The key points from today’s economic news, brought to you by Guardian Stockbrokers.
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UK new car registrations rose in May
In May, on an annual basis, new car registrations in the UK recorded a rise of 2.50%. New car registrations had advanced 2.00% in the prior month.
UK retail sales across all sectors rose more than expected in May
In the UK, retail sales across all sectors recorded a rise of 0.50% in May, on a YoY basis, more than market expectations for an advance of 0.30%. In the previous month, retail sales across all sectors had fallen 0.90%.
Euro-zone investor confidence index advanced in June
In June, the investor confidence index rose to a level of 9.90 in the Euro-zone, higher than market expectations of an advance to 7.00. In the previous month, the investor confidence index had recorded a level of 6.20.
German factory orders dropped more than expected in April
The seasonally adjusted factory orders slid 2.00% on a monthly basis in Germany, in April, compared to a revised rise of 2.60% in the prior month. Market anticipation was for factory orders to ease 0.50%.
German factory orders recorded an unexpected drop in April
The non-seasonally adjusted factory orders in Germany unexpectedly fell 0.50% on a YoY basis in April, lower than market expectations for a rise of 0.60%. In the previous month, factory orders had recorded a revised rise of 2.40%.
Fed’s Yellen sees rate hikes ahead, but timeframe remains murky
The US Fed Chairwoman, Janet Yellen, gave a largely upbeat assessment of the US economic outlook and said interest rate hikes are coming, but stepped back from allotting a time frame. She further indicated that although the recent US employment report was “disappointing”, one should not give too much significance to a single monthly report and assured that she expects the positive economic forces to outweigh the negatives.
Japanese foreign exchange reserves recorded a drop in May
In May, foreign exchange reserves in Japan dropped to $1254.00 billion, compared to a reading of $1262.50 billion in the previous month.
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