Global economic growth improves but still hovers around 3-year lows
May 13, 2016 13:24 pm UTC| Commentary
Global economic growth touched higher for the second straight month in April but remains stuck at around 3-year lows, according to data compiled by Markit. The Purchasing Managers Index remains broadly consistent with the...
U.S Treasuries mixed on strong retail sales, dovish Yellen’s comment
May 13, 2016 13:19 pm UTC| Commentary
The U.S. Treasuries traded mixed on Friday after data showed higher than expected April retail sales data. On the other hand, Fed Chair Janet Yellens dovish comments supported bond prices. The yield on the benchmark...
South Africa manufacturing output shrinks beyond estimates on weak global demand
May 13, 2016 12:56 pm UTC| Commentary
South Africa witnessed a decline in manufacturing output and mining production as weak demand across the globe pushed the ailing economy closer to recessionary pressures. Figures from the Statistics South Africa showed...

Currency snapshot (major pairs)
May 13, 2016 12:55 pm UTC| Commentary
Dollar index trading at 94.36 (+0.26%) Strength meter (today so far) Euro -0.55%, Franc -0.36%, Yen -0.28%, GBP -0.48% Strength meter (since last week) Euro -0.79%, Franc -0.30%, Yen -2.12%, GBP -0.28% EUR/USD...
AUD/USD likely to trade in narrow range, to reach 0.80 by 2017-end
May 13, 2016 12:44 pm UTC| Commentary
In mid-April, the AUD/USD pair broke to new 10-month highs close to 0.7850 amidst increased volatility. This was mainly due to weakness in the US dollar, indicating the declining prospect of a rate hike in June by the US...

Currency snapshot (commodity pairs)
May 13, 2016 12:37 pm UTC| Commentary
Dollar index trading at 94.3 (+0.20%) Strength meter (today so far) Aussie -0.46%, Kiwi -0.31%, Loonie +0.36% Strength meter (since last week) Aussie -1.06%, Kiwi -0.50%, Loonie +0.14% AUD/USD Trading at...
US economy likely to expand at annualized rate of about 2.5 pct in Q2
May 13, 2016 12:30 pm UTC| Commentary
In the January to March period of 2016, the US economic growth decelerated to an annualized rate of just 0.5% in the advanced estimate. This was below the consensus projections of 0.7%. The Q1 data shows softening of...