The key points from today’s economic news, brought to you by Guardian Stockbrokers.
UK services PMI dropped in March
In the UK, the final services PMI eased to a level of 34.50 in March, compared to a reading of 53.20 in the previous month. Markets were anticipating the services PMI to drop to a level of 34.80.
Euro-zone retail sales rose more than expected in February
In the Euro-zone, the seasonally adjusted retail sales advanced 0.90% on a MoM basis in February, compared to a revised advance of 0.70% in the previous month. Markets were expecting retail sales to rise 0.10%.
Euro-zone services PMI dropped in March
In the Euro-zone, the final services PMI fell to a level of 26.40 in March, compared to a reading of 52.60 in the previous month. Markets were expecting the services PMI to drop to a level of 28.40.
US unemployment rate climbed in March
In the US, unemployment rate recorded a rise to a level of 4.40% in March, compared to a reading of 3.50% in the prior month. Market anticipations were for unemployment rate to rise to a level of 3.80%.
US non-farm payrolls dropped in March
In the US, non-farm payrolls dropped by 701.00 K in March, compared to a revised gain of 275.00 K in the previous month. Markets were expecting non-farm payrolls to decline 100.00 K.
US services PMI fell in March
In the US, the final services PMI eased to a level of 39.80 in March, compared to a level of 49.40 in the previous month. Markets were anticipating services PMI to drop to a level of 39.10.
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