01:30
|
Unemployment Rate
|
Dec |
2.5% |
2.5% |
2.5% |
Low
|
The percentage of individuals in the labor force who are without a job but actively seeking one. A higher Unemployment Rate is generally a drain on the economy. Not only does it mean that resources are not being fully utilized, but it also results in lower consumer spending as there are fewer workers receiving paychecks.
Note: The unemployment rate generally moves slowly, so changes of only a few tenths of a percent are still considered significant. Also note that the unemployment rate does not account for discouraged workers. Therefore, in an economically depressed environment, such as that which occurred in Cold War era East Germany, the Unemployment Rate may not accurately reflect the extent of problems.
01:50
|
Industrial Production
|
Dec |
0.2%; -0.9% |
-1.1%; -3.3% |
-0.1%; -2.8% |
Low
|
Measures the per volume change in output from mining, quarrying, manufacturing, energy and construction sectors in Japan. Industrial production is significant as a short-term indicator of the strength of Japanese industrial activity. High or rising Industrial Production figures suggest increased production and economic expansion. However, uncontrolled levels of production and consumption can spark inflation.
The report is only a preliminary estimate figure that does not move the markets much. The figure is released in headlines as a monthly percent change.
01:50
|
Retail Sales
|
Dec |
-1.3%; 2.5% |
0.5%; 3.2% |
1.1%; 3.8% |
Low
|
Gauge for goods sold at retail outlets in the past month. Retail Sales is a leading indicator for the economy. Rising consumer spending fuels economic growth, confirms signals from consumer confidence, and may spark inflationary pressures.
The headline figure is expressed as the percentage change from the same month last year.
02:30
|
Retail Sales
|
Dec |
1.7% |
-0.2% |
-3.9% |
Medium
|
Gauge for goods sold at retail outlets in the past month. Retail Sales is a leading indicator for the economy. Rising consumer spending fuels economic growth, confirms signals from consumer confidence, and may spark inflationary pressures.
The headline figure is expressed as the percentage change from the same month last year.
02:30
|
Private Sector Credit
|
Dec |
0.5%; 8.9% |
0.5%; 8.6% |
0.3%; 8.3% |
Low
|
Private Sector Credit released by the Reserve Bank of Australia is an amount of money that the Australian private sector borrows.
03:30
|
PMI Manufacturing
|
Jan |
47.0 |
50.2 |
50.1 |
High
|
A monthly gauge of manufacturing activity and future outlook. The CIPS PMI is comparable to the US ISM survey, similarly based on the opinions of executives in manufacturing companies. Purchasing managers are tasked with gauging future demand, and adjusting orders for materials accordingly. The PMI summarizes the opinions of these executives to give a picture of the future of the manufacturing sector. A higher PMI indicates that materials purchases are increasing and that the economic outlook is positive. Alternately, a lower PMI means orders for materials are down and the future outlook is less favorable. By nature, the figure is very sensitive to the business cycle and tends to match growth or decline in the economy as a whole.
The PMI is presented as an index with a value between 1-100.
03:30
|
Non-Manufacturing PMI
|
Jan |
41.6 |
52.0 |
54.4 |
Medium
|
It is a major indicator of the strength of the non-manufacturing sector of China.
07:00
|
Consumer Confidence
|
Jan |
30.3 |
30.5 |
31.0 |
Low
|
Consumer Confidence is a measure of popular sentiment concerning the Japanese economy. The figure is derived from a survey that asks thousands of Japanese consumers about personal expenditure patterns and inflationary expectations. In general, rising consumer confidence precedes increased consumer spending, which drives both economic growth and inflation. Even though the Japanese economy is heavily driven by its export sector, domestic consumer confidence is an important gauge of overall economic activity and future inflationary pressures.
A headline figure above 50 shows positive consumer sentiment, while a number below 50 shows negative consumer sentiment; the greater the distance, the stronger the sentiment.
07:00
|
Housing Starts
|
Dec |
0.842M; -1.4% |
0.845M; 0.5% |
0.846M; -1.7% |
Low
|
The Housing Starts figure reflects the rate of growth in housing construction. The number of housing starts is an indicator of the strength of Japan 's construction sector and a leading indicator for the direction of the economy as a whole. Housing Starts respond quickly to changes in the business cycle, promptly slowing at the onset of a recession and growing at the beginning of an economic boom. A high Housing Starts figure is generally bullish for the economy, as it indicates overall economic growth.
The headline figures are the year on year percentage change in value of housing starts, and the value of all houses started for construction that year.
08:30
|
GDP
|
4 quarter |
0.2%; 1.0% |
0.0%; 0.5% |
0.1%; 0.5% |
Low
|
The Gross Domestic Product is a comprehensive measure of an overall production and consumption of goods and services. GDP serves as one of the primary measures of overall economic well-being. While GDP announcements generally conform to expectations, unanticipated changes in this metric can move markets.
Robust GDP growth signals a heightened level of economic activity and often a higher demand for the domestic currency. At the same time, economic expansion raises concerns about inflationary pressures which may lead monetary authorities to increase interest rates. Thus better than expected GDP figures are generally bullish for the Euro, while negative readings are generally bearish.
Technically, Gross Domestic Product is calculated in the following way:
GDP = C + I + G + (EX - IM)
where
C = private consumption, I = private investment, G = government expenditure, EX = exports of goods and services, IM = imports of goods and services.
French GDP figures, officially called Quarterly National Accounts, are released quarterly. The headline figures are annualized percentage changes in real and nominal GDP.
08:30
|
Consumer Spending
|
Dec |
0.6% |
0.2% |
-1.3% |
Low
|
Change in the total value of inflation-adjusted goods expenditures by consumers.
09:00
|
Import Price Index
|
Dec |
-4.5%; 14.5% |
-2.4%; 11.6% |
-1.6%; 12.6% |
Low
|
This index measures changes in the prices of imports into a country per month.
09:00
|
Retail Sales
|
Dec |
1.9%; -5.9% |
-0.1%; -1.8% |
-5.3%; -6.4% |
Low
|
Gauge for goods sold at retail outlets in the past month. Retail Sales is a leading indicator for the economy since private consumption makes up a large portion of German Gross Domestic Product. Rising consumer spending fuels economic growth, confirms signals from consumer confidence, and may spark inflationary pressures.
The headline figure is expressed as the percentage change from the same month last year.
09:30
|
Retail Sales
|
Dec |
-1.4% |
-0.7% |
-2.8% |
Low
|
Gauge for goods sold at retail outlets in the past month. Retail Sales is a leading indicator for the Swiss economy since private consumption makes up a large portion of Swiss Gross Domestic Product. Rising consumer spending fuels economic growth, confirms signals from consumer confidence, and may spark inflationary pressures.
The headline figure is expressed as the percentage change from the same month last year.
09:45
|
Consumer Price Index
|
Jan |
-0.1%; 5.9% |
0.5%; 6.1% |
0.4%; 6.0% |
Low
|
Assesses changes in the cost of living by measuring changes in the prices of consumer items. The CPI is the headline inflation figure that indicates the strength of domestic inflationary pressures. Simply put, inflation reflects a decline in the purchasing power of the Euro in France , where each Euro buys fewer goods and services. CPI is the most popular way to measure changes in purchasing power. The report tracks changes in the price of a basket of goods and services that a typical French household might purchase. An increase in the index indicates that it takes more Euros to purchase the same set of basic consumer items.
10:55
|
Unemployment Rate
|
Jan |
5.5% |
5.5% |
5.5% |
Medium
|
The percentage of individuals in the labor force who are without a job but actively seeking one. A higher Unemployment Rate is generally a drain on the economy. Not only does it mean that resources are not being fully utilized, but it also results in lower consumer spending as there are fewer workers receiving paychecks.
Note: The unemployment rate generally moves slowly, so changes of only a few tenths of a percent are still considered significant. Also note that the unemployment rate does not account for discouraged workers. Therefore, in an economically depressed environment, such as that which occurred in Cold War era East Germany, the Unemployment Rate may not accurately reflect the extent of problems.
10:55
|
Unemployment Change
|
Jan |
-16K |
5K |
-15K |
Medium
|
The indicator shows the number of unemployed people in Germany.
11:00
|
Unemployment Rate
|
Dec |
7.8% |
7.8% |
7.8% |
Low
|
The percentage of individuals in the labor force who are without a job but actively seeking one. A higher Unemployment Rate is generally a drain on the economy. Not only does it mean that resources are not being fully utilized, but it also results in lower consumer spending as there are fewer workers receiving paychecks.
Note: The unemployment rate generally moves slowly, so changes of only a few tenths of a percent are still considered significant. Also note that the unemployment rate does not account for discouraged workers. Therefore, in an economically depressed environment, such as that which occurred in Cold War era East Germany, the Unemployment Rate may not accurately reflect the extent of problems.
11:30
|
M4 Money Supply
|
Dec |
-1.5%; 2.5% |
1.2% |
-0.8%; 1.6% |
Low
|
M4 is referred to as "broad money" or simply "the money supply". It reflects cash outside banks (i.e. in circulation with the public and non-bank firms) + private-sector retail bank and building society deposits + Private-sector wholesale bank and building society deposits and Certificate of Deposit.
11:30
|
Mortgage Approvals
|
Dec |
46.2K |
44.0K |
35.6K |
Low
|
Number of new mortgages approved for home purchase by BBA-represented banks during the previous month. The BBA represents major banks that make up around 60% of total UK mortgage lending.
11:30
|
Net Lending to Individuals
|
Dec |
5.7 |
5.1 |
3.7bln |
Low
|
The amount of extra funds that a sector has available to provide for either direct and indirect lending purposes to other similar counter-parts.
12:00
|
GDP revised
|
4 quarter |
0.3%; 2.3% |
-0.1%; 1.8% |
0.1%; 1.9% |
Medium
|
An indicator for broad overall growth in the Eurozone. Robust GDP growth signals a heightened level of economic activity, and therefore a high demand for currency. Economic expansion also raises concerns about inflationary pressure, which generally prompts monetary authorities to increase interest rates. This means that positive GDP readings are generally bullish for a given currency, while negative readings are bearish.
Due to the untimeliness of this report and because data on GDP components are available beforehand, the actual GDP figure is usually well anticipated. But given its overall significance GDP has the tendency to move the market upon release, acting to confirm or upset economic expectations. Robust GDP growth signals a heightened level of activity that is generally associated with a healthy economy. However economic expansion also raises concerns about inflationary pressures which may lead to monetary policy tightening.
The headline figure for GDP is an annualized percentage growth rate.
Technically, Gross Domestic Product is calculated in the following way:
GDP = C + I + G + (EX - IM)
where
C = private consumption
I = private investment
G = government expenditure
EX = exports of goods and services
IM = imports of goods and services
Technical note : GDP is the total market value of goods and services produced in the Eurozone within a given period after deducting the cost of goods and services used up in the process of production. Therefore, GDP excludes intermediate goods and services and considers final aggregates only.
12:00
|
Gross Domestic Product
|
4 quarter |
0.5%; 2.7% |
-0.2%; 1.6% |
-0.1%; 1.7% |
Low
|
A comprehensive measure of the country's overall production and consumption of goods and services. GDP is a significant report, serving as one of the primary indicators of the country's overall economic health.
Robust GDP growth signals a heightened level of economic activity and often a higher demand for the domestic currency. At the same time, economic expansion raises concerns about inflationary pressures which may prompt monetary authorities to increase interest rates. Thus positive GDP readings are generally bullish for the currency, while negative readings are generally bearish.
Most production reports that lead to GDP are released before the official GDP number. Therefore, actual GDP figures usually confirm expectations. However, an unexpected release can move markets due to the significance of the figure.
Technically, Gross Domestic Product is calculated in the following way:
GDP = C + I + G + (EX - IM)
where
C = private consumption
I = private investment
G = government expenditure
EX = exports of goods and services
IM = imports of goods and services
The headline figures for GDP are the percentage growth rate from the previous quarter and the annualized percentage change in GDP. Prices used are benchmarked to 1997 prices.
12:00
|
10-y Bond Auction
|
Jan |
3.96%; 1.47 |
|
4.28%; 1.35 |
Low
|
10-y Bond Auction is a leading market demand and profitability indicator. Profit falls compared to the previous auctions generally have a favourable influence on the currency.
15:00
|
CPI
|
Jan |
-0.8%; 8.6% |
1.2%; 9.2% |
|
Medium
|
Assesses changes in the cost of living by measuring changes in the prices of consumer items. The CPI is the headline inflation figure that indicates the strength of domestic inflationary pressures. Simply put, inflation reflects a decline in the purchasing power of the Euro in Germany , where each Euro buys fewer goods and services. CPI is the most popular way to measure changes in purchasing power. The report tracks changes in the price of a basket of goods and services that a typical German household might purchase. An increase in the index indicates that it takes more Euros to purchase this same set of basic consumer items.
The German CPI is significant as one of the primary gauges of inflation. As the largest Eurozone economy, inflation in Germany will contribute significantly to inflation in the Eurozone and the behavior of the European Central Bank. High or rising inflation acts as a signal to the ECB to raise interest rates, an action which will result in the strengthening of the Euro. The headline figure for CPI is the percentage change in monthly and annualized percentage term.
15:00
|
Harmonized CPI
|
Jan |
-1.2%; 9.6% |
1.3%; 10.0% |
|
Medium
|
The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) reflects changes in the prices of consumer goods and services in a specified period of time. The HICP measures changes of the average price level for goods and services that households consume (the fixed consumer basket). HICP is pure price index. It does not reflect the changes in buying or consumption patterns, brands, and does not reflect the effect of outlet and service provider substitution.
15:30
|
Gross Domestic Product
|
Nov |
0.1%; 3.2% |
0.1%; 3.5% |
0.1%; 2.8% |
High
|
A comprehensive measure of Canada's overall production and consumption of goods and services. GDP is a significant report in FX Market, serving as one of the primary indicators of a country's overall economic health.
Robust GDP growth signals a heightened level of economic activity and often a higher demand for the domestic currency. At the same time, economic expansion raises concerns about inflationary pressures which may prompt monetary authorities to increase interest rates. Thus positive GDP readings are generally bullish for the Canadian Dollar, while negative readings are generally bearish.
Most production reports that lead to Canadian GDP are released before the official GDP number. Therefore, actual GDP figures usually confirm expectations. However, an unexpected release can move markets due to the significance of the figure.
Technically, Gross Domestic Product is calculated in the following way:
GDP = C + I + G + (EX - IM)
where
C = private consumption
I = private investment
G = government expenditure
EX = exports of goods and services
IM = imports of goods and services
The headline figures for GDP are the percentage growth rate from the previous quarter and the annualized percentage change in GDP. Prices used are benchmarked to 1997 prices.
15:30
|
Employment Cost Index
|
4 quarter |
1.2% |
1.1% |
1.0% |
Low
|
The Employment Cost Index includes the wages and unemployment compensations.
16:00
|
House Price Index
|
Nov |
0.0% |
-0.4% |
-0.1% |
Low
|
A resumptive index of house prices reflecting prices for new constructions and resale real estate markets. As all indices connected with the construction industry it can be seasonally adjusted.
16:45
|
Chicago Purchasing Managers Index
|
Jan |
45.1 |
45.1 |
44.3 |
Low
|
Monthly measure of the business conditions based on surveys of purchasing managers across Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. Released on the last business day of the reporting month, the report's significance has recently declined, with its only significance being that it precedes the more anticipated ISM report. Subsequently, it is used to predict the ISM report as the Chicago survey retains a high correlation with the broader economic release.
Referring to a benchmark of 50, the report is considered to reflect expansion when printing a reading of 50 or higher. Conversely, a reading of 49 and lower would be indicative of contraction.
17:00
|
Consumer Confidence
|
Jan |
109.0 |
109.1 |
107.1 |
High
|
Assessment of consumer sentiment regarding business conditions, employment and personal income. Based on a representative sample of thousands of mail-in surveys, the Conference Board index has the largest pooling sample of any US measure of consumer confidence. Consumer Confidence levels are generally linked with consumer spending. For instance, when consumer confidence is on the rise consumer spending tends to increase. Low or falling consumer confidence on the other hand is typically associated with decreased spending and consumer demand.
Some analysts criticize the Consumer Confidence figure for its volatile tendencies and weak connection to household expenditure, turning instead to the University of Michigan Consumer Confidence numbers. The volatility of the Consumer Confidence figure is attributed to two factors: its pooling size and the survey time frame focus. The Conference Board surveys an entirely new group of people each month, resulting in more erratic month to month figures. Additionally, the survey queries respondents on expectations for the following six months, a relatively short term evaluation. Conversely, the University of Michigan survey will re-poll many individuals and focuses on expectations for the next one to five years. The long term focus has a stabilizing effect on consumer confidence.
Survey results are printed in the headlines where 100 reflects a recent base year.
23:45
|
Unemployment Rate
|
4 quarter |
3.3% |
3.3% |
3.4% |
High
|
The percentage of individuals in the labor force who are without a job but actively seeking one. A higher Unemployment Rate is generally a drain on the economy. Not only does it mean that resources are not being fully utilized, but it also results in lower consumer spending as there are fewer workers receiving paychecks.
Note: The unemployment rate generally moves slowly, so changes of only a few tenths of a percent are still considered significant. Also note that the unemployment rate does not account for discouraged workers. Therefore, in an economically depressed environment, such as that which occurred in Cold War era East Germany, the Unemployment Rate may not accurately reflect the extent of problems.
23:45
|
Employment Change
|
4 quarter |
1.3%; 1.2% |
0.3%; 1.5% |
0.2%; 1.3% |
High
|
Employment change is a crucial indicator to measure the health of the overal economy. It's realeased shortly after the month ends and is a leading indcator of consumer spending which makes up the majority of overall economic activity.
23:45
|
Participation Rate
|
4 quarter |
71.7% |
71.7% |
71.7% |
Low
|
The target population for the Household Labour Force Survey is the civilian usually-resident non-institutionalised population aged 15 and over. Before the June 1995 quarter the survey included a sample of individuals living in non-private dwellings such as hotels, boarding houses, tertiary hostels, and motor camps. From the June 1995 quarter onwards, the groups that are excluded from the survey sample are: residents temporarily overseas, those in non-private dwellings, retirement homes, hospitals and psychiatric institutions, prisons, penal institutions and police lock-up; members of the permanent armed forces; non-New Zealand armed forces; overseas diplomats; overseas visitors who expect to be resident in New Zealand for less than 12 months; those aged under 15 years of age; and people living on offshore islands (except for Waiheke Island).