Economy : Page 870

Fed's Lockhart: Too early to say if inflation will be sustained

May 3, 2016 A top U.S. rate-setter continued to emphasise that the central bank might hike interest rates twice more in 2016, even while flagging risks to the economy and the outlook for inflation.

Brazil saw $4.86 million trade surplus, best April

May 3, 2016 Brazil recorded a $4.86 million trade surplus in April of 2016, better than market expectations of $4.7 billion and the highest on record for an April month.

U.S. factory activity growth at 2009-low

May 3, 2016 The final Markit Manufacturing PMI for the United States came in at 50.8 in April of 2016, down from 51.5 in the previous month.

Reserve Bank of Australia lowers cash rate to 1.75 percent

May 3, 2016 The board of Reserve Bank of Australia decided to lower the cash rate by 25 basis points to 1.75 percent.

Strongest improvement in manufacturing in Canada

May 3, 2016 April data from the RBC PMI highlighted a sustained recovery in business conditions across the Canadian manufacturing sector.

EU growth remains lacklustre as French downturn deepens

May 3, 2016 Conditions in the eurozone manufacturing sector remained lacklustre at the start of the second quarter, as rates of expansion eased for both production and incoming new orders.

U.S. manufacturing output close to stagnation in April

May 3, 2016 April data indicated that U.S. manufacturers started the second quarter of 2016 with a renewed slowdown in production and new business growth.

German engineering orders increased 18%

May 3, 2016 In March, incoming orders in mechanical engineering in Germany exceeded the level of the previous year by 18 percent.

Chile's unemployment climbs higher than forecast

May 3, 2016 Chile's jobless rate rose more than expected in the first quarter as two years of sluggish growth finally caught up with the labor market.

South Korean exports down 11.2% in April

May 3, 2016 Weak global demand drove down South Korea's exports in April for the 16th consecutive month and more sharply than in March, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industries and Energy.

U.S. construction spending rises less than expected

May 2, 2016 Construction spending in the U.S. increased by less than expected in the month of March, the Commerce Department revealed in a report.

Manufacturing in Japan declined fastest in over three years

May 2, 2016 Latest survey data pointed to a sharp deterioration in manufacturing conditions in Japan.