U.S.: Most Fed Officials Saw Tightening ‘Soon,’ Favoured Unwind Plan Most Federal Reserve officials judged “it would soon be appropriate” to tighten monetary policy again and backed a plan that would gradually shrink their $4.5 trillion balance sheet. “Most participants judged that if economic information came in about in line with their expectations it would
Asia: Moody's downgrades China, warns of fading financial strength as debt mounts Moody's Investors Service downgraded China's credit ratings on Wednesday for the first time in nearly 30 years, saying it expects the financial strength of the economy will erode in coming years as growth slows and debt continues to rise. The one-notch downgrade in
Europe: Germany's healthy growth remains on track: Bundesbank German's relatively robust growth will continue throughout the spring, supported by strong demand for industrial goods, high construction activity and buoyant private consumption, the Bundesbank said on Monday. Europe's largest economy grew by 0.6 percent in the first quarter, faster than the United States and most
Europe: Germany's healthy growth remains on track: Bundesbank German's relatively robust growth will continue throughout the spring, supported by strong demand for industrial goods, high construction activity and buoyant private consumption, the Bundesbank said on Monday. Europe's largest economy grew by 0.6 percent in the first quarter, faster than the United States and most
Asia: China to lift curbs on foreign fund offshore investments China will lift a two-year suspension on foreign funds raising money in the country to invest overseas as early as June, people familiar with the matter said, a sign that Beijing is getting less anxious about capital outflow pressures. Some industry executives said the
Asia: China to lift curbs on foreign fund offshore investments China will lift a two-year suspension on foreign funds raising money in the country to invest overseas as early as June, people familiar with the matter said, a sign that Beijing is getting less anxious about capital outflow pressures. Some industry executives said the expected
U.S.: Falling U.S. Jobless Claims Add to Signs of Labour Tightness The U.S. labour market continues to show signs of tightening, with unemployment claims declining for the third straight week and benefit rolls matching the lowest level since 1973, Labor Department data showed Thursday. Highlights of Jobless Claims (Week Ended May 13) • Initial benefit
Europe: Euro zone expands trade surplus despite protectionist calls The euro zone increased its trade surplus with the rest of the world in March with both exports and imports rising markedly, in a sign that global commerce has so far not been hampered by protectionist calls. The European Union statistics office Eurostat said on Tuesday
Europe: Germany's upturn set to continue in coming months: Economy Ministry Germany's economy is expected to grow robustly, the Economy Ministry said in its monthly report on Monday, with public and private consumption continuing to increase strongly and moderate export growth expected. Solid expansion of 0.6 percent in the first quarter was reflected in employment
Asia: China c.bank to maintain prudent monetary policy, eyes on shadow banking risks China's central bank said on Friday that it will maintain a prudent and neutral monetary policy and keep liquidity basically stable. China will also strengthen oversight to prevent risks in the shadow banking category, including asset management products, the People's Bank of