Financial News · Live Terminal

Page 192 of 235

Italy's Monthly Industrial Output Up 0.7% in March

Italy's seasonally adjusted industrial production increased 0.7% month over month in March, after a revised 0.2% uptick in February, statistics agency Istat said Tuesday.Analysts expected a 0.2% gain for the month.On a yearly basis, the calendar-adjusted industrial output rose 1.5%, against the revised 0.4% growth earlier.

^SXXP

International134d ago

Swiss Monthly Producer, Import Prices Up 0.8% in April

Switzerland's monthly producer and import price index ticked up 0.8% in April, after a 0.2% gain in March, data from the country's Federal Statistical Office showed Tuesday.Analysts expected a 0.1% growth for the month.On a yearly basis, Swiss producer and import prices were 2% lower, compared with a 2.7% drop in the prior month.

^SSMI

International134d ago

German Annual Inflation Confirmed at 2.9% in April

Confirming the flash estimate, Germany's annual inflation rate accelerated to 2.9% in April from 2.7% in March, final data from the country's Federal Statistical Office showed Tuesday.The reading marks the highest inflation level reached since January 2024.On a monthly basis, consumer prices edged up 0.6%, matching the preliminary reading and against the previous 1.1% increase.The annual harmonized inflation rates for April were also confirmed at 2.9%, compared with 2.8% earlier. Meanwhile, harmonized consumer prices were affirmed to be 0.5% higher month over month, against the previous reading of a 1.2% jump.

^SXXP

International134d ago

Japan's Trade Deficit Narrows in First 20 Days of April

Japan's trade deficit narrowed to 224.8 billion yen in the first 20 days of April from 268.4 billion yen a year earlier as exports grew faster than imports, provisional data from the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday showed.Exports during the month rose 9.6% to 6.62 trillion yen from 6.039 trillion yen a year earlier.Imports, meanwhile, grew 8.5% on year to 6.845 trillion yen from 6.307 trillion yen a year ago.

Nikkei 225

International134d ago

Market Chatter: India Mulls Emergency Steps to Protect Foreign Reserves

India is said to be evaluating emergency steps to strengthen its foreign-exchange reserves in a bid to curb the damage caused by the surge in oil prices, according to a Bloomberg report on Tuesday, citing sources.As per the report, the Indian government is considering moves like curbing non-essential imports such as gold and electronic goods, and hiking fuel prices.The moves are expected to help shelter the economy amid the global economic turmoil caused by the Iran war.Officials in the Prime Minister's Office and Finance Ministry have held discussions with the Reserve Bank of India on possible measures to limit the damage from the rising oil prices, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

^BSENifty 50

International134d ago

Indonesia Retail Sales Seen Stable in April Despite Monthly Decline

Indonesia's retail sales are projected to remain stable in April, albeit declining from the month prior, according to Bank Indonesia's Retail Sales Survey released on Tuesday.The Real Sales Index (RSI) for April is estimated at 231, supported by continued annual growth in spare parts and accessories, other household equipment, and clothing sales.Monthly, retail sales are forecast to decline 10% in April, following the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr festive period, as consumer demand normalizes after the holidays, the central bank said.Bank Indonesia warned that inflationary pressures are expected to increase over the next three and six months, due to rising raw material prices.

^JKSE

International134d ago

Malaysia's Jobless Rate Remains Steady at 2.9% in March

Malaysia's unemployment rate stood at 2.9% in March, unchanged from the previous month, according to data released by the country's Department of Statistics on Tuesday.The number of unemployed persons in Malaysia rose 0.4% to 509,000 in March from 506,800 in February.The number of employed persons also edged up 0.1% to 16.80 million, while the employment-to-population ratio remained steady at 68.8%.The Southeast Asian country's labor force expanded 0.1% month over month to 17.31 million, with the labor force participation rate unchanged at 70.9%, the data showed.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI

International134d ago

ANZ Sees Possible Spending Restraint in New Zealand's 2026 Budget

Tax increases appear unlikely, but some spending restraint is possible in the upcoming New Zealand budget, as a restraint could reduce inflation pressure, limit debt growth, and lower downgrade risk, ANZ Research said in a Tuesday report.ANZ noted that previous estimates suggested oil-shock impacts could add NZ$10 billion in debt issuance by 2030, while weaker growth forecasts now lift that estimate to NZ$15 billion, but cutting budget allowances by NZ$1 billion per year could reduce the increase to about NZ$5 billion.The bank believes that budget 2026 will be challenging as the government balances economic support, inflation risks, and debt sustainability.

^NZ50

International134d ago

Philippines Logs FDI Net Flows of $590 Million in February

The Philippines recorded net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows of $590 million in February, according to data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Tuesday.The United States emerging as the largest source of investments.Firms in the financial and insurance sector attracted the biggest share of inflows during the month.Cumulative FDI net inflows for January and February stood at $1 billion, the central bank said.

^PSEI

International134d ago

China Logistics Sector Contracts in April

China's logistics sector contracted in April, with the index tracking the market falling to 49.7% from 50.2% in March, according to the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.The new orders index rose for a second consecutive month to 49.8%.The business activity expectations index stood at 56.3%, remaining in expansion territory for four straight months.The postal and express delivery industry posted a total business volume index of 69.6%, sustaining high growth momentum.

Shanghai Composite^SZSE

International134d ago

BRC: UK Retail Sales Decline 3.4% in April

Retail sales in the UK dropped 3.4% year over year on a like-for-like basis in April, against the 3.1% rise in the previous month, according to data from the British Retail Consortium published Tuesday.The reading, which missed market expectations of a 0.8% increase, marked the first fall in retail activity since November 2024.BRC attributed the contraction to the Easter shift and weak consumer confidence amid the Middle East conflict.

FTSE 100

International134d ago

Business Confidence in Australia Rises in April Despite Persistent Weakness, NAB Says

Business confidence in Australia rose 5 points to negative 24 in April, driven by partial recoveries in retail, construction, and recreation and personal services, although trend confidence remained strongly negative across all industries and regions, National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB) said in a Tuesday report.Business conditions fell by 3 points to 3 index points, marking a fourth straight monthly decline and remaining well below the long-run average, while employment declined, profitability remained flat, and trading conditions weakened.The April survey shows that the energy price shock is creating challenges for businesses, with rising cost pressures and a weakening outlook for future demand, said Gareth Spence, NAB head of Australian economics.Conditions declined across most industries, with slight improvements in manufacturing and retail, while by state, they rose by 12 points in Victoria but fell in all other regions.Capacity utilization fell to around 83%, its lowest level since July 2025, but still above its long-run average, while forward orders dropped by 4 points in April and capital expenditures fell by 8 points.Purchase costs rose to 4.5% on a quarterly equivalent basis, while labor costs edged up to 1.7%, product prices increased to 1.8%, and retail prices increased 3.2% to reach a multi-year high.

ASX 200ASX:NAB

International134d ago

Australian Consumer Confidence Falls on Weak Household Finances

The ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian consumer confidence fell 3.1 points to 64.1 in the week of May 4 to May 10, ANZ reported Tuesday.The four-week moving average edged down 0.1 points to 65.9 points.Australian consumer confidence fell to near historic lows after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised the cash rate to 4.35%, with broad-based declines led by a sharp drop in household finances despite a slight easing in inflation expectations on lower petrol prices, according to ANZ economist Sophia Angala.Household spending data for March indicates that higher fuel prices had not yet reduced consumer spending, but record-low consumer confidence suggests weaker demand ahead, reinforcing expectations that the RBA will keep the cash rate steady at 4.35% in the near term, Angala added.Weekly inflation expectations fell to 6.4% from 6.7%, while the current financial condition indicator for 12 months fell 4.1 points to 58.3. The future financial conditions for the next 12 months decreased to 74 points from 76.8.Short-term economic confidence for the next year fell 1 point to 55.9, while medium-term economic confidence for the next five years decreased to 71.8 points from 76.4.The "time to buy a major household item" subcategory fell 3.4 points to 60.3.

ASX 200

International134d ago

Japan Foreign Reserves Rise to $1.383 Trillion in April

Japan's foreign reserve assets increased in April, supported by higher holdings in securities and valuation gains in gold assets, according to official data released Tuesday.Total reserve assets stood at $1.383 trillion at the end of April, up $8.25 billion from the previous month.Foreign currency reserves made up the bulk at $1.169 trillion, including $1.007 trillion in securities and $162.20 billion in deposits with foreign central banks and other financial institutions.Japan also held $61.05 billion in Special Drawing Rights and an IMF reserve position of $11.27 billion. Gold holdings were valued at $125.43 billion, based on 27.2 million fine troy ounces.Other reserve assets totaled $15.82 billion, while additional foreign currency assets stood at $33.52 billion, including loans to the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.On short-term positions, Japan reported $20 billion in long positions in foreign currency forwards and futures. Contingent short-term drains from collateral guarantees amounted to $8.14 billion in net outflows.

Nikkei 225

International134d ago

Japan Household Spending Falls as Incomes Rise in March

Household spending in Japan declined in March even as incomes continued to rise, according to government data released Tuesday.Average monthly consumption expenditures for two-or-more-person households stood at 334,701 yen, marking a 1.3% decrease in nominal terms and a 2.9% drop in real terms compared with the same month a year earlier.In contrast, worker households recorded stronger income growth. Average monthly income rose to 557,663 yen, up 6.4% in nominal terms and 4.7% in real terms from the previous year.

Nikkei 225

International134d ago

Volume of Ready-Mixed Concrete in New Zealand Rises in the March Quarter

New Zealand's seasonally adjusted volume of ready-mixed concrete rose 1.1% in the March quarter, following a 2.7% rise in the preceding three-month period, Stats NZ data showed Tuesday.In actual terms, volume rose 1.8% year on year to 869,652 cubic meters.In the year ended March, 3.7 million cubic meters of ready-mixed concrete were produced, down 3.8% from the prior corresponding period, per the report.

^NZ50

International134d ago

New Zealand Light, Heavy Traffic Decline in April, Says ANZ Research

Light traffic in New Zealand fell about 1.7% in April, signaling softer demand as higher fuel prices made people more wary of driving, ANZ Research said Tuesday.The light traffic index, which tracks the movement of motorbikes, cars, and vans and is an indicator of consumer demand in the country, was still up 2.4% year on year despite declines in recent months.The Heavy Traffic Index, which mainly tracks trucks and buses and is a marker of production activity, also fell by 1.2% during the month.

^NZ50

International134d ago

Property Values in New Zealand Hold Steady in April, Says QV

Home property values in New Zealand held steady in April, showing no sense of urgency in the market, albeit with buyers having become increasingly cautious amid rising economic and political uncertainty, QV said Tuesday.According to the latest QV House Price Index, the average national property value grew by 0.2% to NZ$912,406 over the quarter, up 0.3% since the beginning of the year but down about 0.2% year-on-year.Regionally, average home values slipped 0.3% in Auckland and 0.1% in Wellington, in contrast to a 0.9% uptick in Christchurch.QV spokesperson Simon Petersen said it is highly likely that most buyers will take their "sweet time" to shop and wait for the right opportunity given continued paucity of listings available."We're heading into late autumn now, when activity does typically start to slow down a bit, and that's likely to keep levels of home value growth relatively subdued at best," Petersen added.The firm expects the stable and balanced market conditions seen so far in the year to continue in the short term.

^NZ50

International134d ago

TSX Closer: Up For a Second Session, Though Risks Around Events at the Strait of Hormuz Likely Capped Gains

The Toronto Stock Exchange rose for a second-straight session Monday on improved commodity prices, while risks stemming from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz likely capped gains, while RBC outlined "key hidden trends that support its cautiously optimistic view of Canada's labour market recovery this year".The S&P/TSX Composite Index closed up 61.12 points, or 0.2%, to 34,138.88, adding to the 220 points gained Friday, even with sectors mixed. The Battery Metals Index was up 3.8%, Base Metals up 2.1% and Energy up near 1.7%. In contrast, Info Tech was down near 3.8% and Health Care down 2.1%.On equities as an asset class compared to others, Rosenberg Research in its latest monthly 'Strategizer', said its model's tactical allocation points to the maximum risk-off tone allowed within confines of the model, favoring cash (10%) and fixed-income (50%) over equity risk (40%). "The contrarian nature of the model shined through last month with equity scores soaring, but the signal has reversed this month, with broad-based declines across equity scorecards," it added.Rosenberg Research noted the energy sector is screening as #1 in both the United States and Canada. Its commodity model points to the asset class "remaining favorable", noting energy-related commodities are heavily weighted in the top rankings. Its gold model is "exhibiting some strength" in a fourth monthly rise, and it remains "long-term bullish'.On economics, RBC Economics published 'The hidden resilience in Canada's labour market' in which it noted headline labor market data in Canada looks "gloomy" in 2026. But beneath that lies more encouraging details, it said, adding: "fewer permanent layoffs and stable hidden unemployment point to easing in cyclical weakness and underlying resilience".Sectors exposed to U.S. demand are still seeing job losses, but those losses haven't spread to the broader economy, RBC said. More recently, hiring intentions among Canadian firms have picked up, though translating those plans into actual job growth will take time, it noted. "Structurally, Canada's aging population is tightening its grip on labour supply as immigration slows, and retirements accelerate," RBC added.RBC outlined key hidden trends that support its "cautiously optimistic" view of Canada's labor market recovery this year, including that: 90% of Canadian jobs focus on domestic demand, and will be supported by firmer spending; to date, there's little signs of young job seekers giving up on their job searches en masse, despite elevated unemployment; and business hiring sentiment broadly held up even amid Middle East tension.Meanwhile, TD Economics published 'The Hidden Food Inflation Risk from the Strait of Hormuz Disruption'. Among highlights, TD said the Strait of Hormuz disruption is "more than an energy shock", noting the closure has blocked roughly one-third of the global seaborne fertilizer trade with nitrogen and phosphate supply the most exposed. Gulf-dependent fertilizer importers are being hit first, but rising prices are impacting food producers all over the world, the bank added.North America may avoid the worst of the supply shock, but it remains exposed to global price spillovers, TD said. Existing inventories and low-farm-to-retail pass through should limit the headline CPI impact, but a persistent fertilizer shock could still add upside pressure to food inflation, it added.Of commodities, gold was steady midafternoon Monday after the United States rejected Iran's response to its peace plan offered last week, calling the country's response unacceptable. Gold for June delivery was up $0.60 to US$4,731.30 per ounce.Also, West Texas Intermediate oil rose as the war that has produced the largest-ever energy supply shock looks set to continue. WTI crude oil for June delivery closed up $2.65 to settle at US$98.07 per barrel, while July Brent oil was up $3.47 to US$104.76.

S&P/TSX CompositeS&P/TSX Composite$CXY

International134d ago

April US Overall Consumer Prices Expected to Rise by 0.6% After Energy Surge in March

The US Consumer Price Index is expected to rise by 0.6% in April after a 0.9% energy-led gain in March, according to a survey compiled by Bloomberg.The year-over-year rate is forecast to accelerate further to 3.7% from 3.3% as a result.The CPI data are scheduled to be released at 8:30 am ET Tuesday.The same survey looks for a 0.3% increase in core CPI, excluding the volatile food and energy components after 0.2% increase. The year-over-year rate is expected to rise to 2.7% from 2.6%.Prices in the owners' equivalent rents and regular rents categories are forecast to post further small gains. Those two categories combine for nearly one-third of overall CPI and are a key focus for the Federal Reserve.New vehicle prices and used vehicle prices are expected to rebound modestly after weakness in the previous month.The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measures for April, the overall and core PCE price readings, are due to be released on May 28.

Showing 3821-3840 of 4699

International134d ago

TSX Closer: Up For a Second Session, Though Risks Around Events at the Strait of Hormuz Likely Capped Gains

S&P/TSX CompositeS&P/TSX Composite$CXY