The key points from today’s economic news, brought to you by Guardian Stockbrokers.
German Ifo business climate index dropped in April
The Ifo business climate index recorded a drop to 102.10 in Germany, in April, compared to a revised reading of 103.30 in the prior month.
Market expectation was for the Ifo business climate index to drop to 102.80.
US housing price index advanced as expected in February
In February, the housing price index rose 0.60% on a monthly basis in the US, at par with market expectations. In the prior month, the housing price index had risen by a revised 0.90%.
US CB consumer confidence index unexpectedly rose in April
The CB consumer confidence index rose unexpectedly to 128.70 in the US in April, compared to a revised reading of 127.00 in the prior month. Market anticipation was for the CB consumer confidence index to fall to 126.00.
US new home sales surprisingly climbed in March
New home sales in the US registered an unexpected rise of 4.00%, on monthly basis, to a level of 694.00 K in March, compared to a revised reading of 667.00K in the previous month. Markets were anticipating new home sales to fall to 630.00K.
Japanese leading economic index climbed in February
In Japan, the final leading economic index registered a rise to 106.00 in February. The leading economic index had registered a reading of 105.60 in the prior month. The preliminary figures had recorded a rise to 105.80.
Click here to sign up for the in depth Guardian Stockbrokers Market Daily report.