German business confidence rose to the highest level in a year in August, indicating the resilience of the economy despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East, low water levels in the main transportation waterways and higher energy prices, survey results from the ifo Institute showed Tuesday. The business climate index rose to 88.8 in August from 86.7 in the previous month.
Hong Kong's foreign trade deficit decreased markedly in July from a year ago as exports grew faster than imports. The trade shortfall dropped to HK$4.9 billion in July from HK$34.1 billion in the same month last year. In June, the trade balance showed a deficit of HK$51.9 billion. Exports jumped 50.7 percent year-on-year in July, and imports also logged a strong growth of 41.0 percent.
Taiwan's industrial production growth accelerated for the second straight month in July, while retail sales increased for the sixth straight month. Industrial production advanced 25.61 percent year-on-year in July, faster than the 22.56 percent growth in June. Retail sales rose 7.7 percent yearly in July, slower than the 8.0 percent increase in the previous month.
The unemployment rate in Poland remained stable in July after falling in the previous three months. The unemployment rate came in at 5.8 percent in July, the same as in June's 6-month low. In the corresponding month last year, the jobless rate was 5.4 percent. There were 906,400 unemployed people in July compared to 901,500 in the previous month
Norway's unemployment rate decreased in July to the lowest level in nearly one-and-a-half years. The seasonally adjusted jobless rate dropped to 4.2 percent in July from 4.6 percent in June. There were 130,000 unemployed people in July, down from 140,000 in the previous month. A year ago, it was 138,000.
Danish retail sales increased for the third straight month in July. Retail sales rose 1.3 percent month-on-month in July, faster than the 0.2 percent increase in June. Further, this was the strongest increase since March. Sales at pharmacies and trade in personal care products grew the most by 4.1 percent.
Finland's unemployment rate decreased slightly in July to the lowest level in seven months. The jobless rate among the 15-74 age groups dropped to 9.9 percent in July from 10.0 percent in June. The number of unemployed people declined to 289,000 in July from 297,000 in the previous month.
Germany's economy expanded more than estimated in the second quarter as exports remained strong despite geopolitical tensions, official data revealed on Tuesday. Gross domestic product posted a quarterly growth of 0.3 percent, which was revised up from 0.2 percent estimated initially, revised data showed. This followed an expansion of 0.4 percent in the first quarter.
Japan's leading index remained stable in June, slightly higher than seen in the flash estimate. The leading index, which measures future economic activity, came in at 116.5 in June, the same as in May, which was revised up from 116.4. The flash score for June was also 116.4. The coincident index that measures the current economic situation also strengthened to an 85-month high of 118.5.
The Reserve Bank of Australia will on Tuesday release the minutes from its August 11 monetary policy meeting, highlighting a busy day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. At the meeting, the RBA kept its benchmark lending rate steady at 4.35 percent following 25 basis point hikes in February, March...
Taiwan's hseasonally adjusted unemployment rate came in at 3.33 percent in July, the same as in the previous month. On an unadjusted basis, the jobless rate rose to a 1-year high of 3.39 percent in July from 3.34 percent in the previous month. Unemployment increased by 9,000 from the previous month to 409,000.
Poland's retail sales growth moderated more than expected in July. At constant prices, retail sales advanced 3.9 percent annually in July, much slower than the 6.2 percent rise in June, which was the fastest growth in three months. The slower growth in July was mainly due to a 1.7 percent fall in sales of textiles, clothing, and footwear, followed by
The Czech economy's confidence remained slightly less positive in August, and consumers also showed a less optimistic attitude. The economic sentiment index dropped to 100.5 in August from 101.1 in July. Nonetheless, a score above 100 indicates an optimistic outlook. The consumer confidence index declined to a 13-month low of 102.3 from 105.6 in July.
Finland's producer price inflation accelerated somewhat in July after easing in the previous month. The producer price index climbed 6.9 percent year-on-year in July, faster than the 6.7 percent rise in June. Prices have been rising since January. The rise in the producer prices was particularly caused by higher prices of refined petroleum products and basic metals.
Singapore's consumer price inflation increased for the second straight month in July to the highest level in nearly two years. The consumer price index, or CPI, climbed 2.2 percent year-over-year in July, faster than the 1.9 percent rise in June. MAS core inflation also accelerated to 2.0 percent in July from 1.6 percent in June, led by higher costs for utilities and food.
August 21, 2026 14:42 ET The minutes of the latest policy meeting of the Federal Reserve, housing market data and manufacturing sector survey results were the main news for the U.S. economy this week. In Europe, inflation data from the U.K. was the highlight, while consumer price data from Japan drew attention in Asia.