August US nominal retail sales rose more strongly than anticipated, but volume growth remains range-bound with consumers wary of potential tariff-induced price hikes and broadening evidence of a cooling jobs market
August’s PMI remained in the contraction zone, as supply chain issues dampened output. However, new orders increased, and confidence remained upbeat. The Czech economy appears poised to hum along smoothly, with no need for loose monetary policy
The Euro area composite flash PMI improved to 50.4 in March (vs. 50.2 in February), a touch below consensus and close to our own expectations. The improvement was led by the manufacturing output index, which increased by 1.8pt to 50.7, the highest level in more than three years, while the services activity index edged down slightly to 50.4.
Stocks ended down as Nvidia results failed to rekindle an AI rally. Treasury yields rose ahead of the crucial PCE data. The dollar was up as tariff threats loom, pushing gold prices down. Oil climbed on supply concerns after U.S. President Doanld Trump revoked Chevron’s Venezuela deal.
