First-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits unexpectedly edged slightly lower in the week ended March 23rd, according to a report released by the Labor Department on Thursday. The report said initial jobless claims dipped to 210,000, a decrease of 2,000 from the previous week\'s revised level of 212,000. Economists had expected jobless claims to rise...
The U.S. economy unexpectedly grew by more than previously estimated in the fourth quarter of 2023, the Commerce Department revealed in a report released on Thursday. Revised data showed real gross domestic product surged by 3.4 percent in the fourth quarter compared to the previously reported 3.2 percent jump. Economists had expected the pace of...
Confirming a mild recession in the UK, official data showed that the economy contracted as initially estimated in the fourth quarter. Gross domestic product fell by an unrevised 0.3 percent after a 0.1 percent drop in the third quarter, the Office for National Statistics said Thursday. The UK economy grew only 0.1 percent in 2023,...
Joblessness in Germany increased less than expected in February despite the economy undergoing severe downward pressures, official data revealed Thursday. The number of people out of work increased only by 4,000 in March, the Federal Labor Agency reported. The figure was forecast to rise by 10,000 after increasing 12,000 in February. The unemployment rate came...
Australia will on Thursday release February figures for retail sales and private sector credit, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. Retail sales are expected to rise 0.4 percent on month, easing from 1.1 percent in January. Credit is also seen higher by 0.4 percent on month, unchanged from the January reading. Thailand will...
The South Korea stock market ticked lower again on Wednesday, one day after ending the two-day slide in which it had slipped more than 15 points or 0.4 percent. The KOSPI now rests just above the 2,755-point plateau although it may bounce higher again on Thursday. The global forecast for the Asian markets is upbeat...
The Taiwan stock market on Wednesday halted the two-day losing streak in which it had slumped more than 100 points or 0.5 percent. The Taiwan Stock Exchange now sits just above the 20,200-point plateau and it may add to its winnings on Thursday. The global forecast for the Asian markets is upbeat on continued optimism...
The China stock market turned lower again on Wednesday, one day after snapping the three-day losing streak in which it had dropped more than 50 points or 1.7 percent. The Shanghai Composite Index now rests just above the 2,990-point plateau although it figures to rebound again on Thursday. The global forecast for the Asian markets...
The Hong Kong stock market headed south again on Wednesday, one day after snapping the two-day losing streak in which it had stumbled almost 400 points or 2.5 percent. The Hang Seng Index now sits just beneath the 16,400-point plateau although it\'s expected to open in the green on Thursday. The global forecast for the...
The British pound weakened against most major currencies in the European session on Thursday. The pound fell to a 6-day low of 1.2586 against the U.S. dollar and a 3-day low of 190.57 against the yen, from early highs of 1.2637 and 191.26, respectively. Against the Swissf franc, the pound slid to 1.1399 from an...