The Sentix Investor Confidence measures the level of investors' confidence in economic activity.
It is a leading indicator as it measures the investors' mood toward the Euro-zone economy.
Higher readings point to higher investors' optimism. A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the EUR,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the EUR.
The BRC Shop Price Index measures the change in worth of same-store sales in BRC member popular retail outlets in the UK.
It actually measures retail sales for retailers who belong to the BRC.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the GBP,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the GBP.
This report is the total amount spent by builders on both public and private construction projects.
This helps traders build an economic picture of the trends of investments made in building projects. Therefore, it reads the sentiment that may eventually filter through to other areas of the housing and commercial building markets. The index surveys approximately 120 construction companies.
If the notes go above 50.0, this indicates industry expansion, below indicates industry contraction.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the AUD,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the AUD.
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision on short term interest rate.
The decision on where to set interest rates depends mostly on growth outlook and inflation.
The primary objective of the central bank is to achieve price stability.
High interest rates attract foreigners looking for the best "risk-free" return on their money, which can dramatically increases demand for the nation's currency.
A higher than expected rate is positive/bullish for the JPY,
while a lower than expected rate is negative/bearish for the JPY.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decision on short term interest rate.
The decision on where to set interest rates depends mostly on growth outlook and inflation.
The primary objective of the central bank is to achieve price stability.
High interest rates attract foreigners looking for the best "risk-free" return on their money, which can dramatically increases demand for the nation's currency.
A higher than expected rate is positive/bullish for the AUD,
while a lower than expected rate is negative/bearish for the AUD.
This monetary report is presented four times a year by the bank of Australia, assessing their current economic condition and projecting the possibilities of inflation and output growth.
The Leading Indicators Index
measures overall economic health by combining 12 indicators such as machinery orders and stock prices.
A value lower than 50 means that most indicators are negative and a value higher than 50 means most indicators are positive.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the JPY,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the JPY.
The Unemployment Rate is a measure of the percentage of the total labor force that is unemployed but actively seeking employment and willing to work in Switzerland.
A high percentage indicates weakness in the labor market.
A low percentage is a positive indicator for the labor market in Switzerland and should be taken as positive for the CHF.
The Bank of Japan will be holding a press conference, their preferred method of communicating with investors. Topics at such conferences generally include economic outlook, inflation and changes in interest rates.
The German Factory Orders measures the change in euro level of new factory orders for both durable and non-durable goods in Germany.
A rise trend in this indicator may indicate an expansion in the German economy.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the EUR,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the EUR.
The ABC/Washington Post Consumer Confidence Index is a rolling average based on telephone interviews with 1,000 randomly selected adults over the previous four-week period.
The index is based on three core questions, which asks respondents to rate the condition of the national economy, the state of their personal finances and whether now is a good time to buy things. Margin of sampling error for the results of each of the component questions is plus or minus 3 percentage points.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the USD,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the USD.
The Manufacturing Sales measures the change in worth of sales made by manufacturing.
It is a key indicator of the manufacturing sector's strength
and therefore is a leading indicator of economic health.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the NZD,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the NZD.
The BRC Shop Price Index measures the price changes in BRC member popular retail outlets in the UK.
The higher this number is the stronger the affect on inflation.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the GBP,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the GBP.
The Core Machinery Orders measures the monthly change in machinery orders,
excluding ships and Utilities.
It is a key indicator of investment and a leading indicator of production.
A rise trend in the number of orders indicates expansion of the Japanese economy.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the JPY,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the JPY.
The Bank Lending measures the change in the value of bank loans given to consumers and businesses.
It has major affect about consumer spending and also
correlated with consumer confidence. A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the JPY,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the JPY.
The Current Account index measures the difference in worth between exported and imported goods, services, and interest payments (exports minus imports).
Export data can give reflection on the Japanese growth.
Imports provide an indication of domestic demand.
The goods portion is the same as the Trade Balance figure.
Because foreigners must buy the domestic currency to pay for the nation's exports,
it may have sizable affect on the JPY.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the JPY,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the JPY.
The M2 Money Stock measures the change in the worth of all currency and liquid cash assets held in bank accounts.
The Money Stock is considered an important indicator of inflation,
as monetary expansion adds pressure to the exchange rates.
Much of this data is previously released in the Monetary Base.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the JPY,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the JPY.
The Home Loans measures the change in the number of Home Loans.
It provides information about the buyers in the housing market in Australia.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the AUD,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the AUD.
The BOJ (Bank of Japan)'s monthly report entails a detailed summary of changes in the country's economic growth as well as the responsible contributing economic factors.
The Economy Watchers Current Index
determines the sentiment among workers regarding economic activity.
It is a leading indicator as it can predict the consumer spending, which is a major
part in the total economic activity.
Above 50.0 indicates optimism, below indicates pessimism.
The reading is concluded from a survey of about 2,000 workers.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the JPY,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the JPY.
The Trade Balance index measures the difference in worth between exported and imported goods (exports minus imports).
This is the largest component of a country's balance of payments.
Export data can give reflection on Germany's growth.
Imports provide an indication of domestic demand.
Because foreigners must buy the domestic currency to pay for the nation's exports,
it may have sizable affect on the EUR.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the EUR,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the EUR.
The French Government Budget Balance
measures the difference in value between the French government's income and spending during the given month (income minus spending).
A negative number indicates a budget deficit, while a positive number indicates a surplus.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the EUR,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the EUR.
The Trade Balance index measures the difference in worth between exported and imported goods (exports minus imports).
This is the largest component of a country's balance of payments.
Export data can give reflection on the growth in France.
Imports provide an indication of domestic demand.
Because foreigners must buy the domestic currency to pay for the nation's exports,
it may have sizable affect on the EUR.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the EUR,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the EUR.
The Manufacturing Production measures the change in the total outputs of the UK manufacturing.
It gives us a good indicator of strength in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing industries make up about 80% of total Industrial Production.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the GBP,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the GBP.
The Industrial Production measures the change in the total outputs of the UK's factories, mines, and utilities.
It gives us a good indicator of strength in the manufacturing sector. It can be a leading indicator of manufacturing employment, average earnings, and personal income.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the GBP,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the GBP.
The German Industrial Production measures the change in the total outputs of the German factories, mines, and utilities.
It gives us a good indicator of strength in the manufacturing sector. It can be a leading indicator of manufacturing employment, average earnings, and personal income.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the EUR,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the EUR.
The MBA Mortgage Applications is a weekly survey which measures the change in the number of new Mortgage Applications during a given week.
It provides information about the buyers in the housing market in the US.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the USD,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the USD.
The Building Permits shows the change in the number of permits for new construction projects issued by the government.
Building permits are key indicator for the condition of the housing market.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the CAD,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the CAD.
The Bank of Canada (BOC) decision on short term interest rate.
The decision on where to set interest rates depends mostly on growth outlook and inflation.
The primary objective of the central bank is to achieve price stability.
High interest rates attract foreigners looking for the best "risk-free" return on their money, which can dramatically increases demand for the nation's currency.
A higher than expected rate is positive/bullish for the CAD,
while a lower than expected rate is negative/bearish for the CAD.
The Ivey Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI) measures the activity level of purchasing managers in Canada. Any reading above 50 indicates expansion,
while a reading below 50 indicates contraction.
It gives an indication about the health of the manufacturing section and production growth in Canada.
Traders watch these surveys closely as purchasing managers usually have early access to data about their company’s performance, which can be a leading indicator of overall economic performance.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the CAD,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the CAD.
The NIESR GDP Estimate is an unofficial report of the UK GDP.
It measures the change in the estimated value of all goods and services produced by the economy during the previous 3 month.
Usually this report is very reliable and gives a good reflection on the UK economy's growth. A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the GBP,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the GBP.
The Fed's Beige Book is a report on current economic conditions in each of the 12 Federal Reserve districts covering the entire US.
It gives a picture of economic trends and challenges in the US.
It is released 8 times a year, 2 weeks before each FOMC meeting.
This report is used by the FOMC in their decision on short-term interest rates.
An optimistic view should be taken as positive/bullish for the USD,
while a pessimistic view should be taken as negative/bearish for the USD.
The Consumer Credit measures the monthly change of consumer debt.
It has major affect about consumer spending and also
correlated with consumer confidence.
The figure can be quite volatile and subject to massive revisions.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the USD,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the USD.
The BSI Large Manufacturing Index measures the general business conditions of large manufacturers.
The info is calculated from a survey of large manufacturers in Japan, asked about their business conditions.
It is a key indicator of the Japanese economy, which heavily relies on the manufacturing industry.
Above 0 indicates improving conditions while below 0 indicates worsening conditions. This survey may help to predict the BOJ's Tankan Large Manufacturing Index, released about a week later.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the JPY,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the JPY.
The Employment Change measures the change in the number of employed people in Australia in the given month.
A rise trend indicates strength in the labor market
and has a positive affect on consumer spending and therefore on the economic growth.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the AUD, while lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the AUD.
The Unemployment Rate is a measure of the percentage of the total labor force that is unemployed but actively seeking employment and willing to work in Australia.
A high percentage indicates weakness in the labor market.
A low percentage is a positive indicator for the labor market in Australia and should be taken as positive for the AUD.
The Household Confidence determines the mood of households regarding economic activity.
It is a leading indicator as it can predict the consumer spending, which is a major
part in the total economic activity.
The reading is concluded from a survey of about 5000 households.
Higher readings point to higher consumer optimism.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the JPY,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the JPY.
The German Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the changes in the price of goods
and services. The CPI measures price change from the perspective of the consumer.
It is a key way to measure changes in purchasing trends and inflation in Germany.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the EUR
(as the common way to fight inflation is raising rates, which may attract foreign investment), while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the EUR.
The Machine Tool Orders measures the change in tool orders by manufacturers.
It indicates manufacturers' activity and therefore the business conditions in Japan.
A rise trend in the number of orders indicates expansion of the Japanese economy.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the JPY,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the JPY.
The French Nonfarm Payrolls measures the change in the number of employed people during the last month of all non-farming businesses.
A rise trend indicates strength in the labor market
and has a positive affect on consumer spending and therefore on the economic growth. A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the EUR,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the EUR.
The ECB (European Central Bank) report provides monthly information regarding money market interests, growth outlook, saving trends and various economic issues. It is released monthly, 7 days after the Interest Rate Decision release.
The Trade Balance index measures the difference in worth between exported and imported goods (exports minus imports).
This is the largest component of a country's balance of payments.
Export data can give reflection on the UK growth.
Imports provide an indication of domestic demand.
Because foreigners must buy the domestic currency to pay for the nation's exports,
it may have sizable affect on the GBP.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the GBP,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the GBP.
The Bank of England (BOE) decision on short term interest rate.
The decision on where to set interest rates depends mostly on growth outlook and inflation.
The primary objective of the central bank is to achieve price stability.
High interest rates attract foreigners looking for the best "risk-free" return on their money, which can dramatically increases demand for the nation's currency.
A higher than expected rate is positive/bullish for the GBP,
while a lower than expected rate is negative/bearish for the GBP.
The Housing Starts captures annualized number of the new homes or buildings began construction in the given month.
It shows the strength of the Canadian housing market, which helps to analysis the
economy as a whole as the housing market is a key factor in the economy.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the CAD,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the CAD.
The Trade Balance index measures the difference in worth between exported and imported goods (exports minus imports).
This is the largest component of a country's balance of payments.
Export data can give reflection on Canada's growth.
Imports provide an indication of domestic demand.
Because foreigners must buy the domestic currency to pay for the nation's exports,
it may have sizable affect on the CAD.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the CAD,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the CAD.
The New Housing Price Index (NHPI) measures the change in prices for new homes.
It is a component of the Consumer Price Index.
This report helps to analyze the strength of the Canadian
housing market, which helps to analysis the economy as a whole.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the CAD,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the CAD.
The Trade Balance index measures the difference in worth between exported and imported goods (exports minus imports).
This is the largest component of a country's balance of payments.
Export data can give reflection on the US growth.
Imports provide an indication of domestic demand.
Because foreigners must buy the domestic currency to pay for the nation's exports,
it may have sizable affect on the USD.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the USD,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the USD.
The Initial Jobless Claims is a seasonally adjusted measure of the number of people who file for unemployment benefits for the first time during the given week.
This data is collected by the Department of Labor, and published as a weekly report.
The number of jobless claims is used as a measure of the health of the job market, as a series of increases indicates that there are fewer people being hired.
On a week-to-week basis, claims are quite volatile.
Usually, a move of at least 35K in claims, is required to signal a meaningful change in job growth.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the USD,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the USD.
The EIA (Energy Information Administration) Natural Gas Storage measures the change in the number of cubic feet of natural gas held in underground storage during the past week.
The Energy Information Administration's (EIA) Crude Oil Inventories measures the weekly increase in barrels of commercial crude oil held in inventory by US firms. The level of inventories influences the price of petroleum products, which can have an impact on inflation and other economic forces.
The Terms Of Trade Index is a measure of the changes in the levels of both prices and volumes of imports and exports of merchandise trade to and from New Zealand.
Because New Zealand's economy relies so highly on exports, this number gives an important indication of the nation's growth.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the NZD,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the NZD.
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the broadest measure of economic activity
and is a key indicator for the economy's health.
The quarterly percent changes in GDP shows the growth rate of the economy as a whole. A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the JPY,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the JPY.
The Corporate Goods Price Index (CGPI) measures the change in the selling prices of goods purchased by Japanese corporations.
The CPGI measures the change in the rate of inflation in Japan from the perspective of the manufacturer and is correlated with the CPI.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the JPY
(as the common way to fight inflation is raising rates, which may attract foreign investment), while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the JPY.
The GDP Price Index measures the change in the price of all goods and services included in GDP.
Therefore - the GDP Price Index is a key inflation measure.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the JPY
(as the common way to fight inflation is raising rates, which may attract foreign investment), while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the JPY.
The French Industrial Production measures the change in the total outputs of the French factories, mines, and utilities.
It gives us a good indicator of strength in the manufacturing sector. It can be a leading indicator of manufacturing employment, average earnings, and personal income.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the EUR,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the EUR.
The Italian Industrial Production measures the change in the total outputs of the Italian factories, mines, and utilities.
It gives us a good indicator of strength in the manufacturing sector. It can be a leading indicator of manufacturing employment, average earnings, and personal income.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the EUR,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the EUR.
The Producer Price Index (PPI) Input is an inflationary indicator that measures the average change
in prices purchased by manufacturers of goods and services.
The PPI measures price change from the perspective of the seller.
When producers pay more for goods and services, they are likely to pass the higher costs to the consumer, so PPI is thought to be a leading indicator of consumer inflation.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the GBP,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the GBP.
The Producer Price Index (PPI) Output is an inflationary indicator that measures the average change
in prices of goods, produced domestically, sold by manufacturers.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the GBP,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the GBP.
The Conference Board Leading Index measures overall economic health by combining 7 indicators such as building permits, new orders and money supply.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the GBP,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the GBP.
The Employment Change measures the change in the number of employed people in Canada in the given month.
A rise trend indicates strength in the labor market
and has a positive affect on consumer spending and therefore on the economic growth.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the CAD, while lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the CAD.
The Unemployment Rate is a measure of the percentage of the total labor force that is unemployed but actively seeking employment and willing to work in Canada.
A high percentage indicates weakness in the labor market.
A low percentage is a positive indicator for the labor market in Canada and should be taken as positive for the CAD.
The Wholesale Inventories measures the change in the worth of unsold goods held by wholesalers.
High number can suggest lack of consumer demand.
Therefore - A higher than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the USD,
while a lower than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the USD.
