Written by Ilaria Massei.
Last week saw a heavy economic calendar in the US, with the release of many economic indicators contributing to a boost in market sentiment. Inflation data showed a fall in the year-over-year increase in the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (PCE), calming concerns about rising prices. Weekly jobless claims dropped significantly and continuing claims also surprised on the downside and fell back to a four-month low. Consumer sentiment also improved, attributed to the resolution of the debt ceiling standoff and positive feelings regarding softening inflation. Durable goods orders and new home sales both exceeded expectations, indicating strength in business investment and the housing market.
In the Eurozone, annual inflation continued to slow in June from 6.1% in May to 5.5%, marking the third consecutive month of deceleration. Reports from the European Central Bank’s annual Forum on Central banking suggested the likelihood of another interest rate increase in July, acknowledging that the battle against high inflation is proceeding.
On the same note, the Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said that the UK interest rates are likely to stay higher for longer than financial markets expect.
Elsewhere, China’s economic data are only showing a partial recovery, with domestic travel increased by 89.1% compared to the previous year but remaining 22.8% below pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Industrial profits are also not encouraging , with a decline of 18.8% year-over-year in the first five months of 2023.
