Data Response- China and Euro-zone Flash PMIs (May)
May 21, 2015 11:52 am UTC| Commentary
The flash estimate of Chinas unofficial manufacturing PMI, compiled by Markit, rose from a final reading of 48.9 in April to 49.1 this month (still weaker than expected). The output component remained a drag on the overall...
Trade growth between SSA and the Middle has plateaued
May 21, 2015 11:49 am UTC| Commentary
Trade between SSA and the Middle East increased rapidly from USD 6.0bn in 2002 to USD 28.4bn in 2008. Although it recovered quickly from 2009 crisis levels it has not developed as rapidly since. Trade between the Middle...
Survey shows UK exports improving despite strong pound
May 21, 2015 11:05 am UTC| Commentary
Mays UK CBI Industrial Trends Survey suggests that the economy might still be able to rebalance a little towards manufacturing and exports despite the further recent appreciation of the pound."The output expectations...
Euro zone's mixed economic picture
May 21, 2015 09:43 am UTC| Commentary
Most economists expect the euro zone economy over the course of the year to grow at an even stronger rate than in the first quarter (+0.4% month-on-month). Commerzbank believes growth will rather turn out weaker. No clear...
Heavy rainfalls could further delay cotton planting in Texas
May 21, 2015 09:29 am UTC| Commentary
The cotton price has fallen significantly in recent days and was trading at a four-week low of 63.7 US cents per ton for a time yesterday following the considerable appreciation of the US dollar.Heavy rainfall in the...
FOMC minutes contained nothing new for the gold price
May 21, 2015 09:22 am UTC| Commentary
The gold price is trading largely unchanged at around $1,210 per troy ounce this morning. As expected, the publication of the minutes of the latest meeting of the US Federal Reserve contained nothing new. Although the...
US crude oil stocks fell for the third consecutive week
May 21, 2015 09:11 am UTC| Commentary
Oil prices yesterday were able to recoup some of the heavy losses they had suffered the day before. Brent increased by 1.6% to $65 per barrel while WTI even gained 3% to reach $59 per barrel.Prices are continuing their...
South Africa’s plan to move away from coal: 8 steps to make it succeed
Germany lowers voting age to 16 for the European elections
IceCube researchers detect a rare type of energetic neutrino sent from powerful astronomical objects