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",...
The S&P Global UK Services PMI fell to 51.2 in July 2025 from 52.8 in June, compared to market forecasts of 53, according to preliminary estimates. Service providers reported that fragile domestic economic conditions and heightened geopolitical uncertainty weighed on sales pipelines. New orders in the services sector fell to their lowest level since April, with demand from abroad declining. The sector also saw a sharper decline in employment. On the pricing front, selling prices rose at a faster pace. Despite these challenges, private sector firms, on balance, remain optimistic,...
British business activity grew only weakly in July and employers cut jobs at the fastest pace in five months, according to a survey that is likely to add to speculation about a Bank of England interest rate cut next month. The S&P Global UK Composite Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), published on Thursday, slowed to 51.0 points from 52.0 in June, not far above the 50.0 level that separates growth from contraction. A Reuters poll had forecast a smaller fall to 51.8. The survey's employment gauge dropped to 45.1, its lowest since February, with businesses in part blaming the decision by...
Equities in Indonesia rose 64 points, or 0.9%, to 7,555 around noon on Thursday, gaining for a second straight session and supported primarily by heavyweight stocks. The IDX Composite hit its highest level since October 31, 2024, breaking above the 7,500 mark, tracking an upbeat session on Wall Street overnight following US-EU trade agreements. The deals also raised hopes for detailed trade agreements between the US and China—Indonesia's top trading partner. Nearly all sectors traded in the green, with the financial sector leading the gains, soaring 3.3%. Among the top performers were...
The EU and the U.S. are reportedly nearing a trade agreement that would impose a 15% tariff on most imports, including potentially cars and pharmaceuticals, Bloomberg News reported, citing diplomats. The proposed rate mirrors a similar deal the U.S. reached with Japan. While EU Commission officials briefed member states on the negotiations, any final decision would rest with U.S. President Donald Trump. The 15% tariff would not be added to existing U.S. duties, which average just under 5%. Certain sectors, such as the aircraft, lumber, certain medicines, and agricultural goods, may be...
The European Union and the US are moving toward a deal that would impose 15% tariffs on most products, according to diplomats briefed on the negotiations. Member states are likely ready to accept 15% tariffs, and EU officials are pushing for them to cover sectors including autos, diplomats said. Steel and aluminum imports above a certain quota would be subject to a 50% duty, one diplomat added. Diplomats said that while the EU is optimistic that a deal can be reached, they are also cautious that any final agreement would require the approval of US President Donald Trump, and his final...
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...