Germany keeps jobless numbers down in May June 2, 2015 GERMANY’S unemployment rate stayed at a record low last month, indicating that private consumption will propel growth in the country’s economy this year. Data from the German labour office showed the number of people out of work decreased by 6,000 on a seasonally adjusted basis to 2.786m. Meanwhile, the Eurozone returned to inflation in May [...]
Shops most upbeat for 27 years May 26, 2015 RETAIL sales are picking up sharply, a study from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) showed yesterday, with firms’ expectations for next month at their highest level in 27 years. Orders to suppliers rose at their fastest pace since December 2010 in May, while sales are well above average for the time of year – the [...]
UK retail sales smash expectations rising 4.7 per cent year-on-year May 21, 2015 The retail sector smashed expectations as warm weather encouraged shoppers on to high streets across the UK last month. Retail sales volumes (excluding fuel) were up 4.7 per cent year-on-year, gaining 1.2 per cent from March, beating economist expectations of 3.7 per cent and 0.4 per cent. This was driven by textiles, clothing and footwear, [...]
Enjoy it while you can! Analysts say deflation will not be here to stay May 19, 2015 Deflation has finally arrived in the UK for the first time since the 1960s, but economists are almost unanimous in saying it will be temporary. Inflation – as measured by the year-on-year change in the consumer price index (CPI) – was minus 0.1 per cent in April. The last time inflation was this low, [...]
The UK in deflation: 33 charts showing how UK inflation rate compares to every inflation rate in every EU country May 19, 2015 The UK officially entered deflation today: prices shrank by 0.1 per cent in the 12 months to April 2015 – the first time it's dipped into negative territory since the 1960s. Read more: Inflation turns negative for the first time in over 50 years – but it should only be a blip The fall was caused by dropping energy [...]
Inflation turns negative for the first time in over 50 years – but it should only be a blip May 19, 2015 Britain fell into deflation for the first time since the 1960s after data released today showed the consumer price index (CPI) had dipped into negative territory. The Office for National Statistics said prices fell 0.1 per cent in the year to April on a fall in air and sea fares due to the timing of [...]
Britain could be about to enter brief deflation May 17, 2015 The UK could enter deflation for the first time since comparable records began when figures are released tomorrow morning. Yet most economists believe inflation’s venture into negative territory will be short-lived, given that oil and global food prices have halted their declines. The consumer price index (CPI) – the basket of goods used to measure [...]
Five key numbers from the Bank of England’s quarterly inflation report May 13, 2015 The Bank of England's quarterly inflation report, setting out its forecasts for economic growth and inflation, was published today offering the first insight into officials' thinking since they entered election purdah six weeks ago. Here are five key figures from the report: 1. Gross domestic product growth – 2.5 per cent: The Bank of England has [...]
Bank of England inflation report: UK growth expectations cut May 13, 2015 The Bank of England today slashed forecasts for how much its expects the economy will grow this year to 2.5 per cent, down from 2.9 per cent. Threadneedle Street also said it expects interest rates to remain close to historical lows for the foreseeable future, before rising some time in the second quarter of 2016. [...]
Sweden set to loosen monetary policy again as deflation strikes May 12, 2015 Prices fell again in Sweden in April despite policymakers’ attempts to banish deflation through very loose monetary policy, official figures showed yesterday. Consumer prices fell 0.2 per cent on the year, sliding after two months of positive inflation numbers. Policymakers at the Riksbank held interest rates at minus 0.25 per cent at their April meeting, [...]