Market News

The Eurozone's private sector output maintained slight growth in February, though the pace remained unchanged from the start of the year, according to the latest HCOB Flash PMI® survey by S&P Global. Weak demand, falling new orders, and job reductions signaled ongoing challenges, while input cost inflation surged to its highest level in nearly two years, leading to faster increases in output prices.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased slightly for the week ending February 15, with initial jobless claims reaching 219,000, up 5,000 from the previous week’s revised figure, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The prior week's claims were adjusted upward by 1,000, bringing the total from 213,000 to 214,000.

In January 2025, advance estimates for U.S. retail and food services sales, adjusted for seasonal fluctuations, holidays, and trading-day differences (but not for inflation), amounted to $723.9 billion.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell to 213,000 for the week ending February 8, reflecting a decrease of 7,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 220,000, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. The prior week’s estimate was revised upward by 1,000 from 219,000 to 220,000.

Germany’s annual inflation rate slowed to 2.3% in January 2025, down from 2.6% in December, according to the Federal Statistical Office. The decrease matched preliminary estimates and reflected easing price pressures across key sectors, particularly in food and services.

The UK economy grew 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024, avoiding a projected contraction and improving from zero growth in the previous quarter, according to preliminary data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The modest expansion was driven by gains in the services and construction sectors, though declines in production weighed on overall growth.

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased by 0.5% in January on a seasonally adjusted basis, following a 0.4% rise in December, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to reduce the Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.5% at its February 5, 2025, meeting. The decision, passed by a 7–2 majority, comes as inflationary pressures moderate, though two members of the committee advocated for a larger 0.5 percentage point cut to 4.25%.