The ISM Services PMI rose to 52.4 in October 2025 from 50 in September, beating forecasts of 50.8, pointing to the strongest expansion in the services sector since February. Both business activity (54.3 vs 49.9) and new orders (56.2 vs 50.4) rebounded while the continued contraction in employmet (48.2 vs 47.2) shows a lack of confidence in the continued strength of the economy. "There was no indication of widespread layoffs or reductions in force, but the federal government shutdown was mentioned several times as impacting business activity and generating concerns for future layoffs",...
Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato told G7 countries on Thursday that "US tariffs are highly disappointing.US tariffs, countermeasures are creating uncertainties in financial market.Stressed that free trade regime promotion important.Constructive policy discussion important.No comment on Bessent's foreign exchange remarks.Many countries make reference to US tariffs.Forex rate should be determined by market.Excessive forex move negatively affect economy.In meeting with Bessent tomorrow, hope to hold talks on the basis of past understanding on the need for the two countries to coordinate...
Sales of new single-family homes in the United States surged by 7.4% from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 724,000, extending the 1.8% increase in the earlier period to the highest in six months, and firmly above market expectations of 680,000 homes. The sales were in line with the growth in mortgage applications in the period as benchmark borrowing costs fell. Source: Trading Economics
The latest Services PMI data, released by Markit Economics, has indicated a slowdown in the growth of the private sector service companies. The actual figure came in at 51.4, a significant drop from the forecasted 52.8. The Services PMI, a key indicator of economic health, is based on surveys of over 400 executives in private sector service companies, covering sectors such as transport and communication, financial intermediaries, business and personal services, computing & IT, hotels and restaurants. An index level above 50 signals an improvement, while a level below 50 indicates a...
The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) in the US has shown an unexpected increase, according to recently released data. The actual PMI was reported to be 50.7, outperforming both the forecasted and previous figures. Predictions for the PMI had been set at 49.0, indicating a forecasted contraction in the manufacturing sector. However, the actual figure of 50.7 not only exceeded this forecast but also surpassed the previous month's PMI of 50.2. This indicates a slight expansion in the manufacturing sector, as a PMI reading above 50 is generally seen as a sign of growth. The PMI...
U.S. President Donald Trump delivered remarks on the state of trade relations with China and other countries Tuesday, emphasizing the positive impact of tariffs on the American economy and outlining his administration's approach to international trade deals. Trump highlighted the reduction of trade deficits and the revenue generated from tariffs on imported automobiles, steel, and aluminum. Trump asserted that the U.S. is "doing fine with China" and other countries, contrasting the current situation with the previous administration, which he claimed saw the U.S. losing "$5 billion a day" on...
Asia-Pacific markets traded higher, tracking Wall Street gains overnight.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 0.41% after hitting a fresh record high on Thursday, while the Topix added 0.61%. South...
Both the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 hovered around the flatline on Friday, as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of further developments in trade talks between US President Trump and Chinese...
American consumers struggling to access food assistance payments due to the government shutdown are unable to fill their shopping carts, and that's "hurtful," according to the company behind Stop...