Economic sentiment in the euro area rose in May, with the indicator increasing to 93.5 points from the revised 93.2 points a month ago, according to European Commission data published Thursday.
The latest reading is above the consensus estimate of 92.8 points.
Meanwhile, the consumer confidence index was at -19 points, in line with the flash estimate, against the previous -20.6 points.
Hong Kong's goods export value for April increased 42.9% year over year to HK$620.9 billion, accelerating from a 35.8% jump in March, data from the city's Census and Statistics Department showed.Imports rose by 44.4% to HK$650.4 billion during the month, following a 41.2% increase in the prior month.The visible trade deficit stood at HK$29.5 billion in April, equivalent to 4.5% of the value of goods imports.Exports to markets in Asia and the U.S. rose year over year, with Switzerland and the U.K. also registering sharp increases.Imports from major supplies including Korea, India, Vietnam, the U.K., Malaysia, and the Mainland also increased.For the four months ended April 30, export and import values climbed 35% and 38.9%, respectively, with a visible trade deficit of HK$198 billion.Looking ahead, a government spokesperson said international demand for AI-related electronic products will support merchandise trade performance.However, the Hong Kong Government will monitor the situation amid risks, including supply chain disruptions and high transportation costs, due to the Middle East conflict.
Italy's business confidence index dropped to 94.1 points in May from the revised 95.1 points in April, according to data from statistics agency Istat published Thursday.For the manufacturing sector, the confidence index is steady at 87.9 points. The consensus estimate stood at 87.5 points.Meanwhile, the Italian consumer confidence indicator was at 93.4 points, against the prior 90.8 points and the expected 90.1 points.
Spain's seasonally and calendar-adjusted retail sales declined 1.5% month over month in April, compared with the 1.2% growth in the previous month, the National Statistics Institute said Thursday.On a yearly basis, retail sales were 0.8% higher, compared with the 4.1% growth earlier.