the Producer Price Index for the Mining and Quarrying industry posted a growth of 2% for October 2017. The movement was as a result of the major group ‘Bauxite Mining Alumina Processing’ which experience a similar growth of 2% in its index according to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). STATIN also noted, “this was
The seasonally adjusted production in the construction sector fell 0.4% in the euro area (EA19) for October 2017 relative to September 2017. First estimates from the Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union reflect a 0.7% decline for the EU28 for October 2017. This follows a 0.1% increase in the euro area (EU19) for
The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives approved sweeping, debt-financed tax legislation on Tuesday, sending the bill to the Senate, where lawmakers were due to take up the package later in the evening. The biggest overhaul of the U.S. tax system in more than 30 years could be signed into law by President Donald Trump as
The U.S. current account deficit at the end of the third quarter of 2017 declined to $100.6 billion from $124.4 billion in the second quarter of 2017, according to information released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The improvement from the third quarter reflects a decrease in the deficits on secondary income and goods
Consumer Price Index- November 2017 The inflation rate for the month November 2017 inched up to 0.6%, following an upward movement of 0.4% in October 2017 according to The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). The Consumer Price Index for the month rose from 245.8 in October 2017 to 247.3 for November 2017. The division which
Euro Area Based on the first estimate from Eurostat for the euro area (EA19) exports of goods to the rest of the world in October 2017 amounted to €187.9 billion, up 8.8% versus €172.6 billion for October 2016. Imports from the rest of the world stood at €168.9 billion, an increase of 10.1% relative to
The European Central Bank kept its interest rate on the main refinancing operations and the interest rates on the marginal lending facility and the deposit facility unchanged at 0.00%, 0.25% and -0.40% respectively. The ECB also expects the rates to remain at current levels for some time past the horizon of the net asset purchases.
Brent Oil Brent oil prices increased 1.99% or US$1.22, as prices rose this week. Oil traded on December 14, 2017 at a price of $62.44 per barrel relative to US$61.22 last week. Brent oil began the year at US$56.00 per barrel. Petrojam prices 87 Octane prices declined week over week, by 1.07% (JMD$1.30). Additionally 90
Federal Reserve officials followed through on an expected interest-rate increase today citing continued strengthening in the labour market and rising economic activity. “Averaging through hurricane-related fluctuations, job gains have been solid, and the unemployment rate declined further. Household spending has been expanding at a moderate rate, and growth in business fixed investment has picked up
The Producer Price Index increased 0.4% in November 2017 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This follows a 0.4% upward movement in both October and September. On an unadjusted basis, the final demand index rose 3.1% for the 12 months ended in November. The final demand index in November rose due to a
