The key points from today’s economic news, brought to you by Guardian Stockbrokers.
UK CB leading economic index registered a rise in August
The CB leading economic index registered a rise of 0.20% on a monthly basis in the UK, in August. The CB leading economic index had dropped by a revised 0.20% in the prior month.
UK retail sales across all sectors rose more than expected in September
In the UK, retail sales across all sectors rose 2.60% on an annual basis in September, higher than market expectations for a rise of 1.50%. Retail sales across all sectors had recorded a drop of 1.00% in the prior month.
France posted a current account surplus in August
France has swung to a current account surplus of €0.20 billion in August, compared to a current account deficit of €0.40 billion in the prior month.
BoJ minutes revealed that economy continues to recover moderately
Minutes of Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) recent monetary policy meeting indicated that the members of the BoJ’s monetary policy board were of the opinion that Japan’s economy has continued to recover moderately, even though exports and production have been affected by the slowdown in emerging economies. The minutes indicated that the central bank saw consumer prices falling in the year ended March, due to the effects of the decline in energy prices. Also, the central bank will continue with quantitative and qualitative monetary easing to achieve the price stability target of 2%.
Japanese bank lending ex-trust advanced less than expected in September
In September, bank lending ex-trust rose 2.60% in Japan on an annual basis, less than market expectations for a rise of 2.70%. In the prior month, bank lending ex-trust had climbed 2.80%.
Japanese bank lending including trusts recorded a rise in September
In September, on a YoY basis, bank lending including trusts in Japan advanced 2.60%. In the prior month, bank lending including trusts had registered a rise of 2.70%.
Chinese exports fell less than expected in September
Exports dropped 3.70% in China on a YoY basis in September, compared to a drop of 5.50% in the previous month. Markets were anticipating exports to ease 6.00%.
Chinese imports fell more than expected in September
In September, imports slid 20.40% in China on a YoY basis, higher than market expectations for a fall of 16.00%. Imports had registered a drop of 13.80% in the prior month.
Chinese trade surplus expanded in September
Trade surplus in China widened to $60.34 billion in September, compared to market expectations of a trade surplus of $48.21 billion. China had registered a trade surplus of $60.24 billion in the previous month.
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