The key points from today’s economic news, brought to you by Guardian Stockbrokers.
UK consumer confidence surprisingly improved in February
The consumer confidence index in the UK unexpectedly rose to a level of -13.00 in February, compared to a reading of -14.00 in the prior month. Markets were anticipating the index to fall to a level of -15.00.
Euro-zone consumer confidence index rose in February
The final consumer confidence index in the Euro-zone climbed to a level of -7.40 in February, in line with market expectations. In the previous month, the index had registered a reading of -7.90.
Euro-zone economic sentiment indicator slid in February
The economic sentiment indicator in the Euro-zone eased to a level of 106.10 in February, compared to a revised level of 106.30 in the previous month. Market anticipation was for the indicator to fall to a level of 106.00.
US pending home sales declined less than expected in January
On a YoY basis, pending home sales in the US eased 3.20% in January, less than market expectations for a fall of 4.60%. Pending home sales had dropped 9.50% in the prior month.
US factory orders advanced less than expected in December
In the US, factory orders recorded a rise of 0.10% on a monthly basis, in December, lower than market expectations for a rise of 0.60%. In the previous month, factory orders had registered a revised drop of 0.50%.
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