German Ifo business climate declines slightly in December
Dec 17, 2015 17:41 pm UTC| Commentary
The Ifo business climate came in slightly lower in December against expectations (108.7, down from 109.0). The underlying trend has for months pointed sideways at high levels. But at present, economists would place more...
Russia's consumption weakness indicates extended recession
Dec 17, 2015 17:25 pm UTC| Commentary
Russian real sector data for November were mixed. The main negative trends were in real retail sales, which declined sharply, and increased unemployment. Positive indications came from slight improvements in industrial...

Fed rate hike demonstrates investor's confidence in economy
Dec 17, 2015 15:40 pm UTC| Commentary Central Banks
The Federal Open Market Committee decided to raise interest rates by 25 basis points yesterday signaling the beginning of a gradual rate tightening policy. Markets across the world reacted positively to the news, U.S....

Philly Fed manufacturing index falls, survey confirms year-end manufacturing softness
Dec 17, 2015 15:27 pm UTC| Commentary
The Philly Fed manufacturing index fell to -5.9 in the December reading, down from 1.9 last month and well below forecast (2.0) and consensus (1.0) expectations. Similar to the Empire State survey, new orders contracted...
US jobless claims remain at low levels in December survey week
Dec 17, 2015 15:19 pm UTC| Commentary
Initial jobless claims fell to 271k in the week ending December 12, printing in a touch below expectations (275k) in the survey week for the December employment report. Versus the same period in November, initial claims...

The US current account deficit widened in Q3
Dec 17, 2015 15:09 pm UTC| Commentary
The US current account deficit widened modestly in Q3 15, to $124.1bn from a revised $111.1bn in Q2. Forecast ($126.0bn) and the consensus ($118.6bn) had looked for such widening in line with the monthly trade...

Currency snapshot (major pairs)
Dec 17, 2015 15:00 pm UTC| Commentary
Dollar index trading at 97.74 (+0.18%). Strength meter (today so far) - Euro -0.27%, Franc -0.33%, Yen -0.14%, GBP -0.33% Strength meter (since last week) - Euro -1.22%, Franc -1.31%, Yen -1.38%, GBP -1.90% EUR/USD...