The key points from today’s economic news, brought to you by Guardian Stockbrokers.
ECB kept its key interest rate unchanged
The ECB, in its latest monetary policy meeting, kept its benchmark interest rate steady at 0%, as widely expected. The central bank maintained its pandemic emergency purchase programme (PEPP) at €1.85 trillion. Meanwhile, ECB President, Christine Lagarde, stated that the rollout of Covid vaccinations across the Euro-zone is an important milestone in the resolution of the ongoing health crisis. However, the coronavirus pandemic still poses “serious risks” to the economy.
Euro-zone consumer confidence index dropped more than expected in January
In the Euro-zone, the preliminary consumer confidence index registered a drop to -15.50 in January, compared to a revised level of -13.80 in the prior month. Market anticipations were for the index to ease to -15.00.
US building permits advanced in December
In the US, building permits climbed 4.50% on a MoM basis in December, compared to a revised advance of 5.90% in the previous month.
US housing starts rose in December
In the US, housing starts registered a rise of 5.80% on a MoM basis in December, compared to a revised rise of 3.10% in the prior month.
US number of initial jobless claims fell in the week ended 15 January 2021
In the US, the seasonally adjusted number of initial jobless claims dropped to a level of 900.00 K in the week ended 15 January 2021, compared to a revised reading of 926.00 K in the prior week. Markets were expecting the initial jobless claims to record a drop to a level of 910.00 K.
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