The key points from today’s economic news, brought to you by Guardian Stockbrokers.
UK CPI rose less than expected in April
In the UK, the consumer price index (CPI) advanced 0.80% on a YoY basis in April, compared to a rise of 1.50% in the prior month. Market anticipations were for the CPI to climb 0.90%.
UK house price index rose in March
In the UK, the house price index registered a rise of 2.10% on a YoY basis in March, compared to a revised rise of 2.00% in the previous month.
Euro-zone CPI advanced less than expected in April
In the Euro-zone, the final CPI rose 0.30% on a YoY basis in April, compared to an advance of 0.70% in the previous month. Market anticipations were for the CPI to advance 0.40%.
Euro-zone consumer confidence index advanced in May
In the Euro-zone, the preliminary consumer confidence index registered a rise to a level of -18.80 in May, compared to a revised reading of – 22.00 in the prior month.
FOMC minutes: Policymakers concerned about extraordinary amount of uncertainty due to Covid-19
Minutes of the US Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) latest meeting revealed that the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic created an extraordinary amount of uncertainty and considerable risks to economic activity in the medium term. Further, the minutes indicated that a second wave of the Covid-19 outbreak, with another round of strict restrictions on social interactions and business operations was assumed to begin around year-end, inducing a decrease in real GDP, a rise in the unemployment rate and renewed downward pressure on inflation next year.
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