Euro area’s construction activity falls at slower pace in May, PMI index rises to 39.5

Jun 04, 2020 15:27 pm UTC| Commentary

The construction activity in euro area has dropped in May, but at a slower rate. The IHS Markit Eurozone Construction Total Activity Index rose to 39.5 in May from Aprils record low print of 15.1. However, the latest...

Thai headline inflation falls further in May, likely to remain in negative territory in months ahead

Jun 04, 2020 13:00 pm UTC| Commentary

Thai headline inflation dropped even more in May to a new post-GFC low, driven by the food and housing components. Inflation is expected to stay in negative territory in the months ahead, though the downward pressure on...

Gold rebounds on political tensions, investors eye ECB policy outcome

Jun 04, 2020 07:34 am UTC| Commentary

Gold prices surged, rebounding from a 4-week low hit in the prior session as lingering political tensions boosted safe-haven demand. However, it was still near their lowest in over a week as equities were set to extend...

U.S. ISM non-manufacturing index rises to 45.4 in May, sentiment to continue to rebound in months ahead

Jun 03, 2020 18:26 pm UTC| Commentary

The U.S. Institute for Supply Managements (ISM) non-manufacturing index rebounded to 45.4 in May, rising 3.6 points from April. The headline figure came in above consensus expectations of 44.4 print. Out of the four...

Bank of Canada keeps key interest rate unchanged at 0.25 pct

Jun 03, 2020 16:58 pm UTC| Commentary Central Banks

The Bank of Canada maintained its policy rate at 0.25 percent today. It repeated in its opening statement that this is the effective lower bound for the policy rate. The central bank also maintained its asset purchase...

U.S. sectors see slower rates of fall in May

Jun 03, 2020 15:40 pm UTC| Commentary

Most of the U.S. sectors saw slower rates of fall in May. The latest survey data indicated towards a steep downturn throughout all areas of the U.S. private sector economy with exception of healthcare. May data hinted that...

U.S. service sector business activity contracts at slower pace in May, PMI index rises to 37.5

Jun 03, 2020 14:46 pm UTC| Commentary

U.S. service providers indicated a further considerable, but softer, shrinking of business activity in May, as the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic continued to dampen client demand. The final IHS Markit U.S. Service...