By the numbers: The global economy this week

Highlights of economic data released last week, from central bank policies to trade and growth trends.

June 5, 2023

Currency

U.S.: The dollar declined versus other major currencies as markets anticipated the next Federal Reserve meeting.

Central bank policy

U.S.: Economic activity was little changed in April and May according to the Federal Reserve Beige book report.

Employment trends

EUROZONE: The unemployment rate dropped to 6.5% in April from 6.6% in March.

U.S.: Initial jobless claims rose 2,000 to 232,000 the week ended May 27, 2023.

U.S.: The U.S. added 339,000 jobs in May and the unemployment rate rose to 3.7% from 3.4% in April.

Growth

CANADA: The Manufacturing PMI fell to 49.0 in May from 50.2 in April.

CANADA: GDP grew 0.8% in the first quarter.

EUROZONE: The Manufacturing PMI fell to 44.8 in May from 45.8 in April.

GERMANY: The Manufacturing PMI dropped to 43.2 in May from 44.5 in April.

JAPAN: Industrial production slipped 0.4% in April.

U.K.: The Manufacturing PMI fell to 47.1 in May from 47.8 in April.

U.S.: The Manufacturing PMI Index dropped to 48.4 in May from 50.2 in April.

U.S.: Housing prices continued to recover in March, increasing 0.4% compared with February.

U.S.: Construction spending rose 1.2% in April compared with March.

Trade

GERMANY: Import prices declined 1.7% in April compared with March.

Inflation/deflation

AUSTRALIA: The monthly CPI Indicator rose 6.8% in the 12 months to April.

EUROZONE: Euro area annual inflation dropped to 6.1% in May from 7.0% in April, in a flash estimate.

GERMANY: The inflation rate is expected to rise to 6.1% year over year in June.