Print this page

From Eurozone, yesterday, only Final French CPI figures were released. In February 2018, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) was unchanged, following a –0.1% downturn in January. Food prices barely edged down (−0.1%), in the wake of fresh product prices. Those of “manufactured product” decreased again, but less markedly than in January (−0.3% after −2.2%). Services prices slowed down for the second consecutive month (+0.1% after +0.2%). Lastly, energy prices were stable, the decrease in petroleum product prices being offset by a rise in gas and electricity prices.

In the US session Unemployment Claims and Empire State Manufacturing Index data was published. In the week ending March 10, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 226,000, a decrease of 4,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised down by 1,000 from 231,000 to 230,000. The 4-week moving average was 221,500, a decrease of 750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised down by 250 from 222,500 to 222,250.

 

Business activity grew robustly in New York State, according to firms responding to the March 2018 Empire State Manufacturing Survey. The headline general business conditions index climbed nine points to 22.5. The new orders index rose to 16.8 and the shipments index advanced to 27.0—readings that pointed to strong growth in orders and shipments. Unfilled orders increased, delivery times lengthened, and inventories edged higher.

 

There will be no major data releases from Eurozone tomorrow. In the US session Building Permits and Hosuing Starts figures will be released. Analysts predict slight decrease to 1.33 million and 1.29 million respectively.

 

Figures to watch:

 

Building Permits/Housing Starts (Friday 14:30)