By the numbers: The global economy this week

Highlights of economic data released last week, from central bank policies to trade and growth trends.

March 18, 2024

Currency

U.S.: The dollar declined versus other currencies as U.S. inflation data showed an increase in prices.

Central bank policy

EUROZONE: European Central Bank Chief Economist Philip Lane said the central bank will have more clarity on inflation by its June meeting.

Employment trends

U.S.: Initial jobless claims fell by 1,000 to 209,000 in the week ended March 9, 2024.

Growth

EUROZONE: Industrial production declined 3.2% in the euro area in January compared with December.

GERMANY: Wholesale prices fell 0.1% in February compared with January.

U.K.: Services output was flat in the three months to January.

U.K.: Industrial production output is estimated to have fallen 0.2% in the three months to January.

U.K.: Real GDP is expected to have grown 0.2% in January.

U.K.: Construction output is estimated to have decreased 0.9% in the three months to January.

U.S.: The Producer Price Index for final demand rose 0.6% in February.

U.S.: Retail sales increased 0.6% in February.

Trade

U.K.: The trade deficit widened in the three months to January.

Inflation/deflation

GERMANY: The CPI rose 0.4% in February compared with January.

U.S.: Consumer inflation expectations remained steady at 3.0% in February.

U.S.: The CPI increased 0.4% and core CPI rose 0.4% in February compared with January.

Market sentiment

AUSTRALIA: The NAB Business Confidence Index fell slightly in February compared with January.

U.S.: The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index declined in February.