Economy : Page 933

Economic indexes for Brazil increased 0.8 percent in November

December 18, 2015 The Conference Board Leading Economic Index for Brazil, together with Fundação Getulio Vargas (TCB/FGV Brazil LEI), increased 0.8 percent in November.

UK unemployment rate fell unexpectedly

December 17, 2015 The UK unemployment rate fell unexpectedly and the number of people in work rose more than forecast in the three months to October.

Eurozone enjoys strongest quarter for four-and-a-half years

December 17, 2015 The eurozone economy saw a solid end to 2015, with robust growth leading employers to take on extra staff at the fastest rate for just over four-anda-half years. Output prices meanwhile continued to fall.

December German PMI rounds off best quarter in one and a half years

December 17, 2015 Private sector companies in Germany enjoyed another month of solid output growth in December, as highlighted by the Markit Flash Germany Composite Output Index remaining comfortably above the crucial 50.0 threshold.

French private sector output growth slows to near-stagnation

December 17, 2015 The latest flash France PMI data signalled an easing of private sector output growth during December.

Solid improvement in manufacturing operating conditions in Japan

December 17, 2015 The latest public release of the Nikkei Flash Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) shows some improvements.

New Zealand's primary exports projected to hit $37.6 billion

December 16, 2015 New Zealand's primary sector export revenue is expected to increase to $37.6 billion in the year ending June 2016, up $1.9b from the previous year.

33% of Austrians want to make major purchase in next 12 months

December 16, 2015 According to the Integral survey on behalf of Erste Bank, more than a third of Austrians (33%) want to make a major purchase in the coming 12 months.

Government spending can spur higher growth in Indonesia

December 16, 2015 The government’s increased capital spending by close to 50 percent year-on-year in real terms supported growth in Q3 and could further boost growth in 2016 if the pace continues, says World Bank.

Majority of investors expect 3+ U.S. rate hikes in coming year

December 16, 2015 A majority (58 percent) of global investors expect the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) to raise rates three times or more in the coming 12 months.

Empire State manufacturing declined for fifth consecutive month

December 16, 2015 The December 2015 Empire State Manufacturing Survey indicates that business activity declined for a fifth consecutive month for New York manufacturers.

Fitch: Economic growth in North America to improve

December 16, 2015 Fitch Ratings expects economic growth in North America to improve in 2016. The U.S. economy will grow 2.5%, the same rate as in 2015, while Canadian growth will improve to 2% in 2016 from just 1% in 2015.