The Unemployment Rate measures the percentage of the total work force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment during the previous month.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the CHF, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the CHF.
The unemployment rate represents the number of unemployed persons expressed as a percentage of the labour force. A lower than expected number should be taken as positive to the CHF, while a higher than expected number as negative.
German Factory Orders measures the change in the total value of new purchase orders placed with manufacturers for both durable and non-durable goods. It is a leading indicator of production.
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 Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the change in the price of goods and services from the perspective of the consumer. It is a key way to measure changes in purchasing trends and inflation.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the SEK, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the SEK.
Trade balance, called also net export, is the difference between the value of country's exports and imports, over a period of time. A positive balance (trade surplus) means that exports exceed imports, a negative one means the opposite.Positive trade balance illustrates high competitiveness of country's economy. This strengthens investor's interest in the local currency, appreciating its exchange rate.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 Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the change in the price of goods and services from the perspective of the consumer. It is a key way to measure changes in purchasing trends and inflation.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the SEK, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the SEK.
Sweden, Consumer Prices, By Commodity, Special Indexes, Underlying inflation CPIF, Index. The Underlying Inflation Rate according to CPIF (CPI at constant interest rates) differs from CPI by keeping interest rate for households mortgage interest payment at a constant rate. CPIF is calculated on request fromSveriges Riksbank (the Swedish central bank).
Sweden, Consumer Prices, By Commodity, Special Indexes, Underlying inflation CPIF, Index. The Underlying Inflation Rate according to CPIF (CPI at constant interest rates) differs from CPI by keeping interest rate for households mortgage interest payment at a constant rate. CPIF is calculated on request fromSveriges Riksbank (the Swedish central bank).
The Hungarian Industrial Output is a useful indicator of the economy because it is more current compared to the GNP and reported every month. Total Industrial Production includes Mining,Manufacturing, and Energy but it excludes transportation, services, and agriculture which is included in GNP. Industrial Production is generally more volatile than GNP.Changes in the volume of the physical output of the nation's factories, mineand utilities are measured by the index of industrial production. The figure is calculated as a weighted aggregate of goods and reported in headlines as a percent change from previous months.A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the HUF , while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the HUF.
Retail sales data represents total consumer purchase from retail stores. It provides valuable information about consumer spending which makes up the consumption part of GDP. The most volatile components like autos, gas prices and food prices are often removed from the report to show more underlying demand patterns as changes in sales in these categories are frequently a result of price changes.Rising retail sales indicate stronger economic growth. However, if the increase is larger than forecast, it may be inflationary. A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the HUF , while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the HUF.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the change in the price of goods and services from the perspective of the consumer. It is a key way to measure changes in purchasing trends and inflation.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the CZK, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the CZK.
Construction output includes construction work done by enterprises with prevailing construction activity. Construction industry provides information on construction output and activity. Such information gives an insight into the supply on the housing and construction market.The construction industry is one of the first to go into a recession when the economy declines but also to recover as conditions improve.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 Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the change in the price of goods and services from the perspective of the consumer. It is a key way to measure changes in purchasing trends and inflation.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the CZK, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the CZK.
Industry is a basic category of business activity. Firms in the same industry are on the same side of the market, produce goods which are close substitutes and compete for the same customers. For statistical purposes, industries are categorized following a uniform classification code such as Standard Industrial Classification (SIC). Changes in the volume of the physical output of the nation's factories, mines and utilities are measured by the index of industrial production. The figure is calculated as a weighted aggregate of goods and reported in headlines as a percent change from previous months. It is often adjusted by season or weather conditions and thus volatile. However, it is used as a leading indicator and helps in forecasting GDP changes.
Trade balance, called also net export, is the difference between the value of country's exports and imports, over a period of time. A positive balance (trade surplus) means that exports exceed imports, a negative one means the opposite. Positive trade balance illustrates high competitiveness of country's economy. This strengthens investors' interest in the local currency, appreciating its exchange rate. Exports free on board (f.o.b.) and Imports cost insurance freight (c.i.f.) are, in general, customs statistics reported under the general trade statistics.According to the recommendations of the UN International Trade Statistics.
A measure that examines the weighted average of prices of a basket of consumer goods and services, such as transportation, food and medical care. The CPI is calculated by taking price changes for each item in the predetermined basket of goods and averaging them; the goods are weighted according to their importance. Changes in CPI are used to assess price changes associated with the cost of living.
A measure that examines the weighted average of prices of a basket of consumer goods and services, such as transportation, food and medical care. The CPI is calculated by taking price changes for each item in the predetermined basket of goods and averaging them; the goods are weighted according to their importance. Changes in CPI are used to assess price changes associated with the cost of living.
IHS Markit Germany Construction PMI is compiled from responses to questionnaires
sent to a panel of about 150 construction company purchasing managers. The panel is stratified by
company workforce size based on contributions to GDP.
Survey responses are collected during the second half of each month and indicate the direction of change
compared to the previous month. A reading above 50 indicates an overall increase compared to the
previous month; below 50 signals an overall decrease.
The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) Construction Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI) measures the activity level of purchasing managers in the construction industry. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the construction industry; a reading below indicates contraction. It gives an indication about the health of the construction section in the UK.
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 GBP, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the GBP.
The figures displayed in the calendar represent the average yield on the Obligaciones del Estado or ODE auctioned.
Spanish ODE bonds have maturities of above then five years. Governments issue treasuries to borrow money to cover the gap between the amount they receive in taxes and the amount they spend to refinance existing debt and/or to raise capital.
The yield on the ODE represents the return an investor will receive by holding the treasury for its entire duration. All bidders receive the same rate at the highest accepted bid.
Yield fluctuations should be monitored closely as an indicator of the government debt situation. Investors compare the average rate at auction to the rate at previous auctions of the same security.
Retail Sales measure the change in the total value of inflation-adjusted sales at the retail level. It is the foremost indicator of consumer spending, which accounts for the majority of overall economic activity.
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.
French OAT notes have maturities from seven up to 50 years. Governments issue treasuries to borrow money to cover the gap between the amount they receive in taxes and the amount they spend to refinance existing debt and/or to raise capital.
The yield on the OAT represents the return an investor will receive by holding the treasury for its entire duration. All bidders receive the same rate at the highest accepted bid.
Yield fluctuations should be monitored closely as an indicator of the government debt situation. Investors compare the average rate at auction to the rate at previous auctions of the same security.
French OAT notes have maturities from six up to 50 years. Governments issue treasuries to borrow money to cover the gap between the amount they receive in taxes and the amount they spend to refinance existing debt and/or to raise capital.
The yield on the OAT represents the return an investor will receive by holding the treasury for its entire duration. All bidders receive the same rate at the highest accepted bid.
Yield fluctuations should be monitored closely as an indicator of the government debt situation. Investors compare the average rate at auction to the rate at previous auctions of the same security.
The figures displayed in the calendar represent the average yield on the Bonos del Estado or BDE auctioned.
Spanish BDE bonds have maturities of between two to five years. Governments issue treasuries to borrow money to cover the gap between the amount they receive in taxes and the amount they spend to refinance existing debt and/or to raise capital.
The yield on the BDE represents the return an investor will receive by holding the treasury for its entire duration. All bidders receive the same rate at the highest accepted bid.
Yield fluctuations should be monitored closely as an indicator of the government debt situation. Investors compare the average rate at auction to the rate at previous auctions of the same security.
The figures displayed in the calendar represent the average yield on the Obligaciones del Estado or ODE auctioned.
Spanish ODE bonds have maturities of above then five years. Governments issue treasuries to borrow money to cover the gap between the amount they receive in taxes and the amount they spend to refinance existing debt and/or to raise capital.
The yield on the ODE represents the return an investor will receive by holding the treasury for its entire duration. All bidders receive the same rate at the highest accepted bid.
Yield fluctuations should be monitored closely as an indicator of the government debt situation. Investors compare the average rate at auction to the rate at previous auctions of the same security.
Retail Sales measure the change in the total value of inflation-adjusted sales at the retail level. It is the foremost indicator of consumer spending, which accounts for the majority of overall economic activity.
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.
Monetary policy refers to the actions undertaken by a country's monetary authority, central bank or government to achieve certain national economic goals. It is based on the relationship between interest rates at which money can be borrowed and total supply of money. Policy rates are the most important rates within a country's monetary policy. These can be: deposit rates, lombard rates, rediscount rates, reference rates etc. Changing them influences economic growth, inflation, exchange rates and unemployment.
The car registrations published by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) describe the number of new passenger car registrations in Germany. If the number increases, this is a sign of increasing consumption. At the same time, German carmakers are earning more money, leading to rising profits. This generally boosts the economy - and vice versa. If car registrations are higher than expected, this usually leads to a rising euro (EUR) exchange rate on the currency markets. Conversely, the euro exchange rate (EUR) falls if new registrations are lower than expected or if expectations are missed.
Foreign exchange reserves are only the foreign currency deposits held by central banks and monetary authorities. The Bank of Israel operates in the FX markets by buying and selling foreign currency in response to exchange rate movements. The dollars which the Bank is purchasing become part of the Bank's foreign exchange reserves.
Unemployment is the total number of all persons above a specified age, who in a short reference period were: not employed, available for work (either for paid work or for self employment) and were seeking work (were actively searching for employment or taking active steps towards self-employment).The Live Register is compiled from returns made directly to the Central Statistics Office by each local office of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. It comprises persons under 65 years of age in the following classes: All Claimants for Unemployment Benefit (UB) excluding systematic short-time workers Applicants for Unemployment Assistance (UA) excluding smallholders/farm assists and other self-employed persons Other registrants including applicants for credited Social Welfare contributions but excluding those directly involved in an industrial dispute.
The Leading Indicators Index is a composite index based on 12 economic indicators, that is designed to predict the future direction of 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.
Monetary aggregates, known also as "money supply", is the quantity of currency available within the economy to purchase goods and services. Depending on the degree of liquidity chosen to define an asset as money, various monetary aggregates are distinguished: M0, M1, M2, M3, M4, etc. Not all of them are used by every country. Note that methodology of calculating money supply varies between countries. M2 is a monetary aggregate that includes all physical currency circulating in the economy (banknotes and coins), operational deposits in central bank, money in current accounts, saving accounts, money market deposits and small certificates of deposit. Excess money supply growth potentially can cause inflation and generate fears that the government may tighten money growth by allowing the interest rates to rise which in turn, lowers future prices.Money supply M2 represents total liquidity. It contains currency in circulation + time deposits + foreign currency denominated current deposits.
FX Reserves measures the foreign assets held or controlled by the country's central bank. The reserves are made of gold or a specific currency. They can also be special drawing rights and marketable securities denominated in foreign currencies like treasury bills, government bonds, corporate bonds and equities and foreign currency loans.
FX Reserves measures the foreign assets held or controlled by the country's central bank. The reserves are made of gold or a specific currency. They can also be special drawing rights and marketable securities denominated in foreign currencies like treasury bills, government bonds, corporate bonds and equities and foreign currency loans.
Bank of England (BOE) monetary policy committee members vote on where to set the rate. Traders watch interest rate changes closely as short term interest rates are the primary factor in currency valuation.
A higher than expected rate is positive/bullish for the GBP, while a lower than expected rate is negative/bearish for the GBP.
The Monetary Policy Meeting Minutes are a detailed record of the Bank of England's policy setting meeting, containing in-depth insights into the economic conditions that influenced the decision on where to set interest rates. The breakdown of the MPC members' interest rate votes tends to be the most important part of the minutes.
Consumer Confidence measures the level of consumer confidence in economic activity. It is a leading indicator as it can predict consumer spending, which plays a major role in overall economic activity.A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the MXN , while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the MXN.
The number of MPC members who voted for a cut in the previous rate decision meeting. A higher than expected number of member who voted for a cut may signal a possible rate cut next meeting and therefore be bearish for the GBP
The number of MPC members who voted for a rate hike at the previous rate decision meeting. A higher than expected number of member who voted for a hike may signal a possible rate hike next meeting and therefore be bullish for the GBP
The consumer confidence index is based on interviews with consumers about their perceptions of the country's current and future economic situation and their tendencies to purchase. The performance of the economy of a country is reflected in macro-economic variables, such as the gross national product, external debt, interest rates, foreign exchange rates, imports, exports, stock market prices, inflation rates, real wages, unemployment rate, and so on. The state of the economy is also reflected in the micro-behavior of the consumers. The attitudes and behaviors of individual consumers affect the performance of the economy. For example, if they believe that the economy is heading in a certain direction, then they would make their savings or spending plans according.
Challenger Job Cuts measures the change in the number of job cuts announced by employers.
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.
Challenger Job Cuts, released by Challenger, Grey & Christmas monthly, provides information on the number of announced corporate layoffs by industry and region. The report is an indicator used by investors to determine the strength of the labor market. A lower than expected number should be taken as positive to the USD, while a higher than expected number as negative
 Foreign Exchange Reserves are the foreign assets held or controlled by the country central bank. The reserves are made of gold or a specific currency. They can also be special drawing rights and marketable securities denominated in foreign currencies like treasury bills, government bonds, corporate bonds and equities and foreign currency loans. A higher than expected number should be taken as positive to the RUB, while a lower than expected number as negative
Nonfarm Productivity measures the annualized change in labor efficiency when producing goods and services, excluding the farming industry. Productivity and labor-related inflation are directly linked-a drop in a worker's productivity is equivalent to a rise in their wage.
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.
Initial Jobless Claims measures the number of individuals who filed for unemployment insurance for the first time during the past week. This is the earliest U.S. economic data, but the market impact varies from week to week.
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.
Unit Labor Costs measure the annualized change in the price businesses pay for labor, excluding the farming industry. It is a leading indicator of consumer inflation.
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 Czech National Bank (CNB) Monetary Policy Committee's decision on where to set the benchmark interest rate.Traders watch interest rate changes closely as short term interest rates are the primary factor in currency valuation.
A higher than expected rate is positive/bullish for the CZK, while a lower than expected rate is negative/bearish for the CZK.
Continuing Jobless Claims measures the number of unemployed individuals who qualify for benefits under unemployment insurance.
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.
Initial Jobless Claims measures the number of individuals who filed for unemployment insurance for the first time during the past week.
As the week to week numbers might be very volatile, the four week moving average smooths the weekly data and used for the initial jobless claims metric
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.
Bank of England (BOE) Governor Andrew Bailey (Mar 2020 - Mar 2028) is to speak. As head of the BOE's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) which controls short term interest rates, Bailey has more influence over sterling's value than any other person. Traders scrutinize his public engagements for clues regarding future monetary policy.
His comments may spark a short-term positive or negative trend.
Total Vehicle Sales measures the annualized number of new vehicles sold domestically in the reported month. It is an important indicator of consumer spending and is also correlated to consumer confidence.
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 Ivey Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) measures the activity level of purchasing managers in Canada. A reading above 50 indicates expansion; a reading below 50 indicates contraction. The index is a joint project of the Purchasing Management Association of Canada and the Richard Ivey School of Business. 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 Ivey Purchasing Managers Index is jointly sponsored by the Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC) and the Richard Ivey School of Business. The Ivey Purchasing Managers Index measures month to month changes in dollars of purchases as indicated by a panel of purchasing managers from across Canada. The 175 participants in this survey have been carefully selected geographically and
by sector of activity to match the Canadian economy as a whole. The index includes both the public and private sectors. Index panel members indicate whether their organizations activity is higher than the same as, or lower than the previous month across the following five categories: purchases, employment, inventories, supplier deliveries and prices.
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) Natural Gas Storage report measures the change in the number of cubic feet of natural gas held in underground storage during the past week.
While this is a U.S. indicator it tends to have a greater impact on the Canadian dollar, due to Canada's sizable energy sector.
If the increase in natural gas inventories is more than expected, it implies weaker demand and is bearish for natural gas prices. The same can be said if a decline in inventories is less than expected.
If the increase in natural gas is less than expected, it implies greater demand and is bullish for natural gas prices. The same can be said if a decline in inventories is more than expected.
Deutsche Bundesbank President and voting member of the ECB Governing Council from Jan 2022. He's believed to be one of the most influential members of the council. ECB Governing Council members vote on where to set the Eurozone's key interest rates and their public engagements are often used to drop subtle clues regarding future monetary policy.
The figures displayed in the calendar represent the rate on the Treasury Bill auctioned.
U.S. Treasury Bills have maturities of a few days to one year. Governments issue treasuries to borrow money to cover the gap between the amount they receive in taxes and the amount they spend to refinance existing debt and/or to raise capital. The rate on a Treasury Bill represents the return an investor will receive by holding the bill for its entire duration. All bidders receive the same rate at the highest accepted bid.
Yield fluctuations should be monitored closely as an indicator of the government debt situation. Investors compare the average rate at auction to the rate at previous auctions of the same security.
The Exchequer Balance is the traditional domestic budgetary aggregate which measures Central Government's net surplus or borrowing position. It is the difference between total receipts into and total expenditure out of the Exchequer Account of the Central Fund.It measures the sum of the current and
capital balances.
The Exchequer Account is the single bank account of the Central Fund and is held at the Central Bank of Ireland. The annual audited accounts of the Exchequer Account produced by the Department of Finance are known as the Finance Accounts.
An unaudited summary known as the Exchequer Statement is produced at the end of each month. Under the Irish Constitution, all Government receipts are paid in to the Central Fund and all Government expenditure is funded from it, unless provided otherwise by law.
The figures displayed in the calendar represent the rate on the Treasury Bill auctioned.U.S. Treasury Bills have maturities of a few days to one year. Governments issue treasuries to borrow money to cover the gap between the amount they receive in taxes and the amount they spend to refinance existing debt and/or to raise capital. The rate on a Treasury Bill represents the return an investor will receive by holding the bill for its entire duration. All bidders receive the same rate at the highest accepted bid. Yield fluctuations should be monitored closely as an indicator of the government debt situation. Investors compare the average rate at auction to the rate at previous auctions of the same security.
The Bank of Mexico's Monetary Policy Committee's decision on where to set the benchmark interest rate.Traders watch interest rate changes closely as short term interest rates are the primary factor in currency valuation.
A higher than expected rate is positive/bullish for the MXN,
while a lower than expected rate is negative/bearish for the MXN.
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco President and Chief Executive Officer Mary Daly. Her public engagements are often used to drop subtle clues regarding future monetary policy.
Bank of England (BOE) Governor Andrew Bailey (Mar 2020 - Mar 2028) is to speak. As head of the BOE's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) which controls short term interest rates, Bailey has more influence over sterling's value than any other person. Traders scrutinize his public engagements for clues regarding future monetary policy.
His comments may spark a short-term positive or negative trend.
Reserve Balances with Federal Reserve Banks is the amount of money that depository institutions maintain in their accounts at their regional Federal Reserve Banks.
The Fed balance sheet is a statement listing the assets and liabilities of the Federal Reserve System. Details of the Fed's balance sheet are disclosed by the Fed in a weekly report called "Factors Affecting Reserve Balances."
Bank of Canada (BOC) Governor Tiff Macklem (June 2020 - June 2027) will speak. As head of the BOC's Governing Council, which controls key short-term interest rates, Macklem has more influence over the Canadian dollar's value than any other person. Traders scrutinize his public engagements for clues regarding future monetary policy.
His comments may determine a short-term positive or negative trend.
Household Spending measures the change in the inflation-adjusted value of all expenditures by consumers.
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.
Household Spending measures the change in the inflation-adjusted value of all expenditures by consumers.
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.
Official reserve assets comprises foreign currency reserves, IMF reserve position, SDRs and gold. A higher than expected number should be taken as positive to the JPY, while a lower than expected number as negative.
Industrial Production measures the change in the total inflation-adjusted value of output produced by manufacturers, mines, and utilities.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the PHP, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the PHP.
FX Reserves measures the foreign assets held or controlled by the country's central bank. The reserves are made of gold or a specific currency. They can also be special drawing rights and marketable securities denominated in foreign currencies like treasury bills, government bonds, corporate bonds and equities and foreign currency loans.
A higher than expected number should be taken as positive to the IDR, while a lower than expected number as negative.
Industrial Production measures the change in the total inflation-adjusted value of output produced by manufacturers, mines, and utilities.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the MYR, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the MYR.
Monetary policy refers to the actions undertaken by a country's monetary authority, central bank or government to achieve certain national economic goals. It is based on the relationship between interest rates at which money can be borrowed and total supply of money. Policy rates are the most important rates within a country's monetary policy. Changing them influences economic growth,inflation, exchange rates and unemployment.A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the INR , while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the INR.
Reverse Repo rate is the rate at which Reserve Bank of India (RBI) borrows money from banks. Banks are always happy to lend money to RBI since their money are in safe hands with a good interest. An increase in Reverse repo rate can cause the banks to transfer more funds to RBI due to this attractive interest rates. It can cause the money to be drawn out of the banking system. A surprise cut in reverse REPO rates will be extremely dovish for the INR while a surprise hike will be extremely bullish.
Monetary policy refers to the actions undertaken by a country's monetary authority, central bank or government to achieve certain national economic goals. It is based on the relationship between interest rates at which money canbe borrowed and total supply of money. Policy rates are the most important rateswithin a country's monetary policy. Changing them influences economic growth, inflation, exchange rates and unemployment.