meanwhile, building permits dropped 3.1 percent to 1167 thousand.

Consumer prices in the United States went up 1 percent year-on-year in February of 2016, slowing from a 1.4 percent increase in the previous month due to lower energy cost.

Retail sales in the United States edged down 0.1 percent in February of 2016 from the previous month, in line with market expectations and following a revised 0.4 percent drop in the previous month as receipts at gasoline stations shrank 4.4 percent and auto sales declined.

The United States recorded a budget deficit of USD 193 billion in February of 2016, compared with a USD 192 billion gap in the same month a year earlier and market expectations of a USD 200 billion shortfall.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was 259,000 in the week ended March 5th, a decrease of 18,000 from the previous week's revised level of 277,000 and hitting its lowest level since October 17th. The reading came in better than expected.

The US trade gap widened to USD 45.68 billion in January of 2016 from an upwardly revised USD 44.7 billion deficit in the previous month and above market expectations of USD 44 billion. Exports fell the most in six months, hitting the lowest in more than 5-1/2-year low and imports came back to contraction.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 242,000 in February of 2016, higher than an upwardly revised 172,000 in the previous month and beating market expectations of 190,000. Employment gains occurred in health care and social assistance, retail trade, food services and drinking places, and private educational services. Job losses continued in mining.

Unemployment rate in the United States was recorded at 4.9 percent in February 2016, unchanged from the January rate and remaining at its lowest level since April of 2008, as the number of unemployed persons was unchanged. Over the year, the unemployment rate and the number of unemployed persons were down by 0.6 percentage point and 831,000, respectively.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index declined 0.1 percentage points to 53.4 percent in February of 2016 from 53.5 in the previous month and compared to market expectations of 53.2. It is the lowest reading since February of 2014 as new orders and prices decreased and employment contracted for the first time in two years.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was 278,000 in the week ended February 27th, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 272,000 and staying above market expectations of 271,000.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI came in at 49.5 in February of 2016, higher than 48.2 in January and above market expectations of 48.5. Manufacturing activity shrank for the fifth consecutive month although at a slower pace as production, employment and prices all increased.

The final Markit US manufacturing PMI came in at 51.3 in February of 2016, higher than a preliminary reading of 51 but the second-lowest reading since October of 2012. Growth in production volumes slowed to a 28-month low, job growth moderated to a five-month low and producer prices recorded the biggest decline since June of 2012.

Personal consumption expenditures increased sharply by 0.5 percent from preceding month in January of 2016 following an upwardly revised 0.1 percent growth in December while beating market expectations of 0.3 percent, boosted by higher purchases of durable goods (+1.2 percent) and services (+0.6 percent). Income went up 0.5 percent, compared to 0.3 percent in December and above forecasts, led by an increase of 0.6 percent in wages and salaries.

The final University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States came in at 91.7 in February of 2016, down from 92 in the previous month but better than a preliminary estimate of 90.7. Both current and future expectations decreased and the 5 to 10 years inflation outlook eased.

The US economy expanded an annualized 1 percent on quarter in the last three months of 2015, higher than a preliminary figure of 0.7 percent, according to the second estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Business inventories were revised higher and the negative impact from trade came lower than expected while consumer spending was revised down.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods jumped 4.9 percent in January of 2016, rising for the first time in three months, following a downwardly revised 4.6 percent fall in December. It is the biggest gain in ten months, higher than market expectations of a 2.5 percent increase. Excluding transportation, new orders went up 1.8 percent and without defense orders increased 4.5 percent.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was 272,000 in the week ended February 20th, an increase of 10,000 from the previous week's level of 262,000 and staying above market expectations of 270,000.

Sales of new single-family houses in January of 2016 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 494,000, down 9.2 percent from last month and well below market expectations. It is the lowest figure in three months as sales in the West fell the most in nearly six years.

The flash Markit manufacturing PMI for the United States came in at 51 in February of 2016, down from 52.4 in the previous month and below market expectations of 52.3. It is the lowest figure since November of 2012 due to softer rates of output, new business and employment growth while factory gate prices recorded the fastest drop since mid-2012.

Consumer prices in the United States went up 1.4 percent year-on-year in January of 2016, following a 0.7 percent increase in the previous month. The inflation rate accelerated for the fourth straight month, reaching the highest since October of 2014 and beating market expectations of a 1.3 percent gain, driven by prices of rents, medical care and transportation while energy cost fell at a slower pace. Core inflation reached the highest in 4-1/2-years.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was 262,000 in the week ended February 13th, a decrease of 7,000 from the previous week's level of 269,000. It was the lowest figure since week ended November 21st and below market expectations of 275,000. Claims have been below 300,000 for 50 weeks, the level associated with a healthy jobs market.

The Federal Reserve discussed increasing the target range of its benchmark interest rate last month but concluded that data on spending and production had been disappointing and developments in commodity and financial markets as well as the possibility of a significant weakening of some foreign economies had the potential to further restrain domestic economic activity, minutes from January FOMC meeting showed.

Industrial production in the United States increased 0.9% in January from the previous month, rebounding from falls in the previous three months. The number beat market expectations of a 0.4% gain, boosted by a jump in utilities output and a rebound in manufacturing.

Housing starts in the Unites States decreased by 3.8 percent to a three-month low seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1099 thousand in January of 2016, compared to a downwardly revised 1143 thousand in the previous month and missing market expectations of a 2.5 percent growth. Building permits edged down 0.2 percent compared to forecasts of a 0.1 percent drop.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment fell to 90.7 in February of 2016 from 92 in January, much lower than market expectations of 92. It is the weakest figure in four months, due to lower current and future expectations and lower inflation outlook.

Retail sales in the United States increased 0.2 percent in January of 2016 from the previous month, the same as an upwardly revised 0.2 percent growth in December. It was the third straight month of gains as Americans spent more in online and clothing stores and car dealers.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was 269,000 in the week ended February 6th, a decrease of 16,000 from the previous week's level of 285,000. It is the lowest figure in seven weeks and below market expectations of 281,000. Claims have been below 300,000 for 49 weeks, the level associated with a healthy jobs market.

The United States recorded a budget surplus of USD 55.2 billion in January of 2016, compared with a deficit of USD 17.5 billion in the same month a year earlier as outlays dropped 20.4 percent to USD 258 billion while receipts increased by 2.3 percent to USD 314 billion.

Tighter financial conditions and foreign developments could weigh down on the United States growth outlook, Fed Yellen said on Wednesday in prepared testimony to Congress, reinforcing interest rates will be raised only gradually and any change will be data dependent.

The US trade gap widened to USD 43.4 billion in December of 2015 from a downwardly revised USD 42.2 billion in the previous month and roughly in line with expectations. Exports shrank for the third straight month while imports posted the first rise in four months. Considering full 2015, the country’s trade deficit widened 4.6 percent from 2014 as exports fell more than imports.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 151,000 in January of 2016, lower than a downwardly revised 262,000 in the previous month and missing market expectations of 190,000. Job gains occurred in several industries, led by retail trade, food services and drinking places, health care, and manufacturing. Employment declined in private educational services, transportation and warehousing, and mining.

Unemployment rate in the United States dropped to 4.9 percent in January 2016, from 5 percent in the previous month, while total non-farm payroll employment increased by a lower-than-expected 151,000. The number of unemployed persons, at 7.8 million, was essentially unchanged from December.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits was 285,000 in the week ended January 30th, an increase of 8,000 from the previous week's revised level of 277,000 and staying above market expectations of 280,000.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index declined 2.3 percentage points to 53.5 percent in January of 2016, down from 55.8 percent in December and below market forecasts. It is the lowest reading since February of 2014 as activity, new orders, employment and prices all decreased.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI came in at 48.2 in January of 2016 compared to 48 in December. While employment and inventories subindexes declined, new orders and production grew at a faster pace and prices remained steady.

The final Markit US Manufacturing PMI came in at 52.4 in January of 2016, down from a preliminary reading of 52.7 but higher than 51.2 in the previous month. Output and new orders rose at faster pace while job creation slowed, reflecting manufacturer’s heightened uncertainty about the economic outlook. Some firms noted that the strong dollar continued to act as a growth headwind, especially in terms of export sales.

Consumer spending in the United States was unchanged in December of 2015, after rising an upwardly revised 0.5 percent in the previous month and below market expectations, mainly due to lower expenditure on autos and utilities. Income went up 0.3 percent, the same as in November and above forecasts. As a result, savings hit a three-year high.

The final University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States came in at 92 in January of 2016, much lower than a preliminary estimate of 93.3 and below 92.6 in December. Both current and future expectations decreased and the 1 year inflation outlook eased.

The US economy expanded an annualized 0.7 percent on quarter in the last three months of 2015, lower than a 2 percent expansion in the previous period, according to the advanced estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Figures came slightly below market expectations of 0.8 percent, as consumer spending eased, nonresidential investment shrank for the first time in nearly three years and a strong dollar and weak global demand brought exports down.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods shrank 5.1 percent in December of 2015, the biggest decline since August of 2014 and following a revised 0.5 percent drop in November. The plunge came much higher than expected, due to a 12.4 percent decline in transportation orders. Excluding transportation, new orders decreased 1.2 percent and without defense, orders went down 2.9 percent.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits was 278,000 in the week ended January 23rd, a decrease of 16,000 from the previous week's revised level of 294,000 while staying below market expectations of 282,000.

The Federal Reserve left the target range for its federal funds rate unchanged at 0.25 percent to 0.5 percent during its FOMC meeting held in January 2016, following last month’s hike. Policymakers reinforced they expect interest rates to be raised only gradually but said they are monitoring the impacts of global economic and financial developments on US outlook.

Sales of new single-family houses in December 2015 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 544,000, up 10.8 percent from last month and higher than market expectations. November sales were revised to 491,000 from 490,000. In 2015, new home sales increased 14.5 percent to 501,000.

The flash Markit US Manufacturing PMI came in at 52.7 in January of 2016 from 51.2 in the previous month and better than market expectations. Output and new business increased at a faster rate while job creation eased to a 4-month low.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits was 293,000 in the week ended January 16th, an increase of 10,000 from the previous week's revised level of 283,000 while staying way above market expectations of 278,000. It was the highest reading since July of 2015.

Housing starts in the Unites States decreased by 2.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1149 thousand in December of 2015, compared to an upwardly revised 1179 thousand in the previous month while missing market expectations of 1.6 percent rise. Building permits also fell by 3.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1232 thousand.

Consumer prices in the United States increased 0.7 percent year-on-year in December of 2015, higher than 0.5 percent in the previous month but below market expectations of 0.8 percent.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment increased to 93.3 in January of 2016 from 92.6 in December of 2015, above market expectations. It is the highest figure since June, driven by improved future expectations, preliminary estimates showed.

Industrial output in the United States shrank 0.4 percent in December from November of 2015, following an upwardly revised 0.9 percent drop in the previous period, mainly due to cutbacks for utilities and mining while manufacturing also edged down. For the fourth quarter as a whole, industrial production fell at an annual rate of 3.4 percent.

Retail sales in the United States shrank 0.1 percent in December from November of 2015, below market expectations and following an upwardly revised 0.4 percent rise in the previous period, mainly due to lower sales of winter apparel and gasoline. Excluding autos, sales also fell 0.1 percent.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was 284,000 in the week ended January 9th, an increase of 7,000 from the previous week level of 277,000. Figures came slightly above market expectations of 275,000.

The United States recorded a budget deficit of USD 14 Billion in December of 2015, compared with a surplus of USD 2 billion in the same month a year earlier as outlays surged 9 percent to USD 364 billion while receipts increased at a slower 4 percent to USD 350 billion.

Unemployment rate in the United States was recorded at 5 percent in December 2015, unchanged from the November rate and remaining at its lowest level since April of 2008 even as more people entered the labor force. The number of unemployed persons, at 7.9 million, was essentially unchanged in December.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 292,000 in December of 2015, higher than an upwardly revised 252,000 in the previous month and beating market expectations of 200,000. Employment gains occurred in several industries, led by professional and business services, construction, health care, and food services and drinking places. Mining employment continued to decline. In 2015, payroll employment growth totaled 2.7 million, compared with 3.1 million in 2014.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was 277,000 in the week ended January 2nd, a decreased of 10,000 from the previous week level of 287,000. Figures came slightly above market expectations of 275,000.

The Federal Reserve raised the range of its benchmark interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point to between 0.25 percent and 0.50 percent last month but concerns about prolonged low inflation persist, minutes from December FOMC meeting showed. Policymakers said they will carefully monitor actual and expected progress toward inflation goal in deciding for further rate adjustments.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index registered 55.3 percent in December of 2015, down from 55.9 percent in November and below market forecasts. It is the lowest reading since April of 2014 mainly due to a drop in prices, supplier deliveries and inventories.

The US trade gap decreased to $42.4 billion in November of 2015 from an upwardly revised $44.6 billion deficit in October, lower than market expectations. Imports fell 1.7 percent to a 9-month low, dragged down by a strong dollar and lower inventories, while exports decreased 0.9 percent to the lowest since January of 2012.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI decreased to 48.2 in December of 2015 from 48.6 in November. It is the second consecutive month of contraction in the manufacturing activity and the lowest reading since June of 2009 as new orders, production, employment and raw materials inventories all declined.

The final Markit US Manufacturing PMI came in at 51.2 in December of 2015, lower than a preliminary reading of 51.3 and a final of 52.8 in the previous month. It is the lowest figure since October of 2012 as output and new business growth slowed and input costs declined again.

In the week ending December 26, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 287,000, an increase of 20,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 267,000. The 4-week moving average was 277,000, an increase of 4,500 from the previous week's unrevised average of 272,500.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was 267,000 in the week ended December 19th, a decrease of 5,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 271,000 to 272,000.

Sales of new single-family houses in November of 2015 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 490,000, up 4.3 percent from last month but below market expectations. October sales were revised downwards to 470,000 from 495,000.

The University of Michigan's final reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 92.6 in December of 2015, higher than a first reading of 91.8 and hitting its highest level since July this year. Consumers were more optimistic over their current conditions due to lower inflation, which bolstered real incomes, while they felt less confident about their future situation. Meanwhile, inflation expectations for the next year decreased slightly.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods were virtually unchanged or rose $0.1 billion in November of 2015, following a downwardly revised 2.9 percent growth in the previous month, as new orders for transportation equipment increased by 0.4 percent. Excluding transportation, new orders decreased 0.1 percent while excluding defense, orders fell 1.5 percent.

Consumer spending in the US increased 0.3 percent in November, after posting no growth in the previous month. Income also increased 0.3 percent after an unrevised 0.4 percent gain in October, rising for the eighth straight month.

The US economy advanced an annualized 2 percent on quarter in the three months to September of 2015, slightly lower than a 2.1 percent expansion earlier reported but above market expectations of a 1.9 percent growth, final estimates showed. While household spending and fixed investment remained robust, inventories grew less than expected.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits was 271,000 in the week ended December 12th, a decrease of 11,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 282,000 and staying below market expectations of 275,000.

The Federal Reserve raised the range of its benchmark interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point to between 0.25 percent and 0.50 percent on December 16th 2015, saying there has been considerable improvement in labor market conditions and that he's reasonably confident that inflation will rise, over the medium term, to its 2 percent objective. However, policymakers said the federal funds rate is likely to remain, for some time, below long run levels, suggesting only gradual increases in the future, depending on incoming economic data.

The Markit flash US Manufacturing PMI fell to 51.3 in December of 2015 from 52.8 in the previous month. It is the weakest figure since November of 2012 as new order index was the lowest since September 2009 and production volumes rose the least since October 2013.

Industrial output in the United States shrank 0.6 percent in November, following an upwardly revised 0.4 percent drop in the previous month, dragged down by decline in mining and utilities while manufacturing was flat. It is the biggest fall reported since March of 2012.

Housing starts in the Unites States jumped 10.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1173 thousand in November of 2015, compared to an upwardly revised 1062 thousand in the previous month, beating market expectations. Building permits went up 11 percent to 1289 thousand, the highest in five months.

Consumer prices in the United States went up 0.5 percent year-on-year in November of 2015, compared to a 0.2 percent rise in October and higher than market expectations. It is the highest rate so far this year as energy cost declined at a slower pace and prices of services less energy grew slightly more than in the previous month.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment increased to 91.8 in December from 91.3 in November of 2015 but slightly below market expectations. Current conditions improved but consumers are less optimistic over the future, preliminary figures showed.

Retail sales in the United States increased 0.2 percent in November from October, slightly below market expectations of a 0.3 percent rise but the biggest gain in four months. Excluding autos, sales went up 0.4 percent, better than forecasts while core retail sales jumped 0.6 percent.

The United States recorded a budget deficit of USD 65 Billion in November of 2015, an increase of USD 8 billion, or 14 percent compared with the same period a year earlier as outlays surged 8.9 percent to USD 270 billion while receipts increased at a slower 7.3 percent to USD 205 billion.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits was 282,000 in the week ended December 5th, a sharp increase of 13,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 269,000 and staying way above market expectations of 269,000. It was the highest figure in more than twenty weeks, when jobless claims hit 296,000 in the week ended July 4th.

US. trade gap declined unexpectedly to $43.9 billion in October as exports fell to a three-year low hurt by strong dollar.

Unemployment rate in the US was recorded at 5 percent in November 2015, the same as in the previous month and the lowest in more than seven years, while total nonfarm payroll employment increased by a higher-than-expected 211,000. Job gains occurred in construction, professional and technical services, and health care. Mining and information lost jobs.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 211,000 in November, lower than an upwardly revised 298,000 in the previous month but beating market expectations of 200,000. Job growth occurred in construction, professional and technical services, and health care while employment in mining and information declined.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index registered 55.9 percent in November of 2015, down from 59.1 percent in October, well below forecasts. It is the lowest reading since May as new orders, employment and business activity fell while prices increased.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits was 269,000 in the week ended November 28th, an increase of 9,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 260,000 and staying slightly above market expectations of 268,000.

Economic and financial data received since last FOMC meeting has been in line with forecasts and economic growth is expected to be sufficient to achieve labor-market improvement and higher inflation, Fed Chair Yellen said in a speech at the Economic Club of Washington, suggesting the Fed is on track to raise rates in December. However, Fed Chair also said new economic data received until next meeting will be assessed.

The Institute for Supply Management’s US Manufacturing PMI decreased to 48.6 in November of 2015 from 50.1 in October. It is the first contraction in manufacturing activity since November of 2012 and the sharpest since June of 2009.

The final Markit US Manufacturing PMI came in at 52.8 in November of 2015, slightly higher than 52.6 in the preliminary estimate, but below 54.1 reported in October. It is the lowest figure in 25 months as output, new orders and employment all expanded at slower rates while average cost burdens decreased for the third month.

The University of Michigan's final reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 91.3 in November of 2015, lower than a first reading of 93.1 but higher than a final reading of 90 in October. Although consumers were more optimistic over their current conditions and their future economic situation, markets were expecting a stronger sentiment in line with preliminary estimates. Meanwhile, inflation expectations for the next 5 to 10 years increased.

Sales of new single-family houses in October 2015 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 495,000, up 10.7 percent from last month but below market expectations. The inventory of properties for sale reached the highest since early 2010 while both median and average prices decreased.

Consumer Spending in the US increased only 0.1 percent in October, the same as in the previous month while income gains accelerated to 0.4 percent and the saving rate jumped to the highest level in almost three years.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods surged 3 percent in October of 2015, recovering from a downwardly revised 0.8 percent fall in September. It is the first rise in three months and well above market expectations, boosted by transport orders.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits was 260,000 in the week ended November 21st, a sharp decrease of 12,000 from the previous week's upwardly revised level of 272,000 and way below market expectations of 270,000.

The US economy advanced an annualized 2.1 percent on quarter in the three months to September of 2015, up from the 1.5 percent reported last month, according to the second estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. While consumer spending grew less than previously estimated, inventories expanded almost twice as much.

The Federal Reserve is expected to start raising rates at its December 2015 meeting, as long as incoming data continues to show the economy is resilient. Yet, markets seem to have anticipated the monetary tightening for some time as most housing and labour market indicators continue to show an improvement. However, the inflation outlook remains subdued as oil prices remain at a 6-year low.

The Markit flash US Manufacturing PMI came in at 52.6 in November of 2015, down from 54.1 in October and the lowest since October of 2013. Figures came well below market expectations as job growth slowed and strong dollar and weaker global demand hurt new export orders.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell by 5,000 to 271,000 in the week ended November 14, matching market expectations. It is the lowest figure in three weeks.

US Federal Reserve may start raising rates in December, provided that unanticipated shocks do not affect the economic outlook, incoming data continue to show improvement in the labour market and inflation returns to target, minutes of the meeting held in October showed.

Housing starts in the Unites States shrank 11 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1060 thousand in October of 2015, compared to a downwardly revised 1191 thousand in the previous month. It is the lowest figure since May, well below market expectations. However, building permits went up 4.1 percent to 1150 thousand, suggesting robustness in the housing market.

Industrial output in the United States contracted 0.2 percent in October from September of 2015, the same as in the previous period and below market expectations of a 0.1 percent rise. Mining production fell 1.5 percent and utilities dropped 2.5 percent while manufacturing increased 0.4 percent.

Consumer prices in the United States increased 0.2 percent year-on-year in October of 2015 after being flat in September and higher than market expectations. On a monthly basis, consumer prices also rose 0.2 percent, the biggest gain in four months as cost of most goods and services including gasoline increased.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment increased to 93.1 in November from 90 in October of 2015, beating market expectations, preliminary figures showed. It is the highest value since June as consumers are more optimistic over current and future conditions.

Retail sales in the US rose a meager 0.1 percent in October from September, after showing no growth in the previous two months. Figures came below market consensus due to an unexpected fall in auto sales. Excluding autos, retail sales rose 0.2 percent, rebounding from an upwardly revised 0.4 percent fall in September

The United States recorded a budget gap of $136 Billion in October of 2015, higher than a $122 billion deficit a year earlier as outlays rose 4.2 percent to USD 348 billion while receipts fell 0.9 percent to USD 211 billion.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was unchanged at 276,000 in the week ended November 7, compared to market expectations of 270K. Yet, claims have been below 300,000 since March, the level associated with a healthy jobs market.

Unemployment rate in the US edged down to 5 percent in October from 5.1 percent in the previous month while total nonfarm payroll employment increased by a higher-than-expected 271,000 in October. Job gains occurred in professional and business services, health care, retail trade, food services and drinking places, and construction.

Nonfarm payrolls increased by 271 thousand in October of 2015, the biggest gain since December last year and well above market expectations. Job gains occurred in professional and business services, health care, retail trade, food services and drinking places, and construction.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits went up by 16,000 to 276,000 in the week ended October 31st. It was the largest increase in eight months bringing total number of claims to the highest level in five weeks. Economists had forecasted claims rising to 262,000.

The US economy is performing well and it would be appropriate to adjust rates in the December meeting, if incoming economic data supports it, the Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen reiterated in her testimony before the House Financial Services Committee in Washington.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index registered 59.1 percent in October of 2015, up from 56.9 percent in September and beating market expectations. New orders, employment and business activity increased while prices continued to fall.

The trade gap in the US narrowed to USD 40.81 billion in September, the lowest since February. Exports went up 1.6% led by artwork, antique, stamps, jewelry and capital goods while imports fell by 1.8% due to decrease in value of petroleum shipments and higher domestic oil production.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI decreased to 50.1 in October of 2015 from 50.2 in September. It is the lowest level since May of 2013 as a high dollar and low oil prices hurt exports and job creation fell sharply.

The final Markit US Manufacturing PMI came in at 54.1 in October of 2015, better than a preliminary reading of 54 and higher than 53.1 in September. Output and new orders grew the most since March, employment also rose at a faster pace while input costs continued its downward trend.

The University of Michigan's final reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 90 in October of 2015, lower than a preliminary reading of 92.1 and below market expectations. Consumers were less confident over future and current conditions and inflation expectations for the next 5 to 10 years decreased. Still, the consumer confidence index increased from a final reading of 87.2 in September.

Personal consumption in the US edged up 0.1 percent in September from August of 2015, following a 0.4 percent increase in the previous period. It is the lowest gain since January and below market forecasts of a 0.2 percent rise. Income also went up a meager 0.1 percent, the smallest gain in six months.

The US economy expanded an annualized 1.5 percent on quarter in the three months to September of 2015, lower than a 3.9 percent expansion in the previous period and below market expectations, according to the advanced estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Gains in consumer and business spending were offset by negative contribution from change in private inventories.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits was 260,000 in the week ended October 24th, a slight increase of 1,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 259,000 and below market expectations of 263,000.

The Federal Reserve policymakers left the door open to an increase in rates as they dropped previous warnings about the risks global financial and economic developments were posing to the US economy. The Fed also said although there had been a slowing in the pace of job growth, solid gains were seen in US household spending and investment.

New orders for US manufactured goods fell 1.2 percent in September from August of 2015, following a downwardly revised 3 percent drop in the previous period, in line with market expectations. Excluding transportation, orders decreased 0.4 percent and excluding defense, orders went down 2 percent.

Sales of new single-family houses in the United States shrank 11.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 468,000 in September of 2015, the lowest since November last year. The stock of new houses for sale increased to its highest since March of 2010.

The flash Markit US Manufacturing PMI came in at 54 in October of 2015, up from 53.1 in September, beating market expectations. New orders went up boosted by domestic demand, job creation was the strongest since July and input costs fell for the second straight month.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was 259,000 in the week ended October 17th, a slight increase of 3,000 from the previous level but below market expectations of 265,000. The 4-week moving average fell to its lowest since December of 2013.

Housing starts in the United States rose 6.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,206,000 in September of 2015, following an upwardly revised 1,132,000 in August and beating market forecasts. In contrast, permits shrank 5 percent to an annual rate of 1,103,000.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment increased to 92.1 in October from 87.2 in September of 2015, beating market expectations, preliminary figures showed. It is the highest value since July as consumers are more optimistic over current and future conditions.

Industrial output in the United States shrank 0.2 percent in September from August of 2015, following a downwardly revised 0.1 percent fall in the previous period and in line with market expectations, dragged down by lower production of durable goods and cuts in extraction and drilling of oil.

The United States recorded a budget deficit of $439 billion in fiscal 2015, lower than a $483 billion gap a year earlier as receipts increased 7.6 percent while outlays rose at a slower 5.2 percent. Meanwhile, September surplus was recorded at $91 billion from a $106 billion surplus in 2014 and missing market expectations of $95 billion.

Consumer prices in the United States were unchanged in September of 2015 from the previous year, down from a 0.2 percent rise in August but escaping a 0.1 percent drop markets expected. On a monthly basis, prices posted the second straight fall and the steepest in eight months, dragged down by falling gasoline cost. However, excluding food and energy, the inflation rate accelerated in September.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits was 255,000 in the week ended October 10th, a decrease of 7,000 from the previous week's revised level of 262,000 and much below market expectations of 270,000. Claims were last at this level in July this year, which was the lowest since November 1973.

Retail sales in the US rose a meager 0.1 percent in September from August of 2015, after showing no growth in the previous period and below market expectations. Sales of automobiles were the main driver of growth, offsetting a deep decline in service station receipts.

Federal Reserve policymakers worried recent global and financial market developments might restrain economic activity in the US. Although their outlook had not materially altered, the committee decided to wait for additional information confirming it had not deteriorated before raising rates, minutes of the meeting held last month showed.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was 263,000 in the week ended October 3rd, a decrease of 13,000 from the previous week. It is the lowest figure since mid-July.

US trade gap increased to USD 48.33 billion in August of 2015, from a slightly downwardly revised USD 41.8 billion in July, reaching the highest in five months. Exports fell nearly 2 percent to its lowest since October of 2012, dragged down by a strong dollar and weak external demand while imports rose 1.2 percent boosted by higher demand for consumer goods.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index registered 56.9 percent in September of 2015, down from 59 in August and below market expectations. It was the weakest growth in the services sector since June as business activity, new orders and prices decreased while job creation went up.

Non ram payrolls increased by 142,000 in September, well below market expectations while the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.1 percent, matching forecasts. Job gains occurred in health care and information, while mining employment fell. Thus far in 2015, job growth has averaged 198,000 per month, compared with an average monthly gain of 260,000 in 2014.

Jobless rate in the US was unchanged at 5.1 percent and total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 142,000 in September. Job gains occurred in health care and information, while mining employment fell.

The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing PMI decreased to 50.2, the third straight drop from 51.1 the prior month as a stronger dollar and lower demand from oversees led to the slowest pace of orders since November 2012.

U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose slightly to 53.1 in September from 53.0 in August, which marked the lowest level since October 2013. The September level was also up from a preliminary reading of 53.0.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits was 277,000 in the week ended September 26th, an increase of 10,000 from the previous week's level of 267,000. However, claims stayed below 300,000 for the 30th straight week, 4-week moving average decreased and continuing claims were at the lowest since November of 2000, pointing to labour market strength.

Personal consumption in the US went up 0.4 percent in August of 2015, the same as in July and beating market expectations. It is the seventh consecutive month of spending growth. Income rose 0.3 percent, the smallest gain in five months.

The University of Michigan's final reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 87.2 in September, better than a preliminary reading of 85.7, but down from a final 91.9 in September. Still, It is the lowest figure in eleven months.

The United States economy expanded an annualized 3.9 percent on quarter in the three months to June of 2015, better than a 3.7 percent gain reported in the second estimate, due to higher consumer and construction spending. It is the highest growth rate in three quarters.

An initial increase in the federal funds rate later this year would still be appropriate, depending on economic data, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said in a speech at the University of Massachusetts.

Sales of new single-family houses rose 5.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 552,000 in August. It is the highest figure since February of 2008.

New orders for US manufactured goods fell 2 percent in August from July, following a downwardly revised 1.9 percent increase in the previous period, in line with market expectations. Excluding transportation, orders were flat and excluding defense, orders went down 1 percent.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits was 267,000 in the week ended September 19th, an increase of 3,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 264,000 but below market expectations of 271,000.

The flash Markit US Manufacturing PMI came in at 53 in September of 2015, the same as in August and in line with market forecasts. Yet, manufacturing output growth remained at a 22-month low as new work and employment slowed while prices fell for the first time in three years.

The Federal Reserve left its target range for the fed funds rate unchanged at 0 to 0.25 percent on September 17th, 2015, showing concerns that recent global economic and financial developments may restrain economic activity and put further downward pressure on inflation in the near term.

Housing starts in the United States fell 3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,126,000 in August of 2015, missing market forecasts. In contrast, building permits rose 3.5 percent to an annual rate of 1,170,000, following a 15.5 percent drop in July.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits was 264,000 in the week ended September 12th, a decrease of 11,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 275,000 and below market expectations of 275,000.

Consumer prices in the United States increased 0.2 percent year-on-year in August of 2015, the same pace as in July and in line with market expectations. On a monthly basis, prices posted the first drop in seven months, down 0.1 percent due to lower gasoline and fuel cost.

Industrial production in the United States fell 0.4 percent in August over July, following an upwardly revised 0.9 percent gain in the previous period. Figures came worse than market expectations as manufacturing fell 0.5 percent, mining dropped 0.6 percent while production of utilities rose 0.6 percent.

Retail sales in the United States edged up 0.2 percent in August, slowing from an upwardly revised 0.7 percent rise in July. Figures came slightly below market forecasts, as lower gasoline prices dragged sales at gas stations down.

The United States recorded a budget gap of $64.4 Billion in August of 2015, much lower than a $128 billion deficit a year earlier as the receipts increased 8.8 percent to $211 billion and outlays fell 14.9 percent to $275 billion.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment declined to 85.7 in September from 91.9 in August, the largest one-month decline since the end of 2012. The preliminary index came below market consensus as current and future expectations worsened due to volatile financial markets and global slowdown.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 6K to 275K in the week ended September 5th. First-time jobless claims have been below the 300,000 level for the last six months.

Jobless rate in the US declined to 5.1 percent and total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 173,000 in August. It is the lowest unemployment rate since April 2008 as the number of unemployed edged down to 8 million.

American payrolls increased by 173,000 in August and the unemployment rate edged down to 5.1 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Job gains occurred in health care and social assistance and in financial activities. Manufacturing and mining lost jobs.

The ISM Non-manufacturing PMI index registered 59 percent in August, down from a 10-year high of 60.3 in July but better than market expectations. Although 4 main subindexes decreased, 15 out of 17 services industries reported growth, the same as in July.

US trade gap narrowed to USD 41.86 billion in July of 2015 from an upwardly revised USD 45.21 billion in June. It is the lowest deficit since February as exports rose 0.4 percent while imports went down 1.1 percent.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits was 282,000 in the week ended August 29th, an increase of 12,000 from the previous week's downwardly revised level of 270,000 and beating market expectations of 275,000.

The Institute for Supply Management index of national factory activity slowed for the second straight month to 51.1 in August from 52.7 in July. It is the lowest figure since May of 2013 as all subindexes decreased.

The final Markit Manufacturing PMI in the United States came in at 53 in August, slightly better than a preliminary reading of 52.9 but down from 53.80 in July of 2015. It is the lowest figure since October of 2013 as output, new orders and job creation all slowed.

The University of Michigan's final reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 91.9 in August, lower than a preliminary reading of 92.9 and a final 93.1 in July.

Personal consumption in the US increased 0.3 percent in July of 2015, the same as an upwardly revised 0.3 percent rise in June, but below market expectations. Income rose 0.4 percent for the fourth straight month.

The US economy expanded an annualized 3.7 percent on quarter in the three months to June, according to the second estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Figures came better than a 2.3 percent gain initially reported and beat market expectations due to higher business spending and quicker build up of inventories.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits was 271,000 in the week ended August 22nd, a decrease of 6,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 277,000. Initial claims declined for the first time in five weeks, beating market expectations of 274,000.

New orders for US manufactured goods rose for the second straight month by 2 percent in July, slowing from an upwardly revised 4.1 percent gain in the previous month but exceeding market expectations of a drop.

Sales of new single-family houses in the US rose 5.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 507,000 units in July, recovering from fall in June.

The Flash Markit Manufacturing PMI in the US unexpectedly dropped to 52.9 in August from a final reading of 53.8 in July. It is the lowest figure since October of 2013 as output, new orders and employment all grew at a slower pace.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was 277,000 in the week ended August 15th, an increase of 4,000 from the previous week. Initial claims rose for the fourth straight week, above market expectations.

Federal Reserve policymakers confirmed that conditions for the first rate hike had not yet been met but are approaching, as the labour market improves while inflation remains well below target, minutes of the meeting held last month showed.

Consumer prices in the US increased 0.2 percent year-on-year in July of 2015, following a 0.1 percent rise in June. It is the highest inflation rate so far this year, pushed by a rise in shelter cost.

Housing starts in the US went up 0.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,206,000 in July, the highest since October of 2007 and following an upwardly revised 1,204,000 in June. In contrast, building permits shrank 16.3 percent to an annual rate of 1,119,000.

The University of Michigan’s preliminary index of sentiment decreased to 92.9 in August from 93.1 in July, the lowest level since November.

Industrial output in the US rose 0.6 percent in July after a downwardly revised increase of 0.1 percent in June. The gain was a result of a 0.8 percent growth in factory production supported by a surge in production of motor vehicles.

US retail sales increased 0.6 percent in July on higher demand for everything from cars to clothing. The figure for June was revised up to a flat compared to previously reported 0.3 percent drop.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits was 274,000 in the week ended August 8th, an increase of 5,000 from the previous week's downwardly revised level of 269,000.

The United States recorded a budget deficit of $149.2 Billion in July, $55 billion higher from the same period last year as spending increased more than receipts.

Jobless rate in the US was unchanged at 5.3 percent and total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 215,000 in July. Job gains occurred in retail trade, health care, professional and technical services, and financial activities.

American payrolls increased by 215,000 in July and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.3 percent. Job gains occurred in retail trade, health care, professional and technical services, and financial activities.

The number of Americans filling for unemployment benefits was 270,000 in the week ended August 1st, an increase of 3,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 267,000. The 4-week moving average was 268,250, a decrease of 6,500 from the previous week's average of 274,750.

The ISM Non-manufacturing PMI index registered 60.3 percent in July, 4.3 percentage points higher than the June reading of 56 percent. It is the highest reading since August of 2005 as 15 out of 17 services industries reported growth.

The goods and services deficit in the US was $43.8 billion in June, up $2.9 billion or 7.1 percent from $40.9 billion in May as strong dollar weighed on exports and boosted imports.

The final Markit US Manufacturing PMI came in at 53.8 in July, the same as preliminary reading of 53.8 but above 20-month low of 53.6 registered in June.

The Institute for Supply Management index of national factory activity slowed to 52.7 in July, compared to 53.5 in June and much below market expectations. While employment and raw materials inventories declined, production and new orders subindexes rose.

Personal consumption in the US increased 0.2 percent in June over the previous month following a downwardly revised gain of 0.7 percent in May. Meanwhile, personal incomes grew 0.4 percent.

The University of Michigan's final reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 93.1 in July, lower than a preliminary reading of 93.3 and a final 96.1 in June.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased by 12,000 to 267,000 in the week ended July 25th from 255,000 in the previous week.

US economy grew 2.3 percent in the second quarter of 2015 compared to 0.6 percent expansion reported in the previous three month period, according to the advanced estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The growth was boosted by a pick-up in consumer spending while business spending on equipment declined.

Rates will be raised when further improvements in the labor market occur, the Federal Reserve said during the meeting held on July 29th. Highlighting that is confident inflation will move back to its 2 percent objective over the medium term.

New orders for US manufactured goods rose 3.4 percent in June from May, first increase in three months, lead by strong bookings for passenger airplanes.

Sales of new single-family houses in the US shrank 6.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 482,000 units in June. It is the lowest figure since November last year.

The Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI increased slightly to 53.8 in July from a 20-month low of 53.6 in June, better than market expectations. Although job creation slowed to its lowest since April, output and new business increased at a faster pace.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 26,000 to 255,000 in the week ended July 18th. Figures came much better than market expectations, reaching the lowest level since November 1973.

Industrial output in the US rose 0.2 percent in June from May, lower than an initial estimate of 0.3 percent, annual revisions from the Fed showed. Yet, it is the first increase in six months.

The University of Michigan's preliminary reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 93.3 in July, down from 96.1 in June and well below market expectations as concerns over the Greek crisis and the Chinese slowdown drove current and future expectations down.

Consumer prices in the US increased 0.1 percent year-on-year in June of 2015 after remaining flat in the previous month. It is the first increase since December as a rise in cost of shelter and food offset a decline in prices of energy.

U.S. housing starts rose 9.8 percent from a month earlier to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.17 million in June while building permits increased 7.4 percent to 1.34 million. Their are at the highest levels since 2007.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 15,000 to 281,000 in the week ended July 11th, better than market forecasts and reaching the lowest value in four weeks.

Industrial output rose 0.3 percent in June from May, beating market expectations and recovering from contraction in the previous two months. It is the highest gain in seven months boosted by mining and utilities while manufacturing was flat.

Fed Chair Janet Yellen said the outlook for the US economy is favorable, signaling once again the Fed may start raising rates this year. However, Yellen showed concerns over the Greek crisis and the Chinese slowdown which pose risks to the US outlook, prepared statement for the Congressional Testimony showed.

US retail sales decreased 0.3 percent in June, following a downwardly revised 1 percent gain in May due to lower sales of autos and range of other goods.

The United States recorded a budget surplus of $51.8 billion in June, down 27 percent from the same period last year as spending increased more than receipts.

The Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said she expects the Fed to raise interest rates at some point later this year but stressed the labour market hasn’t fully recovered yet while inflation remains low.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased by 15,000 to 297,000 in the week ended July 4th. It is the highest figure since late February.

Fed officials needed more evidence from the strengthening of the US economy before raising rates, while noticing risks arising from the Greek crisis and the Chinese slowdown, minutes of the meeting held last month showed.

The US trade gap increased to USD 41.9 billion in May from a downwardly revised USD 40.7 billion in April, as exports declined more than imports.

The ISM non-manufacturing PMI index rose to 56 percent in June of 2015 from 55.7 percent in May. While business activity and new orders subindexes increased, employment and prices components were weaker.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 223,000 in June, down from a revised 262,000 in May and below market expectations. The unemployment rate declined to 5.3 percent from 5.5 percent a month earlier.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 223,000 in June, and the unemployment rate declined to 5.3 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Job gains occurred in professional and business services, health care, retail trade, financial activities, and in transportation and warehousing.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased by 10,000 to 281,000 in the week ended June 27th from 271,000 in the previous week.

The Institute for Supply Management index of national factory activity was 53.5 in June, up from 52.8 in May and better than market expectations. It is the highest figure since January as new orders and job creation increased.

The final Markit US Manufacturing PMI came in at 53.6 in June, slightly better than preliminary reading of 53.4 but still below 54 registered in May.

The University of Michigan's final reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 96.1 in June, higher than a preliminary reading of 94.6 and a final 90.7 in May. It is the highest figure since January, beating market expectations.

Personal consumption in the US jumped 0.9 percent in May over the previous month following a gain of only 0.1 percent in April. It is the biggest increase since August of 2009.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased by 3,000 to 271,000 in the week ended June 20th from an upwardly revised 268,000 in the previous week.

The United States economy shrank at an annual rate of 0.2 percent in the first quarter of 2015, instead of a 0.7 percent drop reported in the second estimate. The exports decreased less than previously estimated, and personal expenditures and imports rose more.

Sales of new single-family houses in the US increased 2.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 546,000 units in May. It is the highest figure since February of 2008, boosted by sales in the Northeast and the West.

The Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI decreased for the third consecutive month to 53.4 in June, the lowest since October of 2013. While output growth slowed, new business picked up slightly and job creation rose to its highest since November of 2014.

New orders for US manufactured goods shrank 1.8 percent in May, driven by a steep decline in transportation orders. Yet, excluding transportation, orders increased 0.5 percent, rebounding from a downwardly revised 0.3 percent fall in the previous month.

Consumer prices in the US were unchanged year-on-year in May, following a 0.2 percent drop in April. Yet, the monthly index rose 0.4 percent, the biggest increase in more than two years.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 12,000 to 267,000 in the week ended June 13th from 279,000 in the previous week.

The Federal Reserve left its target range for the fed funds rate at 0 to 0.25 percent, as expected, but the lawmakers indicated that U.S. economy is growing strong enough to support an interest rate increase by the end of the year.

Privately-owned housing starts decreased 11.1 percent in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,036,000. In contrast, building permits jumped 11.8 percent to 1275 thousand, the highest in nearly eight years.

The industrial output decreased 0.2 percent in May after failing to grow in the previous five months, dragged down by manufacturing and mining.

The University of Michigan's preliminary reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 94.6 in June, up from 90.7 in May and well above market expectations. Both current and future expectations went up while the inflation outlook slowed.

Retail sales increased 1.2 percent in May over April, following an upwardly revised 0.2 percent rise in the previous period, boosted by purchases of automobiles, food and gasoline.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose by 2,000 to 279,000 in the week ended June 6th from the previous week. The 4-week moving average was 278,750, an increase of 3,750 from the previous week.

The United States posted a budget gap of $82.4 billion in May, a 37 percent drop from the same period last year as revenues rose and spending declined.

The jobless rate increased for the first time in four months to 5.5 percent in May from 5.4 percent in April as more people joined the labour force.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 280,000 in May, up from a revised 221,000 in April. The unemployment rate rose slightly to 5.5 percent.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell by 8,000 to 276,000 in the week ended May 30th from the previous week. The 4-week moving average increased while continuing claims reached the lowest since late 2000.

The ISM non-manufacturing PMI index decreased to 55.7 percent in May from 57.8 percent in April. It is the lowest figure since April last year as business activity, new orders and employment subindexes slowed.

US trade gap was USD 40.9 billion in April, improving from a shortfall of USD 50.6 billion in March as exports rose 1 percent and imports fell 3.3 percent.

The Institute for Supply Management index of national factory activity was 52.8 in May, accelerating from a 2-year low of 51.5 reported in March and April. While new orders and employment indexes improved, the production index decreased.

The final Markit US Manufacturing PMI came in at 54 in May, slightly better than preliminary reading of 53.8 but below 54.1 registered in April. It is the lowest figure since January as new order volumes grew at the weakest pace in 16 months.

Personal spending was unchanged in April, following an upwardly revised 0.5 percent increase in the previous month due to lower demand for automobiles and utilities. Yet, personal income increased a better than expected 0.4 percent.

The University of Michigan's final reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 90.7 in May, higher than a preliminary reading of 88.6 but below 95.9 reported in April. Yet, it is the lowest figure in six months.

The United States economy contracted at an annual rate of 0.7 percent in the first quarter of 2015, down from a preliminary 0.2 percent growth, figures from the second official estimate showed. It is the first contraction in a year as the trade deficit widened and inventories accumulated less than expected.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose for the second straight time to 282,000 in the week ended May 23rd, an increase of 7,000 from the previous week’s revised level. It is the highest figure in five weeks.

Sales of new single-family houses in the US surged 6.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 517,000 units in April, boosted by sales in the South and the Midwest.

New orders for US manufactured goods shrank 0.5 percent in April, following an upwardly revised 5.1 percent rise in March. Excluding transportation, orders increased 0.5 percent, slightly slowing from a revised 0.6 percent increase in the previous month.

The Federal Reserve is likely to start raising interest rates this year as the U.S. economy seems well positioned for continued growth, Fed Chair Janet Yellen said on Friday.

Consumer prices in the United States went down 0.2 percent year-on-year in April, following a 0.1 percent drop in March due to falling energy cost. Yet, core inflation was unchanged at 1.8 percent, beating market forecasts.

The Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI decreased for the second consecutive month to 53.8 in May from 54.1 in April as slower new order growth offset faster job creation. Is the smallest figure since January of 2014.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits was 274,000 in the week ended May 16th, an increase of 10,000 from the previous week’s unrevised level. The four-week moving average fell further to a fresh 2000 low.

Some Fed officials believed it would be too early to raise interest rates in June even though a first quarter economic slowdown was unlikely to persist, minutes of the meeting held last month showed.

Privately-owned housing starts jumped 20.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,135,000 in April. It is the highest rate since November of 2007 as starts for single-family homes reached a nearly seven-year high.

The University of Michigan's preliminary reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 88.6 in May, down from 95.9 in April and well below market expectations. Both current and future expectations declined while the inflation outlook rose.

Industrial output fell 0.3 percent in April from the previous month, well below market forecasts and marking the fifth consecutive monthly loss. Manufacturing showed no growth while mining and utilities contracted.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits was 264 thousand in the week ended May 9th, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week’s unrevised level. The four-week moving average was the lowest since 2000.

Retail sales in the United States were flat in April, following an upwardly revised 1.1 percent rise in March driven mostly by a fall in autos and gasoline sales.

The U.S. budget surplus was $157 billion at the end of April, up 46.7 percent from a $107 billion surplus a year earlier as tax receipts surged.

The jobless rate fell to 5.4 percent in April from 5.5 percent in the previous two months and the number of unemployed persons edged down to 8.5 million.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 223,000 in April, bouncing back after an unexpectedly weak report in March and matching market expectations. The unemployment rate dropped to 5.4 percent, the lowest since May 2008.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits was 265 thousand in the week ended May 2nd, an increase of 3,000 from the previous week's 15-year low. Yet, continuing claims fell to the lowest since late 2000.

The ISM non-manufacturing PMI index increased to 57.8 percent in April from 56.5 percent in March, the highest in five months, boosted by a surge in business activity.

The goods and services deficit widened to USD 51.4 billion in March from a revised USD 35.9 billion in February. It is the highest shortfall since October of 2008, as the end of a dispute at the West Coast ports lead to a surge in imports.

The Institute for Supply Management index of national factory activity was 51.5 in April, matching the March reading, which had been the lowest since May 2013.

The final Markit US Manufacturing PMI came in at 54.1 in April, slightly lower than preliminary reading of 54.2 and below 54.7 registered in March.

Personal consumption rose 0.4 percent in March, after expanding 0.2 percent in February. It is the biggest increase in four months, yet below market expectations of 0.5 percent growth.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits was 262 thousand in the week ended April 25th, a decrease of 34,000 from the previous week's level. This is the lowest level for initial claims since April 15, 2000 when it was 259 thousand.

The US recovery has lost momentum during the winter months and the pace of hiring has moderated, the Federal Reserve said in a statement released on April 29th, reinforcing expectations that rates would be kept near zero at next meeting in June or longer.

The United States economy grew at an annual rate of 0.2 percent in the first quarter of 2015, according to the "advance" estimate. It was the weakest expansion since the first quarter of 2014 as business investment and exports slumped and consumption grew at a slower pace.

New orders for US manufactured goods rose 4 percent in March, rebounding from a 1.4 percent fall in February. Excluding transportation, orders dropped 0.2 percent after a downwardly revised 1.3 percent decline in the previous month.

Sales of new single-family houses in the US shrank 11.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 481,000 units in March. It is the lowest figure in four months.

The Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI decreased to 54.2 in April from 55.7 in March as output and new business growth slowed down.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits was 295 thousand in the week ended April 18th, an increase of 1,000 from the previous week's level. It is the third consecutive rise and the highest figure in seven weeks.

The University of Michigan's preliminary reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 95.9 in April, up from 93 in March and above market expectations. Both current and future expectations increased while the inflation outlook slowed.

Consumer prices in the United States fell 0.1 percent year-on-year in March after being flat in February due to lower energy cost. Yet, core inflation edged up to 1.8 percent.

US privately-owned housing rose 2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 926,000 in March, rebounding from a revised 15.3 percent fall in February but below market forecasts. Building permits shrank 5.7 percent.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits was 294 thousand for the week ended April 11th, an increase of 12,000 from the previous week's revised level.

Industrial output fell 0.6 percent mom in March, after increasing 0.1 percent in February. It is the lowest figure since August of 2012, due to a slump in mining and utilities.

U.S. retail sales rose 0.9 percent in March after declining in the last three months as consumers bought automobiles and other goods. It was the largest gain since March of 2014.

The U.S. budget deficit was $52.9 billion at the end of March, down 43 percent compared with a $37 billion gap a year earlier as spending increased more than receipts.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased by 14K to a seasonally adjusted 281K. Yet, the four-week moving average and the continuing jobless claims were the lowest since 2000.

The ISM non-manufacturing PMI index decreased to 56.5 percent in March from 56.9 percent in February, the lowest in three months. While export orders increased to a two-year high, business activity fell to its lowest in a year.

The jobless rate held at 5.5 percent in March, the same as in February and the lowest in nearly 7 years. The number of unemployed persons was little changed at 8.6 million.

US nonfarm payrolls increased by 126,000 last month after a downwardly revised 264,000 rise in February, the smallest gain since December of 2013. Meanwhile, the jobless rate remained unchanged at 5.5 percent.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 20,000 to a seasonally adjusted 268,000 in latest week while the number of people continuing to receive jobless benefits touched the lowest since 2000.

US trade gap narrowed 17 percent to $35.44 billion in February, from a revised $42.68 billion in January as a dispute at one of the country's main ports depressed both imports and exports..

The Institute for Supply Management index of national factory activity declined for the fifth straight month to 51.5 in March from 52.9 in February. The new orders, production and employment subindexes fell while the prices gauge increased.

The final Markit US Manufacturing PMI came in at 55.7 in March, up from a preliminary 55.3 and 55.1 in February, driven by higher output and employment.

Personal spending edged up 0.1 percent in February, following a 0.2 percent drop in January. Personal income increased 0.4 percent.

The University of Michigan's final reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 93 in March, higher than a preliminary reading of 91.2 but below 95.4 reported in February.

The United States economy advanced an annualized 2.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2014, unrevised from last month's estimate. While increases in exports and in personal consumption expenditures were larger than previously estimated, the change in private inventories was smaller.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 9,000 to a seasonally adjusted 282,000 in latest week while the number of people continuing to receive jobless benefits dropped by 6,000 to 2.42 million in the week ended March 14th.

Orders for US capital goods unexpectedly fell 1.4 percent in February, compared to downwardly revised 2 percent growth in January. Excluding transportation, orders dropped 0.4 percent after a 0.7 percent decline in the previous month.

New U.S. single-family home sales surged 7.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 539,000 units, the highest level since February 2008.

The Markit flash U.S. manufacturing PMI rose to 55.3 in March from 55.1 reported in February. It is the highest reading since October, when the final PMI was 55.9.

US consumer prices were unchanged in the year to February 2015, after dropping 0.1 percent in January as decline in energy index was offset by a higher cost of food, shelter and medical care.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased marginally by 1,000 to a seasonally adjusted 291,000 in latest week. In contrast, continuing claims fell to a 3-week low the week before.

The Federal Reserve kept the interest rate at 0.25 percent during the meeting held on March 18th but dropped the pledge to be patient on rate rise thus opening the possibility of higher borrowing costs as early as June.

US privately-owned housing starts fell 17 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 897,000 in February. Is it the lowest figure since January last year as cold weather hurt groundbreaking mainly in the Northeast and the Midwest.

Industrial output in the United States edged up only 0.1 percent in February, following a revised 0.3 percent drop in the previous month. Higher demand for heating boosted utilities while manufacturing fell for the third straight month due to lower automobile production.

The University of Michigan's preliminary reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 91.2 in March, down from 95.4 in February and well below market expectations. The consumer sentiment fell for the second month as current and future expectations both declined.

The U.S. budget gap decreased 1 percent year-on-year to $192 billion in February of 2015, due to lower spending for refundable tax credits, interest on public debt and military activities.

In the week ending March 7, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 289,000, a decrease of 36,000 from the previous week's revised level.

Sales in U.S. retail and food stores unexpectedly decreased 0.6 percent from the previous month, following a 0.8 percent drop in January as cold weather kept consumers from shopping malls and car dealers.

The jobless rate decreased to 5.5 percent in February from 5.7 percent in the previous month. It is the lowest figure since May of 2008 as the number of unemployed persons went down.

US trade gap declined 8.3 percent to $41.8 billion in January, from a revised $45.6 billion in December as imports decreased more than exports.

US nonfarm payrolls increased by 295,000 last month after a downwardly revised 239,000 rise in January. Meanwhile, the jobless rate edged down to 5.5 percent from 5.7 percent.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased for the second straight week by 7,000 to a seasonally adjusted 320,000 in the week ending February 28th. It is the highest figure since the week ended May 17th, 2014.

The ISM non-manufacturing PMI index increased to 56.9 percent in February from 56.7 percent in the previous month. A rise in employment and prices gauge was enough to offset a drop in business activity and new orders.

The Institute for Supply Management index of national factory activity declined for the fourth straight month to 52.9 in February from 53.5 in January. The new orders, production and employment subindexes fell while the prices gauge was unchanged.

The final Markit U.S. manufacturing PMI registered 55.1 in February, up from a preliminary 54.3 and a final 53.9 in January. Output and new orders increased sharply and delays in the delivery of items contributed to an accumulation of backlogs of work and a record increase in finished goods stocks.

Personal spending shrank for the second consecutive month by 0.2 percent in January, following a 0.3 percent fall in the previous month. Personal income rose 0.3 percent.

The University of Michigan's final reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 95.4 in February, much higher than a preliminary reading of 93.6. It was the first decrease in seven months reflecting bad weather and uptick in fuel cost.

The United States economy advanced an annualized 2.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2014, according to the second estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The new figure comes below a 2.6 percent advance estimate, due to lower fixed investment and higher imports.

Consumer prices in the US dropped 0.1 percent year-on-year in January, the lowest rate since late 2009. On a monthly basis, prices went down 0.7 percent due to falling gasoline cost.

Orders for US capital goods grew by 2.8 percent in January, following a downwardly revised 3.7 percent fall in December. Excluding transportation, orders increased 0.3 percent after a 0.9 percent decline in the previous month.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased by 31,000 to a seasonally adjusted 313,000 in the week ending February 21st.

Sales of new single-family houses were recorded at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 481,000 in January, much better than market forecasts. Although sales edged down 0.2 percent from a revised 482,000 in December, supply increased to its highest since 2010.

Federal Reserve is prepared to consider interest rate hikes on a meeting by meeting basis, if economic conditions continue to improve, Chair Janet Yellen said in a testimony before the Senate Banking Committee.

The Markit flash U.S. manufacturing PMI rose to 54.3 in February from 53.9 reported in January and December. While production levels increased at fastest pace in four months, new business and employment slowed.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits declined by 21,000 to a seasonally adjusted 283,000 in the week ending February 14th, pointing that the recovery in the labor market was gathering stream.

Federal Reserve policymakers expressed concern that raising interest rates too soon could hamper U.S. economic recovery and were debating changes to policy tools when the rates would be increased, the January FOMC minutes showed.

Industrial output in the United States increased 0.2 percent in January after falling 0.3 percent in December. While manufacturing sector rose a meager 0.2 percent and utilities went up by 2.3 percent; mining shrank 1 percent due to lower output in oil and gas industries.

US privately-owned housing starts shrank 2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,065,000 in January. Single family home starts dropped 6.7 percent, offsetting a 12.1 percent gain in the multi-family segment.

The University of Michigan's preliminary reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment declined to 93.6 in February from an 11 year high of 98.1 reported in January.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased by 25,000 to a seasonally adjusted 304,000 in the week ending February 7th, above market forecasts.

Sales in U.S. retail and food stores decreased 0.8 percent from the previous month, following a 0.9 percent drop in December as receipts at car dealers, gasoline stations and clothing stores were smaller.

The U.S. budget gap increased to $17.5 billion in January of 2015 from $10.3 billion a year earlier as the government spend more on health care services for low-income Americans.

US jobless rate increased to 5.7 percent in January of 2015 from 5.6 percent in the previous month as more unemployed started looking for work.

US nonfarm payrolls increased by 257,000 last month after a upwardly revised 329,000 rise in December. Meanwhile, the jobless rate edged up to 5.7 percent from 5.6 percent as more unemployed started looking for work.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased by 11,000 to a seasonally adjusted 278,000 in the week ending January 31st. There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims.

US trade deficit widened to $46.6 billion in December from $39.8 billion in November as exports was down 0.8 percent and imports grew 2.2 percent.

The ISM non-manufacturing PMI index increased to 56.7 percent in January from 56.5 percent in December. While the business activity and new orders gauge improved, employment and prices subindexes declined.

The Institute for Supply Management index of national factory activity declined to 53.5 in January from 55.1 a month before. All four major subindexes: new orders, production, employment and prices decreased.

The Markit final U.S. manufacturing PMI registered 53.9 in January, slightly up from a preliminary 53.7 and unchanged from December. Output growth rebounded but new orders slowed and input prices dropped for the first time in two-and-a-half years.

Personal spending dropped more than expected by 0.3 percent in December, following a downwardly revised 0.5 percent rise in the previous month.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's final reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 98.1 in January, marginally unchanged from a preliminary reading of 98.1. It is the highest number in eleven years as steady job and wage gains boosted current expectations.

The United States economy expanded at an annual rate of 2.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2014, according to the "advance" estimate. Fastest pace of consumer spending since 2006 was not enough to offset weak business spending and a wider trade deficit.

The Institute for Supply Management non-manufacturing PMI index was revised to 56.5 percent in December from 56.2 percent previously reported. Revisions have to do with adjustments to seasonal factors that are made on an annual basis.

The Institute for Supply Management index of national factory activity was revised to 55.1 percent in December from 55.5 percent previously reported. Revisions have to do with adjustments to seasonal factors that are made on an annual basis.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 43,000 to a seasonally adjusted 265,000 in the week ending January 24th. This is the lowest level for initial claims since April 15, 2000 when it was 259,000.

The Federal Reserve on January 28th repeated that it will remain "patient" in deciding when to raise interest rates. The policymakers also boosted its assessment of the economy and labor market despite lower inflation expectations and turmoil in other markets around the world.

Sales of new single-family houses were recorded at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 481,000 in December, up 11.6 percent from a revised 431,000 in November. It is the highest figure since June of 2008 as sales in Northeast region surged 53.6 percent.

Orders for US capital goods shrank by 3.4 percent in December, following a downwardly revised 2.1 percent fall in November. Excluding transportation, orders were down 0.8 percent after a 1.3 percent decline in the previous month.

The Markit flash U.S. manufacturing PMI registered 53.7 in January, down from 53.9 in December. It is the lowest figure since January of 2014 as new business growth slowed and there were fewer new orders.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 10,000 to a seasonally adjusted 307,000 in the week ending January 17th. The previous week’s level was revised to 317,000.

US privately-owned housing starts rose 4.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,089,000 in December. It is the strongest figure since July as single-family homes starts hit the highest level in more than six years.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's preliminary reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 98.2 in January. It is the highest figure since January of 2004 as lower gasoline prices and steady job gains improved consumer's current and future expectations.

Industrial output decreased 0.1 percent in December after rising 1.3 percent in the previous month, due to a sharp drop in the output of utilities, as warmer-than-usual temperatures reduced demand for heating. Excluding utilities, industrial production rose 0.7 percent.

US annual inflation rate slowed to 0.8 percent in December from 1.3 percent in the previous month. It is the lowest figure since October of 2009 as cost of energy plunged. On a monthly basis, consumer prices dropped 0.4 percent, the biggest decline in six years.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased by 19,000 to a seasonally adjusted 316,000 in the week ending January 10th. The previous week’s level was revised to 297,000.

Retail sales shrank 0.9 percent in December, following a 0.4 percent gain in the previous month that was smaller than previously estimated. It is the biggest drop since January as demand fell for nine of thirteen major categories.

The U.S. budget surplus was $1867 million at the end of December, down 96 percent from the same period last year as spending surged 44 percent.

US jobless rate declined by 0.2 percentage point to 5.6 percent in December, the lowest since June of 2008. The number of unemployed persons decreased by 383,000 to 8.7 million.

US nonfarm payrolls increased 252,000 last month after a revised 353,000 jump in November, while the unemployment rate fell to 5.6 percent from 5.8 percent.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 294,000 in the week ending January 3rd. The previous week’s level was unrevised at 298,000.

Fed policymakers agreed that interest rates are unlikely to rise for at least the next couple of meetings, minutes from FOMC last meeting showed. While the timing of the first rate hike depends on the strength of economic data, the panel said it will be “patient” to begin the normalization process.

The US trade gap decreased to USD 39 billion in November of 2014 from a revised USD 42.3 billion in the previous month. It is the lowest trade deficit since December of 2013 supported by a fall in crude oil imports.

The ISM non-manufacturing PMI index decreased to 56.2 percent in December from 59.3 in November. It is the lowest figure since June, as business activity, new orders, employment and prices fell.

The Institute for Supply Management index of national factory activity declined to 55.5 from 58.7 the month before. While new orders, production and prices subindexes decreased, the employment gauge improved.

The Markit final U.S. manufacturing PMI registered 53.9 in December, down from 54.8 in November and above flash reading of 53.7. The output subindex rose at the weakest pace in 11 months while new business growth remained solid.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased by 17,000 to a seasonally adjusted 298,000 in the week ending December 27th. It is the highest number in 4 weeks.

In the week ending December 20th, 280 thousand Americans filed for unemployment benefits, a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 289 thousand. It is the lowest figure in seven weeks and the fourth consecutive fall.

Sales of new single-family houses were recorded at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 438,000 in November, down 1.6 percent from a revised 445,000 in October. It is the second consecutive fall and the lowest figure in four months.

Consumer spending increased more than forecast in November as personal income grew and gasoline prices dropped.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's final reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 93.6 in December, slightly down from a preliminary reading of 93.8 but up from 88.8 in November. It is the highest reading in nearly eight years as lower gasoline prices drove expectations up.

The United States economy advanced an annualized 5.0 percent in the third quarter of 2014, according to final figures from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, beating previous estimates and market expectations. It is the highest pace since the third quarter of 2003, reflecting an upturn in consumer spending and investment and a downturn in imports.

New orders for manufactured durable goods unexpectedly decreased 0.7 percent in November, following a 0.3 percent increase in November. It was a third decline in the last four months led by 1.2 percent drop in transportation equipment.

In the week ending December 13th, 289 thousand Americans filed for unemployment benefits, a decrease of 6,000 from the previous week's revised level of 295 thousand. It is the lowest figure in six weeks and the third consecutive fall.

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday dropped a pledge to keep interest rates near zero for a "considerable time" sending a signal that it was on track to raise the borrowing cost sometime next year.

US annual inflation rate eased to 1.3 percent in November from 1.7 percent in the previous three months due to a fall in energy cost. On a monthly basis, consumer prices decreased 0.3 percent, the biggest decline in six years.

The Markit flash U.S. manufacturing PMI registered 53.7 in December, down from 54.8 in November. The output subindex slowed for the fourth consecutive month while employment gauge was the lowest in five months.

Housing starts shrank 1.6 percent in November, following a revised 1.7 percent rise in October, dragged down by a 5.4 percent drop in single-family homes. Building permits fell at a faster 5.2 percent.

Industrial output in the United States rose 1.3 percent in November, following a revised 0.1 percent increase in October. It is the highest growth in more than four years supported by gains in manufacturing and utilities’ production.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's preliminary reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 93.8 in December. It is the highest figure since January of 2007 as lower gasoline prices improved consumer current and future expectations.

Retail sales increased 0.7 percent in November, following a revised 0.5 percent rise in the previous month. It is the highest gain since March, as the holiday shopping boosted food, auto and clothing sales.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell to 294 thousand for the week ended December 6th, pointing to a strengthening labor market.

The United States budget deficit declined by 58 percent to $56.8 billion in November of 2014 as compared to a $182.5 billion gap a year earlier as spending fell and receipts increased.

US trade gap narrowed by 0.4 percent to $43.4 billion from the prior month’s revised $43.6 billion as exports and imports increased.

Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 321,000 in November, compared with an average monthly gain of 224,000 over the prior 12 months. In November, job growth was widespread, led by gains in professional and business services, retail trade, health care, and manufacturing.

US jobless rate remained stable at 5.8 percent in November and the number of unemployed persons was little changed at 9.1 million.

In the week ending November 29th, 297 Thousand Americans filed for unemployment benefits, a decrease of 17,000 from the previous week's revised level of 314 thousand.

The ISM non-manufacturing PMI index increased to 59.3 percent in November from 57.1 reported in October. While business activity, new orders and prices paid components increased, employment and imports indexes fell.

The Institute for Supply Management manufacturing PMI registered 58.7 percent in November, slightly down from 59 percent in October. While the gauge of new orders rose, the indexes for production, employment and prices fell.

The final Markit U.S. Manufacturing PMI registered 54.8 in November, slightly up from a flash reading of 54.7, but down from 55.9 in October. Factory activity slowed for the third consecutive month to the lowest figure in ten months, as new orders and output fell.

Sales of new single-family houses in October were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 458,000, up from a downwardly revised 455,000 in the previous month, but missing market forecasts. The stock of new houses for sale rose 1.0 percent, the highest level since June of 2010.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's final reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 88.8 in November, down from a preliminary reading of 89.4 but up from 86.9 in October.

New orders for manufactured durable goods increased 0.4 percent in October, following a revised 0.9 percent drop in September. It is the first gain in three months driven by a 3.4 percent rise in transportation orders.

Consumer spending in the US increased by 0.2 percent in October, the same pace as incomes.

In the week ending November 22nd, 313 Thousand American filed for unemployment benefits an increase of 21,000 from the previous week's revised level.

The United States economy advanced an annualized 3.9 percent in the third quarter of 2014, according to the second estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The new figure comes better than an advance estimate of 3.5 percent, as consumer spending and investment contributed more to the growth.

US factory activity slowed for the third consecutive month to 54.7 in November from 55.9 in October. Output and new orders subindexes were at their lowest levels since January, while the employment gauge rose slightly.

US annual inflation rate was recorded at 1.7 percent for the third consecutive month in October, as fall in energy prices was enough to offset higher food and shelter cost. Prices remained unchanged compared with the previous month.

In the week ending November 15th, 291 Thousand American filed for unemployment benefits a decrease of 2,000 from the previous week's revised level.

Minutes from Fed’s last meeting showed policymakers were concerned about a possible downward shift in longer-term inflation expectations in the wake of lower growth. Also, it was an easy decision for the committee to end quantitative easing, although one member did not support it.

Housing starts shrank 2.8 percent in October, dragged down by a 15.5 percent drop in houses with 5 units or more. Building permits surged 4.8 percent to a 6-1/2-year high annual rate of 1,080,000.

Industrial production in the United States contracted 0.1 percent in October, following a a downwardly revised gain of 0.8 percent in September. While manufacturing increased 0.2 percent, mining and utilities output declined 0.9 percent and 0.7 percent respectively.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's consumer sentiment increased for the fourth straight month to a preliminary reading of 89.4 in November. It is the highest figure since July of 2007 as falling unemployment increased consumers’ current and future expectations.

US retail and food services sales increased 0.3 percent in October, following a 0.3 percent drop in the previous month, boosted by sales in food, clothing and sporting goods shops.

The U.S. had a budget deficit of $122 billion in October, up 34 percent from $91 billion gap reported in the same period last year.

In the week ending November 8, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 290,000, an increase of 12,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 278,000. There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims.

US jobless rate decreased for the third consecutive month to a fresh six-year low 5.8 percent in October from 5.9 percent in September. The number of unemployed persons edged down to 9.0 million.

Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 214,000 in October, and the unemployment rate edged down to 6-year low of 5.8 percent. Job growth occurred in food services and drinking places, retail trade, and health care.

In the week ending November 1, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 278,000, a decrease of 10,000 from the previous week's revised level. The 4-week moving average was 279,000, the lowest level in more than fourteen years.

The ISM non-manufacturing index slowed for the second straight month to 57.1 percent in October from September’s reading of 58.6 percent. However, the employment index rose to its highest in nine years.

The US trade gap increased to USD 43.03 billion in September compared with a revised USD 39.99 billion shortfall in August, as exports decreased to a five-month low.

The Institute for Supply Management manufacturing PMI registered 59 percent in October, an increase of 2.4 percentage points from September’s reading of 56.6 percent. New orders increased sharply and employment grew for the sixteenth consecutive month.

The seasonally adjusted final Markit U.S. Manufacturing PMI posted 55.9 in October, down from a preliminary estimate of 56.2 and 57.5 in September. Output and new business growth both moderated in October but job creation remained resilient. Meanwhile, input cost inflation was the weakest since April.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's final reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 86.9 in October, compared with a preliminary reading of 86.4 and 84.6 in September. Consumers’ sentiment rose for the third consecutive month to its highest since July of 2007.

Consumer spending in the US shrank for the first time in eight months by 0.2 percent in September following a 0.5 percent increase in August. Yet, personal income rose 0.2 percent.

The United States economy advanced an annualized 3.5 percent in the third quarter of 2014, slowing from a 4.6 percent increase in the previous period. Advance estimates showed a downturn in inventory, residential and nonresidential investment and deceleration in personal consumption, exports and state and local public spending.

Applications for unemployment benefits rose by 3K to 287K in the week ending October 25th. Despite the increase in the latest week, the 4-week moving average was the lowest than at any time in more than 14 years.

The Federal Reserve decided on October 29th to end its asset purchase program and signaled a rate hike may occur sooner than anticipated if inflation and employment improve further.

New orders for manufactured durable goods decreased 1.3 percent in September, following a revised 18.3 percent drop in August. It is the second consecutive slide as capital goods orders decreased the most in eight months and transportation orders fell 3.7 percent.

Sales of new single-family houses were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 467,000 in September 2014. It is the highest figure in six years, but the August rate was revised down by 38,000 to an annual 466,000.

The seasonally adjusted Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI decreased to 56.2 in October from 57.5 in September. It is the lowest figure in four months as new business posted the smallest gain this year and new export sales recorded the slowest rise since July.

In the week ending October 18, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 283,000, an increase of 17,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 2,000 from 264,000 to 266,000.

US annual inflation rate was recorded at 1.7 percent in September, the same as in August. On a monthly basis consumer prices rose 0.1 percent, as increases in shelter and food cost outweighed declines in energy prices.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's consumer sentiment increased to a preliminary reading of 86.4 in October from 84.6 in September. It is the highest reading in seven years.

Privately-owned housing starts in September were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,017,000. This is 6.3 percent above the revised August estimate of 957,000 and is 17.8 percent above the September 2013 rate of 863,000.

US industrial output rose 1 percent in September of 2014, following a revised 0.2 percent drop in August. It is the highest gain in nearly two years, driven by a surge in mining and utilities output.

In the week ending October 11, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 264,000, a decrease of 23,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 287,000. This is the lowest level for initial claims since April 15, 2000 when it was 259,000.

The US budget surplus reached USD 105.8 billion in September of 2014, up 41 percent from a year earlier and better than market expectations.

US retail and food services sales dropped 0.3 percent in September from August, following a 0.6 percent increase in the previous period. It is the first drop in eight months, as consumers spend less in gasoline stations and motor vehicle stores.

In the week ending October 4, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 287,000, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week's revised level. There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims.

Minutes from Federal Reserve’s last meeting showed policymakers are concerned about recent dollar appreciation and the effects it might have on growth and inflation. FOMC minutes also highlighted divergences among the Committee’s language and the risk of a market misunderstanding.

The ISM non-manufacturing index registered 58.6 percent in September, down 1 percentage point from August's reading of 59.6 percent. While business activity decreased, the employment index rose to its highest in nine years.

US trade gap unexpectedly decreased in August to the lowest level in seven months as exports reached a record high.

US jobless rate decreased to 5.9 percent in September from 6.1 percent in August, the lowest rate since July of 2008. The number of unemployed persons decreased by 329,000 to 9.3 million.

Total nonfarm payroll employment in US increased by 248,000 in September, compared with 180,000 in August, which was revised higher from 142,000. The unemployment rate declined to 5.9 percent, slipping below 6 percent for the first time since July, 2008.

In the week ending September 27, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 287,000, a decrease of 8,000 from the previous week's revised level. There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims.

The Institute for Supply Management manufacturing PMI registered 56.6 percent in September, a decrease of 2.4 percentage points from August’s reading of 59 percent. Figures came below market expectations, hurt by lower new orders and job creation.

The final Markit US Manufacturing PMI registered 57.5 in September, down slightly from 57.9 in August. The final reading came slightly below the flash estimate, but manufacturing job creation hit two-and-a-half year high while input cost inflation increased to its highest this year.

US personal spending increased 0.5 percent in August, after being flat in July and personal income rose 0.3 percent. The saving rate decreased by 20 bps to 5.4 percent.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's final reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 84.6 in September, unchanged from the preliminary estimate and up from 82.5 in August. It is the highest figure since July of 2013.

The United States economy advanced an annualized 4.6 percent in the second quarter of 2014, according to the final estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. It is the highest growth rate in 2-1/2 years, as business investment and exports grew more than expected.

New orders for manufactured durable goods shrank 18.2 percent in August, following a revised 22.5 percent surge in July. Excluding transportation, new orders rose 0.7 percent.

In the week ending September 20, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 293,000, an increase of 12,000 from the previous week's revised level. The 4-week moving average was 298,500, a decrease of 1,250 from the previous week's revised average.

Sales of new single-family houses increased 18 percent in August of 2014 to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 504,000. It is the highest reading since May of 2008.

The seasonally adjusted Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI came in at 57.9 9 in September, unchanged from August’s fifty-two-month high. Manufacturing employment rose at its fastest pace in two-and-a-half-years, boosted by further strong rises in output and new orders.

Privately-owned housing starts in August were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 956,000, 14.4 percent below the revised July estimate of 1,117,000. It is the biggest drop since April of 2013.

In the week ending September 13, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 280,000, a decrease of 36,000 from the previous week's revised level. It is the lowest figure since late June.

The Federal Reserve confirmed its commitment to keep interest rates near zero for a “considerable time” after asset purchases are completed and said the economy is expanding at a moderate pace and inflation is below its goal.

US annual inflation rate slowed for the second straight month to 1.7 percent in August from 2 percent in July, due to falling energy prices. The monthly rate dropped for the first time in sixteen months by 0.2 percent.

US industrial output dropped 0.1 percent in August, following a revised 0.2 percent increase in July. It is the first fall since January driven by lower production of motor vehicles.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's consumer sentiment increased to a preliminary reading of 84.6 in September from 82.5 in August. It is the highest figure since July of 2013, as consumers are more confident about future economic conditions.

US retail and food services sales rose 0.6 percent to $444.4 billion in August, as consumers bought more automobiles. The July to June 2014 percent change was revised from 0.0 percent to 0.3 percent.

The US budget gap reached USD 129 billion in August of 2014, down 13 percent from a year earlier and slightly better than market expectations.

In the week ending September 6th, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 315,000, an increase of 11,000 from the previous week's revised level. It is the highest figure since late June.

US jobless rate decreased to 6.1 percent in August from 6.2 percent in July. Over the year, the unemployment rate and the number of unemployed persons were down by 1.1 percentage points and 1.7 million, respectively.

United States economy added only 142,000 jobs in August, compared with an average monthly gain of 212,000 over the prior 12 months. It was the smallest gain this year. Job growth occurred in professional and business services and in health care.

The ISM non-manufacturing index registered 59.6 percent in August, 0.9 percentage point higher than the July reading of 58.7 percent. It is the highest reading since 2005.

US trade gap decreased for the third straight month to USD 40.55 billion in July from USD 40.8 billion in June as exports rose 0.9 percent while imports grew at a slower 0.7 percent.

In the week ending August 30, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 302,000, an increase of 4,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 298,000. The 4-week moving average was 302,750, an increase of 3,000 from the previous week's unrevised average of 299,750.

The Institute for Supply Management manufacturing PMI registered 59 percent in August, an increase of 1.9 percentage points from July. It is the highest reading since March of 2011, boosted by an increase in production and new orders.

The final seasonally adjusted Markit U.S. Manufacturing PMI came in at 57.9 in August, up from 55.8 in July and almost unchanged from a flash reading of 58. Export sales recorded the fastest increase in three years and payrolls rose at steepest pace since March 2013.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's final reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 82.5 in August, up from a preliminary 79.2 and 81.8 in July, as consumers were more confident about current economic conditions.

US personal consumption expenditures dropped by 0.1 percent in July as compared to 0.4 percent increase reported in June. It was the first decline in six months.

The United States economy advanced an annualized 4.2 percent in the second quarter of 2014, according to the second estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The new figure comes better than an advance estimate of 4 percent, as business investment and exports contributed more to the growth.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 1,000 to 298,000 in the week ending August 23rd. In recent weeks, claims have been near the lowest levels since 2007 as the labor market continues to improve.

New orders for manufactured durable goods jumped 22.6 percent in July of 2014 boosted by higher demand for non-defense aircraft. It is the highest growth rate on record and follows a revised 2.7 percent increase in June.

Sales of new single-family houses fell for the second straight month by 2.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 412,000 in July. However, the number of new houses for sale increased 4.1 percent to 205,000, the highest in four years.

In a speech during the Economic Symposium in Jackson Hole, Fed Chair Janet Yellen brought the possibility of raising interest rates earlier than anticipated if progress in the labor market continued or if inflation moves up more rapidly.

The seasonally adjusted Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI registered 58.0 in August, up sharply from 55.8 in July and the highest reading for over four years. Output and new orders both rose at faster rates and employment growth accelerated to strongest since March of 2013.

In the week ending August 16, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 298,000, a decrease of 14,000 from the previous week's revised level. Continued claims fell to 2,500 thousand, the lowest level in seven years.

US Federal Reserve officials said that tightening of monetary policy may happen sooner than expected and would give warning on any changes well before interest rates rise, according to minutes of its last policy meeting.

US annual inflation rate slowed to 2 percent in July from 2.1 percent in the previous two months, in line with market expectations and driven by a fall in energy cost.

Privately-owned housing starts in July were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,093 thousand. This is 15.7 percent above the revised June rate of 945 thousand. Building permits rose 8.1 percent.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's consumer sentiment fell to 79.2 in August from 81.8 reported a month earlier. Yet, the barometer of current economic conditions rose to its highest since July of 2007.

US industrial production increased 0.4 percent in July, sixth consecutive monthly gain, as production of auto parts and motor vehicles surged 10.1 percent.

In the week ending August 9, applications for unemployment benefits in the US rose by 311,000, an increase of 21,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 289,000 to 290,000.

U.S. retail sales were flat in July, after increasing 0.2 percent in June as sales at auto dealers continued to fall and receipts in furniture and electronics and appliances stores weakened.

US budget gap reached USD95 billion at the end of July, down 3 percent from the same period last year as tax revenue grew at a faster pace than government spending.

In the week ending August 2, 289,000 Americans filed applications for unemployment benefits, a decrease of 14,000 from the previous week's revised level. The 4-week moving average was 293,500, the lowest level since February 25, 2006 when it was 290,750.

US trade gap shrank to five-month low in June as imports dropped the most in a year and exports increased slightly.

ISM non-manufacturing index rose to 58.7 in July from 56 in June, the highest since December 2005. The number was boosted by growth in business activity, new orders and employment.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's consumer sentiment edged down in July to 81.8, below the 82.0 flash estimate and down from the June reading of 82.5.

US manufacturing sector expanded at the fastest pace in 39 months in July boosted by an increase in new orders and employment readings, The Institute for Supply Management data showed.

U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index slipped to 55.8 in July, down from the 57.3 June reading that was the highest since May 2010. The preliminary read for the index was 56.3.

U.S. consumer expenditure increased 0.4 percent after rising by an upwardly revised 0.3 percent in May, supported by rise in income.

United States added 209,000 jobs in July, the same as its average monthly gain over the prior 12 months. Employment grew in professional and business services, manufacturing, retail trade, and construction.

US jobless rate increased to 6.2 percent from 6.1 percent in June as more people entered the labor force. Wages and hours were unchanged from the previous month.

In the week ending July 26, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 302,000, an increase of 23,000 from the previous week's revised level. The 4-week moving average fell to an 8-Year Low.

During the meeting held on July 30th, US Federal Open Market Committee reduced monthly asset purchases by another $10 Billion and said slack in the labor market persists even as the economy is improving.

The United States GDP advanced 4 percent in the second quarter of 2014, rebounding from a revised 2.1 percent contraction in the previous period. Upturns in private inventory investment and exports and an acceleration in personal consumption and investment contributed to better than expected results.

New orders for manufactured durable goods increased 0.7 percent in June of 2014 after a revised 1 percent fall in May, driven by higher demand for machinery, transport, non-defense aircraft and parts and capital goods.

Sales of new single-family houses in June 2014 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 406,000, down 8.1 percent from the previous month, the largest decline in a year. May's sales were revised downwards to 442,000 units from an initially reported 504,000 units.

The seasonally adjusted Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI came in at 56.3 in July, down from 57.3 in June, marking the slowest improvement for three months. Job creation was the weakest since September of 2013.

In the week ending July 19, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 284,000, a decrease of 19,000 from the previous week's revised level. This is the lowest level for initial claims since February 18, 2006 when they were 283,000.

US consumer prices rose 2.1 percent year-on-year in June, the same rate recorded in May. On a monthly basis, prices increased 0.3 percent, following a 0.4 percent rise in the previous month, driven by higher gasoline cost.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's preliminary July reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 81.3, down from a final 82.5 in June. Consumer expectations fell for the third straight month.

Privately-owned housing starts in June were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 893 thousand, 9.3 percent below the revised May estimate of 985,000. Building permits fell 4.2 percent.

In the week ending July 12, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 302,000, a decrease of 3,000 from the previous week's revised level. The 4-week moving average fell to a 7-Year Low.

Industrial production increased 0.2 percent in June, following a revised 0.5 percent increase in May, as utilities output marked its fifth consecutive month of declines.

During semi-annual monetary policy report to Congress, Fed Chairman Yellen signaled that interest rates can rise earlier or later than anticipated as considerable uncertainty surrounds projections for growth, unemployment and inflation.

Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for June were $439.9 billion, an increase of 0.2 percent from the previous month. Figures came below market expectations, due to a fall in auto sales.

The US budget surplus fell 39 percent year-on-year to USD 71 billion in June of 2014. A year earlier, the country’s surplus amounted to USD 117 billion.

In the week ending July 5, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 304,000, a decrease of 11,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 315,000. There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims.

Minutes from its June meeting showed the Federal Reserve plans to end its bond-buying program in October, if the economy progresses as the central bank expects.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI registered 56 percent in June, 0.3 percentage point lower than the May reading of 56.3 percent, as general activity decelerated.

In the week ending June 28, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 315,000, an increase of 2,000 from the previous week's revised level.

US jobless rate declined by 0.2 percentage point to 6.1 percent in June. The number of unemployed persons decreased by 325,000 to 9.5 million. Over the year, the unemployment rate and the number of unemployed persons have declined by 1.4 percentage points and 2.3 million, respectively.

US trade gap declined more than forecast in May as exports reached a record and imports decreased.

United States added 288,000 jobs in June, up from 224,000 in the previous month. Over the past 3 months, job growth has averaged 272,000 per month. Employment growth was widespread, led by gains in professional and business services, retail trade, food services and drinking places, and health care.

The Institute for Supply Management index of national factory activity was 55.3 in June, almost unchanged from May's 55.4 reading. While new orders subindex reported strong growth, the employment gauge was unchanged and the production measure fell slightly.

Final U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index rose to 57.3 in June, slightly down from a flash release of 57.5 but still the highest reading since May 2010.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's final June reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 82.5, up from a preliminary 81.2 and above market forecasts. Consumers were more confident that first quarter GDP contraction was due to bad weather conditions.

Personal consumption expenditure rose 0.2 percent in May of 2014, after being flat in April and below market expectations. In contrast, personal income gained 0.4 percent.

In the week ending June 21, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 312,000, a slight decrease of 2,000 from the previous week's revised level. There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims.

New orders for manufactured durable goods fell 1.0 percent in May of 2014 after a revised 0.8 percent rise in April, driven by a slump in demand for transportation, machinery, computers and electronic products.

The United States GDP shrank at an annual rate of 2.9 percent in the first quarter of 2014, according to the third and final estimate from the Commerce Department. The figure comes much worse than a 1 percent contraction previously announced, as the increase in personal consumption was smaller than estimated, and the decline in exports was larger than anticipated.

Sales of new single-family houses were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 504,000 in May, 18.6 percent above the revised April rate of 425,000. It is the highest level since May of 2008 and the biggest rise since January of 1992.

The Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI came in at 57.5 in June, up from 56.4 in May. It is the strongest upturn in overall business conditions since May of 2010, driven by fastest output and new orders growth.

In the week ending June 14, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 312,000, a decrease of 6,000 from the previous week's revised level. There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims.

At its June 18th meeting, The US Federal Reserve pared monthly asset buying to $35 billion, its fifth straight $10 billion cut. The central bank also cut its 2014 GDP growth forecasts from around 2.9 percent to between 2.1 to 2.3 percent.

In May, consumer prices in US increased 2.1 percent over the last 12 months. This compares to a 2.0 percent increase for the 12 months ending April and is the largest 12-month increase since October 2012.

Privately-owned housing starts in May were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,001,000. This is 6.5 percent below the revised April estimate of 1,071,000, but is 9.4 percent above the May 2013 rate of 915,000.

Industrial production increased 0.6 percent in May after having declined a revised 0.3 percent in April, driven by a rise in manufacturing and mining output.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's preliminary reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment declined to 81.2 in June from 81.9 reported in May as confidence among consumers with the lowest incomes went down.

US retail sales rose 0.3 percent in May of 2014, down from a revised 0.5 percent increase in the previous month. The figure comes below expectations as consumers bought mainly automobiles.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits climbed 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 317,000 for the week ended June 7. The 4-week moving average was 315,250, an increase of 4,750 from the previous week's revised average.

U.S. budget deficit declined 6.5 percent from a year earlier to $130 billion in May as a stronger economy bolstered revenue. Year-to-date deficit reached $436 billion, compared with $626 billion in the same period last year.

US jobless rate held at 6.3 percent in May, following a decline of 0.4 percentage point in April. The number of unemployed persons was unchanged at 9.8 million.

United States added 217,000 jobs in May following a 282,000 increase in April. The biggest gains were reported in professional and business services, health care and social assistance and food services and drinking places.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased last week, but four-week moving average for new claims declined to the lowest level since June 2007.

The Institute for Supply Management index of non-manufacturing activity increased for the third straight month to 56.3 in May from 55.2 in April, as new orders and business activity surged.

US trade gap increased to USD 47.2 billion in April of 2014 from a revised USD 44.2 billion in March, as imports recorded the highest value on record. Purchases of automobiles, capital goods, food and consumer goods all hit record highs in April.

The Institute for Supply Management national factory activity index has increased to 55.4 in May from 54.9 in April. The ISM had earlier mistakenly reported the index fell to 53.2 in May. While new orders, production and customer inventories reported strong gains, factory job growth slowed.

The final Markit US Manufacturing PMI picked up to 56.4 in May, from 55.4 in April and a flash reading of 56.2. Output growth reached its highest since February of 2011 and new export orders increase at fastest pace since July of 2013.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's final May reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 81.9, almost unchanged from a preliminary 81.8, but down from 84.1 in April, hurt by lower wage expectations.

Personal consumption expenditure dropped for the first time in a year by 0.1 percent in April, following a revised 1 percent increase in the previous month, due to lower purchases of motor vehicles. However, the personal consumption price index increased 0.2 percent.

United States GDP shrank at an annual rate of 1.0 percent in the first quarter of 2014, according to the second estimate released by the Commerce Department. It is the worst performance in three years and comes lower than a preliminary estimated 0.1 percent expansion, due to a sharper fall in private inventory investment and a bigger trade deficit.

In the week ending May 24, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 300,000, a decrease of 27,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 326,000 to 327,000. There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims.

New orders for manufactured durable goods increased 0.8 percent in April of 2014 after a revised 3.6 percent rise in March, driven by a surge in orders for defense capital goods.

Sales of new single-family houses rose 6.4 percent in April of 2014 following two straight months of declines. Sales increased to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 433,000, up from a revised 407,000 in March.

The US Markit Manufacturing PMI improved to a flash reading of 56.2 in May, from April’s 55.4, due to strong rises in production and output complemented by further payroll growth.

In the week ending May 17, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 326,000, an increase of 28,000 from the previous week's revised level. There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's preliminary May reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 81.8, down from 84.1 in April, hurt by lower wage expectations.

Privately-owned housing starts in April were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,072,000. This is 13.2 percent above the revised March estimate of 947,000 and is 26.4 percent above the April 2013 rate of 848,000.

US industrial output decreased 0.6 percent in April 2014 after rising around 1 percent in both February and March. It is the biggest fall since August of 2012 caused by decline in both manufacturing and utilities output.

In the week ending May 10, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 297,000, a decrease of 24,000 from the previous week's revised level. This is the lowest level for initial claims since May 12, 2007 when they were 297,000. There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims.

Over the last 12 months, consumer prices in US increased 2.0 percent, this compares to a 1.5 percent rise in March, and is the largest increase since July of 2013.

US retail sales rose 0.1 percent in April of 2014, down from a revised 1.5 percent increase in the previous month, due to lower receipts in the furniture, electronic and appliance stores, restaurants, bars and online retailers.

In the week ending May 3, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 319,000, a decrease of 26,000 from the previous week's revised level. There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims.

Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen gave her assessment of the US economic outlook in a testimony before Congress, saying the economy was still in need of lots of support from the central bank. Yellen cited the slowdown in the housing market, geopolitical tensions and a return of financial stress in emerging markets as risks to growth.

U.S. trade gap fell 3.6 percent to $40.4 billion in March from $41.9 billion in February as exports rebounded to the second highest level on record supported by increase in shipments of gas, oil, commercial aircraft, cars and farm goods.

The Institute for Supply Management index of non-manufacturing activity rose to 55.2 in April, up from 53.1 in March, as new orders surged and overall activity rose the most since early 2008.

In April of 2014, the jobless rate fell from 6.7 percent to 6.3 percent, the lowest rate since September of 2008, as both unemployed reentering the labor market and new entrants into the labor force fell.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 288K in April. Employment growth was widespread, led by gains in professional and business services, retail trade, food services and drinking places, and construction.

The Institute for Supply Management national factory activity index accelerated to 54.9 percent in April, an increase of 1.2 percentage points from March's reading of 53.7 percent, as employment grew for the tenth consecutive month.

US Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index was 55.4 in April, down slightly from 55.5 in March, according to the final release from Markit.

US consumer spending increased $107.2 billion or 0.9 percent in March, the biggest jump in almost 5 years, after a 0.5 percent gain in February.

In the week ending April 26, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 344,000, an increase of 14,000 from the previous week's revised level. There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims.

At its April 30th meeting, US Federal Reserve pared monthly asset buying to $45 billion, its fourth straight $10 billion cut and said the economy is gaining momentum as consumers spend more.

United States GDP increased at an annual rate of 0.1 percent in the first quarter as exports dropped and inventories climbed at a slower pace.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's final April reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 84.1, up from 80.0 the month before and above preliminary reading of 82.6.

New orders for manufactured durable goods increased 2.6 percent to $234.8 billion in March following a 2.1 percent growth in February.

In the week ending April 19, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 329,000, an increase of 24,000 from the previous week's revised level. There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims.

Sales of new single-family houses dropped 14.5 percent in March of 2014 to their lowest level in eight months. Sales were recorded at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 384,000, below the revised February rate of 449,000.

At 55.4 in April, the Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI was down fractionally from 55.5 in March, but still well above the neutral 50.0 value. Sharper rates of output and new business growth boosted the Manufacturing PMI during April, while the main negative influence on the headline index was a rise in the suppliers’ delivery times component.

In the week ending April 12, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 304,000, an increase of 2,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 2,000 from 300,000 to 302,000. There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims.

Industrial production increased 0.7 percent in March after having advanced 1.2 percent in February. Yet, manufacturing output rose for the second straight month.

Privately-owned housing starts in March were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 946,000. This is 2.8 percent above the revised February estimate of 920,000, but down 5.9 percent year-on-year.

US annual consumer prices accelerated to 1.5 percent in March, boosted by higher shelter and food cost. On a monthly basis, the inflation rate edged up to 0.2 percent, following a 0.1 percent increase in February.

Retail sales increased 1.1 percent over the previous month in March of 2014, up from a revised 0.7 percent rise in February. It is the biggest growth rate in 1-1/2 years.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index increased to a preliminary reading of 82.6 in April of 2014, up from March’s final 80.0. It is the highest level since July of 2013, as current conditions and expectations surged.

In the week ending April 5, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 300,000, a decrease of 32,000 from the previous week's revised level. The last time initial claims were this low was May 12, 2007 when they were 297,000. There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims.

In March of 2014, the number of unemployed persons was essentially unchanged at 10.5 million, and the unemployment rate held at 6.7 percent. Over the year, the number of unemployed persons and the jobless rate were down by 1.2 million and 0.8 percentage point, respectively.

In March, total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 192,000, down from 197,00 in the previous month. Job growth averaged 183,000 per month over the prior 12 months. In March, employment grew in professional and business services, in health care, and in mining and logging.

The Institute for Supply Management index of non-manufacturing activity rose to 53.1 in March, up from February’s reading of 51.6, as employment increased.

Total February exports of $190.4 billion and imports of $232.7 billion resulted in a goods and services deficit of $42.3 billion, up from a revised $39.3 billion in January. Exports decreased 1.1 percent over the previous month to their lowest level since September of 2013.

In the week ending March 29, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 326,000, an increase of 16,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 310,000. The 4-week moving average was 319,500, an increase of 250 from the previous week's revised average of 319,250.

In March of 2014, the ISM PMI registered 53.7 percent, an increase of 0.5 percentage point from February's reading of 53.2 percent, indicating expansion in manufacturing for the 10th consecutive month, due to a rebound in the production subindex and a rise in new orders.

The final Markit U.S. Manufacturing PMI registered 55.5 in March of 2014, unchanged from the earlier ‘flash’ reading, but down from 57.1 in the previous month. The main factor behind the drop was the suppliers’ delivery times component, and to a lesser extent the moderation in new order growth from February’s recent high.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index came in at a final reading of 80.0 in March, marginally up from a preliminary 79.9, and down from 81.6 in February. It is the lowest rate since November of 2013, hurt by lower future expectations.

U.S. consumer spending rose $30.8 billion, or 0.3 percent in February of 2014, after increasing by a revised 0.2 percent in January, due to higher demand for services, mainly health care and utilities.

In the week ending March 22, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 311,000, a decrease of 10,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 321,000. The 4-week moving average was 317,750, a decrease of 9,500 from the previous week's revised average of 327,250.

U.S. economy grew more rapidly in the fourth quarter than previously estimated, according to the "third" estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. While personal consumption expenditures climbed by the most in three years, private investment in inventories and in intellectual property products were revised down.

In February of 2014, orders for long-lasting manufactured goods surged 2.2 percent over the previous month after contracting in the previous two months, boosted by aircraft orders.

Sales of new single-family houses in February of 2014 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 440 thousand. This is 3.3 percent below the revised January rate of 455,000 and is 1.1 percent below the February 2013 estimate of 445,000.

The Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI was recorded at 55.5 in March of 2014, down from 57.1 in February, but still the second highest since January of 2013. The new orders component fell to 58.0 from 59.6 in the previous month, output edged down to 57.5 from 57.8 while firms hired workers for a ninth consecutive month.

In the week ending March 15, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 320,000, an increase of 5,000 from the previous week's unrevised figure of 315,000. The 4-week moving average was 327,000, a decrease of 3,500 from the previous week's unrevised average of 330,500.

At its March 19th meeting, the U.S. Federal Reserve decided to drop the 6.5 percent unemployment threshold and pledged it would rely on a wide range of measures in deciding when to raise interest rates. The Fed also announced a further $10 billion cut in its monthly bond purchases.

U.S. Housing starts were little changed in February after declining less than previously estimated a month earlier pointing to the stabilization in the home-building industry after winter weather disruptions.

US consumer inflation slowed to an annual 1.1 percent in February of 2014 from 1.6 percent in the previous month. On a monthly basis, prices rose 0.1 percent, unchanged from January's rate, as a drop in gasoline prices offset an increase in the cost of food.

Industrial production increased 0.6 percent in February of 2014 after having declined 0.2 percent in January. Manufacturing output rose 0.8 percent and nearly reversed its decline of 0.9 percent in January, which resulted, in part, from extreme weather. The gain in factory production in February was the largest since last August.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index dipped slightly to a preliminary reading of 79.9 in March, from 81.6 in February, hurt by lower future expectations.

U.S. retail and food services sales grew 0.3 percent in February, led by a surge in purchases of sporting and entertainment goods. It was the first increase in three months.

In the week ending March 8, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 315,000, a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 324,000. The 4-week moving average was 330,500, a decrease of 6,250 from the previous week's revised average of 336,750.

Total January exports of $192.5 billion and imports of $231.6 billion resulted in a goods and services deficit of $39.1 billion, up from $39.0 billion in December, revised. January exports were $1.2 billion more than December exports of $191.3 billion. January imports were $1.3 billion more than December imports of $230.3 billion.

US jobless rate increased to 6.7 percent in February of 2014 from 6.6 percent in the previous month. Over the year, the number of unemployed persons and the unemployment rate were down by 1.6 million and 1.0 percentage point, respectively.

Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 175,000 in February. Job growth averaged 189,000 per month over the prior 12 months. In February, job gains occurred in professional and business services and in wholesale trade, while information lost jobs.

In the week ending March 1, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 323,000, a decrease of 26,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 349,000. The 4-week moving average was 336,500, a decrease of 2,000 from the previous week's revised average of 338,500.

The Institute for Supply Management index of non-manufacturing activity fell to 51.6 in February, 2.4 percentage points lower than January's reading of 54 percent. Employment and prices decreased while new orders slightly improved.

The Institute for Supply Management index of national factory activity rose to 53.2 in February after slumping to 51.3 in January, which was the weakest reading since May. New orders, supplier deliveries, inventories and order backlogs bounced back while production fell.

In February of 2014, the final seasonally adjusted U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index stood at 57.1, it was the strongest improvement in business conditions for 45 months. The earlier ‘flash’ reading for February was 56.7.

Personal consumption expenditures increased $48.1 billion, or 0.4 percent in the first month of 2014, after advancing by a revised 0.1 percent in December.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index rose to 81.6 in February, up from a preliminary reading of 81.2.

Real gross domestic product in the United States increased at an annual rate of 2.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared with the 3.2 percent gain issued last month as consumer spending and exports grew less than initially thought.

Orders for U.S. durable goods fell 1.0% in January as demand fell in almost every major category except military hardware.

In the week ending February 22, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 348,000, an increase of 14,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 334,000. The 4-week moving average was 338,250, unchanged from the previous week's revised average.

Sales of new single-family houses in January 2014 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 468 thousand. This is 9.6 percent above the revised December rate of 427 thousand.

U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index rose to 56.7 in February, its highest since May 2010, compared to 53.7 in the final reading for January according to the flash report released by Markit.

Over the last 12 months, the all items consumer price index rose by 1.6 percent before seasonal adjustment, the most since July. Increases in the cost of household energy, medical care and shelter accounted for most of the growth.

In the week ending February 15, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 336,000, a decrease of 3,000 from the previous week's unrevised figure of 339,000. The 4-week moving average was 338,500, an increase of 1,750 from the previous week's unrevised average of 336,750.

Privately-owned housing starts in January were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 880,000. This is 16.0 percent below the revised December estimate of 1,048,000 and is 2.0 percent below the January 2013 rate of 898,000.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index remained steady in February. The preliminary reading stood at 81.2, the same as January’s final reading.

US industrial production decreased 0.3 percent in the first month of 2014, after having risen 0.3 percent in December, as manufacturing was hurt by severe weather conditions.

U.S. retail and food services sales for January fell 0.4 percent, led by a drop in automobile sales. It was the biggest decline in 10 months.

In the week ending February 8, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 339,000, an increase of 8,000 from the previous week's unrevised figure of 331,000. The 4-week moving average was 336,750, an increase of 3,500 from the previous week's revised average of 333,250.

Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen pledged to maintain her predecessor’s policies by scaling back stimulus in “measured steps” and pledged that only a domestic slowdown will influence US monetary policy.

US unemployment rate hit a new five-year low of 6.6 percent in January of 2014. Since October, the jobless rate has decreased by 0.6 percentage point.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased only by 113,000 in January. Job gains occurred in construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade, and mining while retailers and government agencies cut payrolls.

December exports of $191.3 billion and imports of $230.0 billion resulted in a goods and services deficit of $38.7 billion, up from $34.6 billion in November, revised. December exports were $3.5 billion less than November exports of $194.8 billion. December imports were $0.6 billion more than November imports of $229.4 billion.

In the week ending February 1, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 331,000, a decrease of 20,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 351,000. The 4-week moving average was 334,000, an increase of 250 from the previous week's revised average of 333,750.

In January of 2014, the US ISM Manufacturing PMI registered 51.3 percent, a decrease of 5.2 percentage points from December's seasonally adjusted reading of 56.5 percent, due to a sharp fall in new orders.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index fell in January to a final reading of 81.2, from 82.5 in December, but went up from a preliminary reading of 80.4. The sentiment index was hurt by lower expectations among lower and middle-income households.

In December of 2013, US consumer spending rose 0.4 percent over the previous month, above market expectations, but down from a revised 0.6 percent growth in the previous month.

Real GDP in the United States grew at an annualised 3.2 percent pace in the fourth quarter of 2013, as consumer spending grew the most in three years. The "advance" estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis matched the expectations.

In the week ending January 25, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 348,000, an increase of 19,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 329,000. The 4-week moving average was 333,000, an increase of 750 from the previous week's revised average of 332,250.

The U.S. Federal Reserve on January 29th announced a further $10 billion reduction in its monthly bond purchases sticking to its plan for a gradual withdrawal of unprecedented easing policy.

In December of 2013, US durable goods orders, a proxy for business investment, dropped 4.3 percent over the previous month. It is the worst rate in the last five months.

Sales of new single-family houses in December 2013 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 414,000. This is 7.0 percent below the revised November rate of 445,000, but is 4.5 percent above the December 2012 estimate of 396,000.

In the week ending January 18, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 326,000, an increase of 1,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 325,000. The 4-week moving average was 331,500, a decrease of 3,750 from the previous week's revised average of 335,250.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index fell in January to a preliminary reading of 80.4, from 82.5 in December, hurt by lower expectations among lower and middle-income households.

In December of 2013, US industrial production slowed to 0.3 percent, down from a revised 1 percent in November. For the fourth quarter as a whole, industrial production advanced at an annual rate of 6.8 percent, the largest quarterly increase since the second quarter of 2010.

Privately-owned housing starts in December were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 999,000. This is 9.8 percent below the revised November estimate of 1,107,000, but is 1.6 percent above the December 2012 rate of 983,000.

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 1.5 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 233.049. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the inflation rate rose 0.3 percent, led by gains in fuel and rents.

In the week ending January 11, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 326,000, a decrease of 2,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 328,000. The 4-week moving average was 335,000, a decrease of 13,500 from the previous week's revised average of 348,500.

In December of 2013, US retail sales increased 0.2 percent, down from a revised 0.4 percent in November but above market expectations. Retail sales excluding automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services, increased 0.7 percent last month after a 0.2 percent rise in November.

U.S. federal government posted the largest budget surplus for any December on record, boosted by higher payroll taxes and nearly $40 billion dividend payments from government-controlled Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

In December, US unemployment rate eased from 7.0 percent to 6.7 percent, the lowest level since October of 2008. The number of unemployed persons declined by 490,000 to 10.4 million. Over the year, the number of unemployed persons and the unemployment rate were down by 1.9 million and 1.2 percentage points, respectively.

U.S. economy added only 74,000 jobs in December, the slowest pace since January of 2011. Job gains occurred in retail trade and wholesale trade, while employment declined in information.

In the week ending January 4, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 330,000, a decrease of 15,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 345,000. The 4-week moving average was 349,000, a decrease of 9,750 from the previous week's revised average of 358,750.

U.S. trade gap fell 12.9 percent to $34.3 billion in November, the smallest in four years. Exports hit a record high of $194.9 billion and imports declined to $229 billion.

The PMI™ registered 57 percent, the second highest reading for the year, just 0.3 percentage point below November's reading of 57.3 percent. Hiring hit a 2-1/2-year high and the volume of new orders rose to its highest since early 2010.

In the week ending December 28, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 339,000, a decrease of 2,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 341,000. The 4-week moving average was 357,250, an increase of 8,500 from the previous week's revised average of 348,750.

In the week ending December 21, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 338,000, a decrease of 42,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 380,000. The 4-week moving average was 348,000, an increase of 4,250 from the previous week's revised average of 343,750.

In November of 2013, sales of new single-family houses in the US were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 464,000. This is 2.1 percent below the revised October rate of 474,000, the highest in 5 years, but is 16.6 percent above the November 2012 estimate of 398,000.

The Ghana's economy advanced 6.6 percent year-on-year in the first three months of 2017, following a 4.1 percent expansion in the previous period. It is the highest growth rate since the third quarter of 2014 as manufacturing recovered; oil and gas output jumped and agriculture rose the most in nearly three years while the services sector slowed. A year earlier, the GDP growth was lower at 4.4 percent. The government expects the economy to advance 6.3 percent in 2017.

Italian consumer prices are expected to increase by 1.2 percent year-on-year in June 2017, easing from a 1.4 percent gain in the previous month and missing market expectations of 1.4 percent. It was the lowest inflation rate since January, as prices rose at a slower pace for food and transport.

Mexico posted a trade deficit of USD 1079.2 million in May of 2017 compared to a USD 442.1 million trade shortfall a year earlier and missing market expectations of a USD 1000 million surplus. It is the largest trade deficit for a May month since 2015, as exports rose 12.9 percent and imports advanced at a faster 14.7 percent.

While there are still factors that are weighing on the path of inflation, at present they are mainly temporary factors that typically the central bank can look through, President Mario Draghi said at the ECB Forum on Central Banking. Draghi also said that he was confident the current monetary policy has been effective in raising demand and supporting growth, and that any adjustments to the stance have to be made gradually, and only when the improving dynamics that justify them appear sufficiently secure.

Sweden posted a SEK 2.8 billion trade surplus in May of 2017 compared with a SEK 3.6 billion gap a year ago. Year-on-year, exports rose 18 percent and imports increased at a slower 11 percent. Trade with countries outside the EU resulted in a surplus of SEK 15.1 billion, while EU trade resulted in a deficit of SEK 12.3 billion.

New Zealand trade surplus narrowed to NZD 103 million in May of 2017 compared to NZD 343 million in the same month of the previous year and expectations of a NZD 420 million surplus. It was the third straight monthly surplus after 8 consecutive deficits, and leaves the year-to-date trade surplus at NZD 641 million (vs NZD 1261 million in the first five months of last year). Exports advanced to NZD 4952 million (or 8.7 percent year-on-year from a downwardly revised 8.6 percent in April), while imports jumped to NZD 4849 million (or 15.1 percent compared to a downwardly revised 4.7 percent). The annual trade deficit for the year ended May of 2017 widened to NZD 3.8 billion, from NZD 3.6 billion in April of 2017.

The unemployment rate in Mexico decreased to 3.6 percent in May of 2017 from 4 percent a year ago and in line with market expectations. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the jobless rate fell to 3.5 percent from 3.6 percent in April.

New orders for US manufactured durable goods fell 1.1 percent month-over-month in May of 2017, following an upwardly revised 0.9 percent drop in April. Figures came worse than market expectations of a 0.9 percent decline, mainly driven by a 3.4 percent slump in transport equipment. Non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircraft, seen as a proxy for business spending plans decreased 0.2 percent.

Hong Kong's trade deficit increased by 40 percent to HKD 35.65 billion in May 2017 from HKD 26.2 billion in the same month of the previous year, as exports went up 4 percent and imports rose at a faster 6.6 percent. Considering the five months of 2017, the trade deficit widened to HKD 180.5 billion from HKD 154.9 billion in the same period of the previous year, with exports rising by 8.2 percent and imports increasing 9.1 percent.

In the US, investors will be closely watching final release of GDP growth, personal income and spending and CB consumer confidence. In Europe, the most important data includes: business confidence and inflation for Germany, Italy and the Euro Area and the final GDP growth rate for the UK. Also, Japan will release inflation and unemployment figures and China official manufacturing and non-manufacturing PMIs.

Sales of new single-family houses in the United States increased 2.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 610 thousand in May of 2017 from an upwardly revised 593 thousand in April. The figure came above market expectations of 597 thousand, as sales rose in the South and the West.

The IHS Markit US Manufacturing PMI fell to 52.1 in June of 2017 from 52.7 in May and well below market expectations of 53, flash estimates showed. It is the lowest reading since September of 2016 as output and new business growth slowed, offsetting stronger contributions from job creation and inventory building.

Consumer prices in Canada increased 1.3 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, easing from a 1.6 percent rise in each of the previous two months and below market expectations of 1.5 percent. It is the lowest inflation rate since November as gasoline prices increased only half of what they rose last month and cost of clothing and footwear fell.

The Dutch economy advanced 0.4 percent on quarter in the first three months of 2017, following a 0.6 percent expansion in the previous period and matching the preliminary estimate. It was the weakest growth rate since the last quarter of 2015 as household consumption rose at a slower pace and government spending contracted while fixed investment rebounded sharply.

France GDP advanced 0.5 percent quarter-on-quarter in the March quarter of 2017, the same pace as in the prior quarter but slightly stronger than a 0.4 percent growth in the second estimates, final figures showed. It was the third straight quarter of expansion, mainly supported by fixed investment and government spending while household consumption stalled.

Consumer prices in Singapore rose 1.4 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, compared to a 0.4 percent rise in the prior month and in line with market consensus. It was the highest inflation rate since June 2014, driven by a surge in cost of housing and a faster increase in prices of food.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 3 thousand to 241 thousand in the week ended June 17th from the previous week's revised level of 238 thousand and above market expectations of 240 thousand.

The central bank of Philippines left its key overnight borrowing rate steady at 3 percent on June 22nd, 2017 as widely expected, saying that the inflation environment continues to be manageable. Policymakers kept its inflation forecasts for 2017-2019 unchanged at 3.0 percent ± 1 percentage point but said upside risks persist.

Swiss trade surplus widened to CHF 3.40 billion in May 2017 from CHF 3.34 billion a year earlier and above market expectations of CHF 2.44 billion. It was the largest trade surplus since January, as exports went up by 13.5 percent to CHF 19.56 billion while imports increased by 16.3 percent to CHF 16.16 billion.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand kept its official cash rate unchanged at record low of 1.75 percent on June 21st, 2017, as widely expected. The central bank left the monetary rate unchanged for the fourth straight meeting. Policymakers underscored that major challenges remain with persistent surplus capacity and extensive political uncertainty. They also mentioned soft GDP growth in the last quarter of 2017 and that house price inflation has moderated further. The central bank also stated that monetary policy will remain accommodative for a considerable period, as numerous uncertainties remain and policy may need to adjust accordingly.

Consumer prices in South Africa increased 5.4 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, higher than 5.3 percent in April which was the lowest rate since December of 2015. Figures came above market expectations of 5.3 percent due to rising cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages and transport.

Consumer prices in Malaysia rose 3.9 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, compared to a 4.4 percent increase in April and slightly below market expectations of a 4 percent increase. It was the lowest inflation rate since January 2017, mainly due to a slowdown in the cost of transport.

The unemployment rate in Russia declined to 5.2 percent in May of 2017 from 5.6 percent in the same month a year ago and below market expectations of 5.3 percent. It was the lowest jobless rate since September last year. The number of unemployed people decreased by 358 thousand to 3.945 million while the number of economically active people fell by 500 thousand to 76 million, representing 52 percent of total population.

Consumer prices in Hong Kong increased 2 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, at the same pace as in the previous month. Prices accelerated for food and miscellaneous goods while rose slower for transport, miscellaneous services and alcoholic drinks and tobacco.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Hong Kong stood at 3.2 percent in the three months to May of 2017, unchanged from the previous two periods and the lowest since mid 2014. The underemployment rate also remained steady at 1.2 percent.

The trade gap in Spain increased to EUR 1.2 billion in April of 2017 from a EUR 0.6 billion deficit a year earlier while markets expected EUR 1 billion shortfall. Exports decreased 2 percent to EUR 21.8 billion, mainly due to the strong seasonal effect from the timing of Easter, which took place in April this year unlike in 2016. Meanwhile, imports rose 0.5 percent to EUR 23 billion.

Japan's trade deficit widened to JPY 203.4 billion in May 2017 from JPY 47.4 billion in the same month a year earlier while missing market expectations of a JPY 76 billion surplus. Imports jumped 17.8 percent from the previous year to JPY 6,054.7 billion, boosted by higher purchases of mineral fuels, electrical machinery, chemicals and machinery. Exports increased at a slower 14.9 percent to JPY 5,851.4 billion, due to higher shipments of transport equipment, machinery, manufactured goods and electrical machinery.

Next week, important data includes existing and new home sales for the US, flash PMIs for the US, Euro Area, Germany and France, public sector borrowing for the UK and trade figures for Japan.

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for the United States went down to 94.5 in June of 2017 from 97.1 in May and well below market expectations of 97. It is the lowest reading in seven months as both present and future expectations declined, preliminary estimates showed. The recent erosion of confidence was due to more negative perceptions of the proposed economic policies among Democrats and the reduced likelihood of passage of these policies among Republicans.

The Russian economy advanced 0.5 percent year-on-year in the first three months of 2017, in line with preliminary estimates and following a 0.3 percent expansion in the previous quarter. A rebound in mining, manufacturing and trade and a jump in transportation boosted growth, final figures showed. The economy returned to growth after a two-year recession that was mainly caused by low oil prices and sanctions imposed on Russian individuals and businesses in response to the annexation of Crimea.

Housing starts in the United States slumped 5.5 percent from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 1092 thousand in May of 2017, following a downwardly revised 1156 thousand in the previous month and compared to market expectations of a 4.1 percent rise. It is the weakest construction activity in eight months as starts plunged in the Midwest and the South.

The Central Bank of Russia has lowered its benchmark one-week repo rate by 25 bps to 9 percent on June 16th, while markets expected a 50 bps rate cut, saying it will continue to conduct a moderately tight monetary policy to maintain inflation close to the 4 percent target. Also, policymakers signaled the possibility of further rate cuts in the second half of 2017, as inflation expectations continue to decline amid a recovery in economic activity.

Irish trade surplus narrowed 13.2 percent to EUR 3,855 million in April 2017 from EUR 4,442 million in the same month of the previous year, as exports decreased by 4 percent, due to lower sales of organic chemicals. Meanwhile, imports went up 4 percent, boosted by higher purchases of chemicals and related products, and office machines and automatic data processing machines.

Consumer prices in the Euro Area increased 1.4 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, slowing from a 1.9 percent rise in April and matching preliminary estimates. It is the lowest inflation rate so far this year as cost of fuel and heating oil slowed and prices of telecommunication fell further, final figures showed.

Italy's trade surplus narrowed to EUR 3.60 billion in April 2017 from EUR 4.51 billion in the same month of the previous year but better than market expectations of EUR 3.41 billion. Exports fell 2.8 percent to EUR 34.0 billion, led by lower sales of transport equipment, other products of the processing of non-metallic minerals, and textiles; while imports dropped at a slower 0.2 percent to EUR 30.41 billion, as purchases of transport equipment, clothing and vehicles declined the most.

The Bank of Japan left its key short-term interest rate unchanged at -0.1 percent at its June 2017 meeting, as widely expected. Policymakers also kept its 10-years government bond yield target around zero percent and offered a more upbeat view on private consumption and overseas economies.

Chile’s central bank kept the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.50 percent in its June 15th, 2017 meeting following a 25 bps cut in its May 18th meeting. The outcome matched consensus expectations, and leaves the interest standing at its lowest level since September of 2010. Policymakers reiterated that mining and construction activity remains soft, and that inflation (currently at 2.6 percent year-on-year) is expected to remain on target. Members of the board did not mention this time around if the room for further easing remains open.

Industrial production in the United States was flat month-over-month in May of 2017, following an upwardly revised 1.1 percent rise in April and compared to market expectations of a 0.2 percent gain. Manufacturing went down 0.4 percent, offsetting a 1.6 percent rise in mining and a 0.4 percent gain in utilities.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 8 thousand to 237 thousand in the week ended June 10th 2017, compared to market expectations of 242 thousand. The four-week moving average, considered a better measure of labor market trends as it removes out week-to-week volatility, rose 1,000 to 243,000 in last week.

The Bank Indonesia left its benchmark 7-day reverse repo rate unchanged at 4.75 percent on June 15th 2017, in line with market expectations. The overnight deposit facility rate and the lending facility rate were also left steady at 4 percent and 5.5 percent respectively, saying the decision is consistent with efforts to maintain macroeconomic and financial stability. The central bank mentioned several domestic and external risks to the economic outlook including the further rise of the Fed Funds Rate and the planned decline in its balance sheet; the results of the General Elections in the UK; the potential for declining commodity prices; the effects of administered prices on inflation and the continued consolidation of corporations and banks.

The central bank of Turkey left its benchmark one-week repo rate at 8 percent on June 15th 2017 as widely expected. Policymakers noticed the economic recovery is gathering pace although inflationary risks persist. Yet, the inflation remained at double digits for the fourth month at 11.72 percent in May and food inflation reached the highest since 2010. The central bank added that a tight stance in monetary policy will be maintained until the inflation outlook improves. The overnight lending rate was also kept at 9.25 percent and the overnight borrowing at 7.25 percent.

The Bank of England voted by five to three to keep the Bank Rate at a record low of 0.25 percent on June 15th, 2017, as widely expected. Policymakers showed concerns over rising inflation and slow pay growth and the effects on household spending and GDP. The Committee voted unanimously to maintain the stock of sterling non-financial investment-grade corporate bond purchases, financed by the issuance of central bank reserves, at £10 billion. The Committee also voted unanimously to keep the stock of UK government bond purchases, financed by the issuance of central bank reserves, at £435 billion.

Consumer prices in Italy increased 1.4 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, easing from a 1.9 percent rise in the previous period and matching preliminary estimates. Inflation slowed mainly for food and transport.

The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to EUR 17.85 billion in April of 2017 from a EUR 26.63 billion surplus a year earlier. It is the lowest surplus for an April month since 2014. Exports went down 2.8 percent year-on-year, the first decline in six months while imports rose 2.7 percent.

Nigeria's consumer prices increased 16.25 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, easing from a 17.24 percent rise in the previous month. The inflation rate fell for the fourth straight month to the lowest in 12 months, led by a general slowdown in prices. Annual core inflation rate was 13.02 percent, the lowest since March last year. On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased 1.88 percent.

The Swiss National Bank held its deposit interest rate at a record low of -0.75 percent on June 15th, 2017 as widely expected, aiming to stabilize the inflation and support growth. Policymakers said that the Swiss franc remains overvalued and that a negative rate and forex interventions are intended to rein the currency. The target range for three-month libor was also left steady between -1.25 percent and -0.25 percent.

The unemployment rate in Turkey increased to 11.7 percent in March of 2017 from 10.1 percent a year earlier. It is the highest rate for a March month since 2010 when unemployment was recorded at 12.8 percent. The non-agricultural jobless rate went up to 13.7 percent from 11.9 percent a year earlier and among youth, unemployment also rose to 21.4 percent from 17 percent.

Consumer prices in France rose 0.8 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, slowing from a 1.2 percent rise in the prior month and matching preliminary figures. It was the lowest inflation rate since December 2016, as cost of food and energy increased less than in a month earlier while cost of manufactured products continued to fall.

Indonesia posted a trade surplus of 0.47 USD billion in May of 2017, compared to a 0.37 USD billion surplus a year earlier and below market estimates of a 1.09 USD billion surplus. Considering January to May 2017, the goods surplus was recorded 5.90 USD billion, exports rose by 19.93 percent compared to the same period a year earlier to 68.26 USD billion while imports increased 15.71 percent to 62.37 USD billion.

Australia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 5.5 percent in May of 2017 from 5.7 percent in April and below market estimates of 5.7 percent. It was the lowest jobless rate since February 2013, as the economy added 42,000 jobs while the number of unemployed declined by 18,600.

The New Zealand economy advanced 0.5 percent on quarter in the first months of 2017, gaining steam after a 0.4 percent expansion in the previous period but still below market expectations of 0.7 percent, as construction surprised negatively falling 2.1 percent on quarter with all building sectors booking a fall.

The Federal Reserve raised the target range for its federal funds rate by 25bps to 1 percent to 1.25 percent during its June 2017 meeting, in line with market expectations. Policymakers kept forecasts for three rate hikes this year while increasing growth projections and lowering inflation expectations. In addition, details on how the central bank will start reducing its USD 4.5 trillion portfolio were also provided.

Consumer prices in Ghana increased 12.6 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, easing from a 13 percent rise in April. It is the lowest inflation rate since September of 2013, as declining fuel cost led to a general slowdown in prices.

Retail sales in the United States decreased by 0.3 percent month-over-month in May of 2017, following a 0.4 percent rise in April and missing market expectations of a 0.1 percent gain. It was the biggest decline since January of 2016, driven by lower sales of motor vehicles, electronics & appliance stores, gasoline stations, sporting goods, hobby, book & music stores and general merchandise stores. On a year-on-year basis, retail sales rose 3.8 percent.

Consumer prices in the United States increased 1.9 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, easing from a 2.2 percent rise in April and below market expectations of 2 percent. It is the lowest inflation rate since November last year although it was still above the 1.6 percent average over the past 10 years. Core inflation slowed further to a 2-year low of 1.7 percent.

Industrial production in the Euro Area increased 1.4 percent year-on-year in April of 2017, following an upwardly revised 2.2 percent rise in March and above market expectations of 1.3 percent. On a monthly basis, production rose 0.5 percent boosted by energy. It is the biggest gain in five months and in line with forecasts.

UK unemployment rate held at a 42-year low of 4.6 percent in the three months to April 2017, in line with market expectations. The employment rate remained at an all-time high of 74.8 percent, as the number of people in work went up by 109 thousand. Meanwhile, total pay adjusted for price inflation decreased by 0.4 percent from the previous year, the biggest drop since the three months to September 2014.

Wholesale prices in India rose 2.17 percent from a year earlier in May of 2017, compared to a 3.85 percent gain in April and below market estimates of 3.11 percent. It was the lowest wholesale inflation since December 2016, as cost of manufactured products and fuel went up at slower paces while prices of primary articles declined.

German consumer prices rose 1.5 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, easing from a 2.0 percent rise in April and matching preliminary estimates. It was the lowest inflation rate since November 2016, as cost of energy and services increased at a slower pace.

South Korea’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 3.6 percent in May of 2017 from 4.0 percent in April and reaching the lowest figure since January.

Consumer prices in the United Kingdom increased 2.9 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, higher than 2.7 percent in April and above market expectations of 2.7 percent. It is the biggest inflation rate since June of 2013, driven by cost of games, toys, holidays abroad, food, clothing and electricity.

Consumer prices in Spain increased by 1.9 percent year-on-year in May 2017, easing from a 2.6 percent gain in April and in line with preliminary estimates. It was the lowest inflation rate since December last year, as prices of fuel and tourist packages dropped. On a monthly basis, consumer prices edged down 0.1 percent compared with an increase of 1 percent in April.

Singapore’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 2.2 percent in the March quarter of 2017, the same as in the prior quarter but slightly lower compared to preliminary estimates of 2.3 percent. The jobless rate remained at its highest level since the fourth quarter 2010, as more people entered the labour force while total employment contracted the most since the second quarter 2009.

The US government posted a USD 88 billion budget deficit in May of 2017, compared to a USD 52.5 billion gap a year earlier and slightly above market expectations of a USD 86.5 billion shortfall. Outlays jumped 19 percent to USD 329 billion while receipts rose by 7 percent to USD 240 billion.

Consumer prices in India increased 2.18 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, slowing from a 2.99 percent rise in April and well below market expectations of 2.6 percent. The inflation hit a new record low for the second month as food prices fell for the first time ever led by pulses and vegetables.

Consumer prices in Portugal increased 1.5 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, easing from a 2 percent rise in April. Inflation slowed mostly for transport and restaurants and hotels after rising in April due to the Easter holidays.

The Turkish GDP advanced 5 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2017, following 3.5 percent growth in the previous period and beating market expectations of a 4 percent rise. The expansion was driven by higher government spending, investment and exports. On a quarterly basis, the economy grew 1.4 percent.

Next week, the most important event is the Fed monetary policy decision, with markets anticipating another hike in the federal funds rate. The Bank of England and the Bank of Japan are expected to leave monetary policy on hold. On the political front, the second round of the French parliamentary election is scheduled for Sunday June 18th.

Russian trade surplus increased by 21.1 percent to $8 billion in April 2017 from $6.6 billion in the same month a year earlier and below market expectations of a $8.5 billion surplus. Exports rose 20 percent to $26.1 billion and imports went up 19.6 percent to $18.1 billion.

The unemployment rate in Canada increased to 6.6 percent in May of 2017 from 6.5 percent in the previous month, which was the lowest since October of 2008. Figures came in line with market expectations. The higher unemployment rate results of more people participating in the labour market. The labour force increased by 78.4 thousand while the economy added 54.5 thousand new jobs. As a result, the number of unemployed increased by 23.9 thousand.

Consumer prices in Brazil increased 3.6 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, following a 4.08 percent rise in April and below market expectations of 3.77 percent. The inflation slowed for the ninth straight month to the lowest since May of 2007. Inflation for food and beverages was the smallest since January of 2007 while prices increased more for housing and utilities, transport and clothing.

The UK’s deficit on trade in goods and services narrowed by £1.8 billion to £2.1 billion in April 2017 from a downwardly revised £3.9 billion in March. Imports declined in the month by 3.5 percent to £51.9 billion from an all-time high of £53.7 billion, due to a decrease in purchases of mechanical machinery, oil and cars. Exports also fell slightly by 0.1 percent to £49.8 billion, almost unchanged from the previous month's record high.

German trade surplus fell to EUR 18.1 billion in April of 2017 from EUR 25.3 billion in the same month a year earlier. It was the smallest trade surplus since January, as exports declined 2.9 percent year-on-year to EUR 101.0 billion while imports increased 5.4 percent to EUR 83.0 billion.

Philippines trade deficit narrowed to USD 2.05 billion in April of 2017, compared to a USD 2.58 billion gap a year earlier, as exports rose while imports fell.

China's consumer prices rose 1.5 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, following a 1.2 percent rise in April and matching market consensus. It was the highest inflation rate since January, as cost of non-food increased further and cost of food fell much less than in a month earlier.

Consumer prices in Mexico jumped 6.16 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, following a 5.82 percent rise in April and slightly above market expectations of 6.15 percent. The inflation rate accelerated for the eleventh straight month driven by higher cost of housing and utilities, food and energy.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 10 thousand to 245 thousand in the week ended June 3rd 2017, compared to market expectations of 240 thousand. The 4-week moving average which removes week to week volatility went up by 2.25 thousand to 242 thousand.

The ECB held its benchmark refinancing rate at 0 percent for the eleventh consecutive meeting on June 8th and closed the door to further rate cuts, as the Euro Area economy is expected to expand faster than previously estimated and the risks to the growth outlook are now broadly balanced. The central bank also left the pace of its bond-purchases unchanged, saying a very substantial degree of monetary accommodation is still needed to support inflation in the medium term.

Consumer prices in Tanzania rose 6.1 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, easing from a 6.4 percent increase in the previous month. It was the lowest inflation rate since February, mainly due to a slowdown in cost of food, transport and utilities. On a monthly basis, consumer prices went up 0.2 percent compared to a 0.5 percent rise in April.

Irish consumer prices increased by 0.2 percent in the year to May 2017 after rising by 0.9 percent in the previous month. It was the lowest inflation rate since December last year, as cost rose at a slower pace for transport, and restaurants and hotels.

The Greek seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell sharply to 22.5 percent in March 2017 from a downwardly revised 22.9 percent in the previous month and compared with 23.8 percent in March 2016. It was the lowest jobless rate since February of 2012, as the number of unemployed decreased 1.8 percent from the previous month to 1.1 million and employment rose 0.3 percent to 3.7 million. Still, Greek unemployment rate is more than double the Eurozone's average of 9.3 percent.

The Eurozone economy expanded 0.6 percent on quarter in the first three months of 2017, better than a second estimate of 0.5 percent and following a 0.5 percent advance in the previous period. It was the strongest growth rate since the first quarter of 2015, mainly boosted by fixed investment and household consumption. Growth picked up in Germany, Spain and Italy but slowed in France.

French trade deficit widened to EUR 5.54 billion in April 2017 from a downwardly revised EUR 4.78 billion in March but below market expectations of a EUR 6.0 billion gap. Exports fell 3.1 percent month-on-month to EUR 38.3 billion while imports decreased at a slower 1.0 percent to EUR 43.8 billion.

Consumer prices in Switzerland increased 0.5 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, following a 0.4 percent rise in April. Figures came above market expectations of 0.3 percent, boosted by higher food cost.

Swiss unadjusted unemployment rate declined to 3.1 percent in May of 2017 from 3.3 percent in April and in line with market estimates. It was the lowest jobless rate since July 2016, as the number of unemployed and jobseekers fell.

China's trade surplus fell to USD 40.8 billion in May of 2017 from USD 44.7 billion a year earlier and missing market consensus of a USD 46.3 billion surplus, as exports rose less than imports.

Australia's trade surplus narrowed 82.5 percent to AUD 0.555 billion in April of 2017 from an upwardly revised AUD 3.169 billion in March. The figure came in below market expectations of AUD 1.95 billion after a cyclone in Queensland sharply reduced exports of coal.

The Japanese economy advanced 0.3 percent quarter-on-quarter in the three months to March of 2017, below preliminary estimates of a 0.5 percent expansion but at the same pace as in the prior quarter. Upward revision in capital expenditure was not able to offset a weaker private consumption.

In the first three months of 2017, the Australian GDP grew 0.3 percent quarter on quarter, marking 103 consecutive periods without a recession, one of the longest streaks in the world. Yet, the economy may face some headwinds as wage growth is stagnant, the housing market is slowing and subdued prices of iron ore, coal and oil and slower growth in China may lower exports revenues.

Britain's economy accelerated at the end of last year but signs of weakness emerged during the first months of 2017, suggesting the Brexit is starting to take its toll on household spending. The situation may get even worse following UK General Election on June 8th. If Theresa May does not win a majority on Thursday’s election as predicted just a month ago, her ability to drive Brexit reform through parliament will be diminished.

Despite losing momentum in the first quarter, Singapore’s economy is expected to pick up the stream this year alongside improving global trade. While trade-related sectors and services grew strongly, the expansion of domestic-oriented sectors was relatively weaker, with a contraction in private construction and subdued consumer spending.

The Reserve Bank of India held its benchmark repo rate at 6.25 percent on June 7th 2017 as widely expected, saying the decision is consistent with a neutral monetary policy stance. Policymakers added that the inflation outlook for the next months is uncertain and revised down its GVA growth forecasts for 2017-2018 by 10bps to 7.3 percent. The reverse repo rate was also left unchanged at 6 percent, following a 25bps cut in April; the bank rate at 6.5 percent and the cash rate at 4 percent.

The Australian economy expanded 0.3 percent in the March quarter of 2017, compared to a 1.1 percent growth in the December quarter 2016 while markets expected a 0.2 percent expansion. Positive contributions from final domestic demand and changes in inventories were unable to offset weak net trade and a drop in dwelling investment.

Consumer prices in Russia increased by 4.1 percent year-on-year in May 2017, at the same pace as in the previous month and in line with market expectations. Prices increased at a faster pace for food while slowed for housing and utilities, clothing and footwear and transport. On a monthly basis, prices went up 0.4 percent after advancing by 0.3 percent in April.

The South African economy advanced 1 percent year-on-year in the first three months of 2017, higher than 0.7 percent in the previous two quarters and matching market expectations. It is the highest growth rate since the second quarter of 2015 due to a rebound in mining and a 2-year high jump in agriculture.

The South African economy unexpectedly contracted an annualized 0.7 percent on quarter in the first three months of 2017, following a 0.3 percent drop in the previous period and compared to market expectations of a 0.9 percent expansion. It is the first recession since 2009 as both trade and manufacturing recorded negative growth rates.

The Reserve Bank of Australia left the cash rate unchanged at a record low of 1.5 percent during the meeting held on June 6th, as widely expected. Policymakers said the transition to lower levels of mining investment following the mining investment boom is almost complete and inflation is expected to rise gradually as the economy strengthens.

Consumer prices in the Philippines rose 3.1 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, following a 3.4 percent rise in April and below market expectations of 3.3 percent. It was the lowest inflation rate since January, as cost of food and transport rose at slower paces while inflation was steady for housing & utilities.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI index for the United States fell to 56.9 in May of 2017 from 57.5 in April, slightly below market expectations of 57. Production and new orders rose at a slower pace while employment picked up. The majority of respondents’ comments continue to indicate optimism about business conditions and the overall economy.

Consumer prices in Turkey rose 11.72 percent year-on-year in May of 2017, slightly below an 8-year high of 11.87 percent in the previous month. Prices eased mostly for transport while food inflation was the highest since October of 2010.