Nine economic charts of the week you really must see
In March, a surge of imports (ahead of an April tax increase) combined with the weakest export growth in a year.
Japan’s trade deficit remained bad
In March, a surge of imports (ahead of an April tax increase) combined with the weakest export growth in a year.
US existing home sales stayed soft…
Sales declined for the third consecutive month, although it’s unclear if the spring weather will bring a rebound.
China’s manufacturing sector contracted
That’s one of the reasons Chinese stocks have been doing so poorly.
US durable goods orders rebounded
The core reading—nondefense capital goods orders, excluding aircraft—also suggested strength in business spending.
April inflation in Tokyo surged
Thanks to the new VAT tax, April prices in Tokyo rose by their fastest pace since 1992.
Brazil’s current account balance narrowed a bit
But it still shows Brazil is very dependent on foreign lending.
The mood of American consumers improved
The University of Michigan gauge of consumer sentiment is flirting with post-crisis highs.