A reading on leading U.S. economic indicators unexpectedly edged slightly higher in the month of April, according to a report released by the Conference Board on Friday. The Conference Board said its leading economic index crept up by 0.1 percent in April after falling by 0.6 percent. Economists had expected the index to dip by 0.3 percent.
A report released by the University of Michigan on Friday showed consumer sentiment in the U.S. deteriorated by much more than previously estimated in the month of May. The University of Michigan said its consumer sentiment index for May was downwardly revised to 44.8 from a preliminary reading of 48.2. Economists had expected the index to be unrevised.
Latvia's unemployment rate increased in the first quarter of 2025 after falling in the previous quarter. The jobless rate rose to 7.1 percent in the first quarter from 6.7 percent in the third quarter. The number of unemployed people increased to 66,400 in the March quarter from 63,800 in the preceding three-month period.
Poland's manufacturers expressed a less pessimistic attitude in May. The manufacturing confidence index rose to -4.1 in May from -4.4 in April. The indicator also improved from -9.2 in the corresponding month last year. Among other business climate indicators, the most significant upturn was noted in the accommodation and food service activities section.
The German economy expanded at a slightly faster pace in the first quarter, underpinned by consumption and exports, defying the adverse impact of the conflict in the Middle East. Germany's gross domestic product grew 0.3 percent from a quarter ago, unrevised from the previous estimate and followed the fourth quarter's 0.2 percent expansion, detailed data from Destatis showed Friday.
French manufacturing confidence improved further in May and remained above its long-term average. The manufacturing confidence index rose to 102.0 in May from 100.0 in April. The score was forecast to remain stable at 100.0. The increase in May mainly came from the further marked improvement in the balance of opinion on past production.
Ireland's wholesale prices increased for the first time in more than a year in April amid higher costs for energy fuels. Output prices in the manufacturing industry rose 1.4 percent year-over-year in April, reversing a 0.2 percent drop in March. All energy fuels were 42.3 percent higher compared to last year, the data highlighted.
The UK government's borrowing exceeded the official estimate and also hit the highest level for April since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office for National Statistics reported Friday. The public sector borrowed GBP 24.3 billion in April compared to GBP 19.5 billion borrowing in the previous year. The...
German business sentiment improved in May after falling for two straight months but the index remained at a low level as energy shock triggered by the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz weigh on manufacturing, survey results from the ifo Institute showed Friday. The business climate index posted 84.9 in May, up from 84.5 in April. The reading was also above economists' forecast of 84.2.
Croatia's unemployment rate decreased for the third straight month in April to the lowest level in nearly a year. The registered jobless rate dropped to 3.8 percent in April from 4.3 percent in March. Moreover, a similar rate was last seen in June 2025. There were 67,521 unemployed people in April, down from 75,931 in the prior month.
UK retail sales declined at the fastest pace in nearly a year in April as consumers reduced fuel purchases after the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East. A private survey today showed that British consumer sentiment improved in May but rising inflation and continued uncertainty around the interest rate raised concerns about the sustainability of this improvement.
Greece's current account deficit decreased in March, due to improvements mostly in the goods and services balance and the primary income account. The current account showed a deficit of EUR 2.3 billion in March, down from 3.3 billion in the corresponding month last year. The goods deficit narrowed to EUR 2.6 billion from EUR 3.2 billion as exports grew faster than imports.
The unemployment rate in Taiwan decreased marginally in April. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate came in at 3.34 percent in July, down from 3.35 percent from a month ago. In the same period last year, the rate was also 3.35 percent. There were 402,000 unemployed people in April compared to 403,000 a month ago.
German consumer sentiment is set to improve in June driven by rising income expectations and willingness to buy but the war in the Middle East continues to cloud the outlook, latest results of the NIM Consumer Climate powered by GfK showed Friday. The consumer confidence index rose unexpectedly to -29.8 points in June from -33.1 points in May. The score was expected to fall to -33.7.
Turkey's foreign trade deficit decreased in April from a year ago as exports grew much faster than imports. The trade deficit narrowed to $8.5 billion in May from $12.1 billion in the same month last year. The shortfall totaled $11.2 billion in March. Exports registered an annual growth of 22.3 percent, while imports rose only 3.1 percent.
May 15, 2026 15:25 ET Apart from the confirmation of Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chair, the main news on the economics front this week included key price data from the U.S. and the first quarter economic growth figures from major economies. Both consumer prices and producer costs have started to reflect the effect of supply shocks due to the Middle East conflict. In Europe, GDP data was in focus, while inflation data from China dominated the news flow in Asia.