By the numbers: The global economy this week
Highlights of economic data released last week, from central bank policies to trade and growth trends.
September 18, 2023
Currency
U.S.: The dollar rose versus other major currencies as data showed inflation moved higher.
Central bank policy
EUROZONE: The European Central Bank raised three key interest rates by 25 basis points.
Employment trends
U.K.: The unemployment rate increased to 4.3% in the three months to July from 3.8% in the previous quarter.
U.S.: Initial jobless claims rose by 3,000 to 220,000 in the week ended September 9, 2023, the Department of Labor reported.
Growth
CANADA: Wholesale sales increased 0.2% in July.
EUROZONE: Industrial production fell 1.1% in July compared with June.
GERMANY: Wholesale prices increased 0.2% in August compared with July.
U.K.: Construction output is estimated to have declined by 0.5% in July.
U.K.: GDP is estimated to have fallen 0.5% in July.
U.K.: Monthly services output is projected to have dropped 0.5% in July.
U.K.: Industrial production output is estimated to have fallen 0.7% in July.
U.S.: The Producer Price Index for final demand increased 0.7% in August.
U.S.: Retail sales increased 0.6% in August.
Trade
U.K.: The trade deficit widened in the three months to July.
Inflation/deflation
AUSTRALIA: Consumer inflation expectations fell to 4.6% in September from 4.9% in August.
U.S.: Consumer inflation expectations increased to 3.6% in August form 3.5% in July.
U.S.: The CPI rose 0.6% and core CPI increased 0.3% in August.
Market sentiment
AUSTRALIA: The NAB Business Confidence Index edged higher in September.
AUSTRALIA: The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index fell in September.
GERMANY: The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment rose slightly in August but remained at a negative level.
U.S.: The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index declined in August.