Lower oil prices, market volatility to continue to weigh on Canada’s business sentiment

Feb 26, 2016 06:27 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Canadas small business confidence for February did not register much of a change. The CFIB Business Barometer Index rose by 0.3 points t o 54.7 in the month. The index continues to be around the lowest levels observed...

China Crisis Series

Chinese real estate continues fragmented recovery

Feb 26, 2016 06:08 am UTC| Commentary Real Estate Economy

According to latest data released today by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), property prices in China edged up by 2.5% in January, from a year ago. This is highest reading since August 2014 and fourth consecutive...

Australian economy to post mixed report for Q4 2015, real GDP likely expanded

Feb 26, 2016 05:29 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Australias Q4 2015 real GDP is expected to have grown by 0.5% q/q and 2.6% y/y, as compared with 2.5%. The accounts are expected to give a mixed report for the Australian economy. The estimated 2.6% y/y growth is slightly...

Oil in Global Economy Series

Norway’s weak oil investments likely to weigh on economy

Feb 24, 2016 11:59 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Norways Q1 oil investment survey suggested that oil investments declined by 14% in 2016 as compared to 2015 levels. The print was weaker than Norges Banks forecast of 11% decline. The decline was due to a 6 billion NOK...

Briferendum Series

Boris delivers Brexit body blow for sterling, but long term picture is murkier

Feb 23, 2016 01:01 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Most prospective prime ministers would be mildly embarrassed if a boost to their chances made financial markets plunge. But Boris Johnson is doubtless gratified that his backing for Brexit led to the pounds biggest one-day...

Wage rise not enough for Sweden's inflation to stabilise at around 2%

Feb 22, 2016 16:02 pm UTC| Commentary Economy

Swedens labour market data released last week showed that employment rose by 0.4% m/m after the drop by as much in December. The labour force also increased, showing that the trend with an improving labour market remains...

Magnitude of slowdown in UK more amplified than anticipated

Feb 19, 2016 15:21 pm UTC| Commentary Economy

The services component of the December 2015 Turnover and Orders in Production and Services Industries (TOPSI) release printed 1.5% m/m, resulting in a 1.9% q/q decline for Q4 15 (in non-seasonally adjusted nominal terms)...