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 27, 2023
Currency
JAPAN: The yen rose versus other major currencies as markets considered the rescue of Credit Suisse.
Central bank policy
U.K.: The Bank of England decided to increase the bank rate by 25 basis points.
U.S.: The Federal Reserve raised the target range of the federal funds rate by 25 basis points.
Employment trends
U.S.: Initial jobless claims fell by 1,000 to 191,000 in the week ended March 18, 2023.
Growth
EUROZONE: Euro area construction production increased 3.9% in January compared with December.
EUROZONE: The Flash PMI Composite Output Index rose to 54.1 in March from 52.0 in February.
GERMANY: The Flash PMI Composite Output Index climbed to 52.6 in March from 50.7 in February.
GERMANY: Industrial producer prices declined 0.3% in February compared with January.
JAPAN: The Flash PMI Composite Output Index climbed to 51.9 in March from 51.1 in February.
U.K.: The Flash PMI Composite Output Index fell to 52.2 in March from 53.1 in February.
U.K.: Producer output prices rose by 12.1% in the 12 months to February.
U.S.: New home sales rose 1.1% in February compared with January.
U.S.: Existing home sales jumped 14.5% in February.
Trade
EUROZONE: The trade deficit increased in January.
Inflation/deflation
CANADA: The CPI rose 5.2% year over year in February.
U.K.: The CPI rose by 10.4% in the 12 months to February, up from 10.1% in January.
Market sentiment
EUROZONE: The European Commission’s Flash Consumer Confidence Indicator for the euro area remained unchanged in March.
GERMANY: The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment showed a sharp decline in March.