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European Economics Preview: Germany Final CPI Data Due

Final consumer prices from Germany and unemployment from France are due on Thursday, headlining a light day for the European economic news.

At 1.30 am ET, the French statistical office Insee publishes unemployment data for the second quarter. The jobless rate is seen rising to 8.3 percent from 7.8 percent in the first quarter.

At 2.00 am ET, Destatis is set to publish Germany's final consumer prices for July. According to preliminary estimate, consumer prices fell 0.1 percent on year, following a 0.9 percent rise in June.

At 3.00 am ET, Spain's INE is scheduled to issue final consumer prices for July. Economists expect the statistical office to confirm 0.6 percent annual fall in June. In the meantime, consumer price data is due from the Czech Republic. Inflation is seen easing to 3.1 percent in July from 3.3 percent in June.

At 6.00 am ET, Ireland's consumer price data is due for July. Prices had fallen 0.4 percent annually in June.

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[InstaForex Gertrude]

European Economics Preview: Eurozone GDP Data Due

Flash quarterly national accounts data from euro area is due on Friday, headlining a busy day for the European economic news.

At 1.00 am ET, Statistics Finland releases consumer prices for July and economic output for June.

At 2.30 am ET, July producer prices data from Switzerland is due. Prices had decreased 3.5 percent annually in June.

At 2.45 am ET, the French statistical office Insee publishes final consumer prices for July. Inflation is expected to rise to 0.8 percent in July, as initially estimated, from 0.2 percent in June.

At 3.00 am ET, industrial production and retail sales figures are due from Turkey. Economists forecast output to rise 1.1 percent on year in June, reversing a 19.9 percent fall in May.

At 3.30 am ET, Dutch GDP data is due for the second quarter.

At 4.00 am ET, consumer prices and GDP are due from Poland. Economists forecast GDP to fall 9.6 percent sequentially in the second quarter, faster than the 0.4 percent drop in the first quarter.

At 5.00 am ET, Eurostat is set to publish euro area flash GDP estimate for the second quarter. According to preliminary estimate, the currency bloc contracted 12.1 percent.

In the meantime, euro area foreign trade data is also due. The trade surplus is forecast to rise to EUR 12.6 billion in June from EUR 9.4 billion in May.

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[InstaForex Gertrude]

Thailand GDP Contracts Sharply In Q2

Thailand's economy contracted sharply in the second quarter amid the coronavirus pandemic, data from the National Economic and Social Development Council, or NESDC, showed on Monday.

Gross domestic product fell 12.2 percent on a yearly basis in the first quarter, after easing by revised 2 percent in the first quarter. Economists had forecast an annual decline of 13.3 percent.

On a quarterly basis, GDP declined 9.7 percent versus a 2.5 percent drop a quarter ago. GDP was expected to fall 11.4 percent. On the expenditure side, data showed that private final consumption expenditure declined by 6.6 percent, while government spending grew 1.4 percent.

Gross fixed capital formation decreased 8 percent. For external demands, exports and imports of goods and services decreased in the second quarter. The government lowered its full-year GDP forecast for 2020 to -7.3 percent to -7.8 percent compared to an earlier estimate of a -5 percent to -6 percent.

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RBA Minutes On Tap For Tuesday

The Reserve Bank of Australia will on Tuesday release the minutes from its monetary policy meeting on August 5, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity.

At the meeting, Australia's central bank left its benchmark lending rate unchanged at the record low 0.25 percent and also kept its quantitative easing unchanged. The bank vowed to maintain accommodative approach as long as it is required.
Indonesia will see Q2 results for its Business Tendency Index; in the previous three months, the index score was 104.82.

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Australia's Leading Index Continue To Signal Recession: Westpac

Australia's leading index remained in deep negative territory in July but the index appeared to have bottomed out in April, Westpac said Wednesday.

The six-month annualized growth rate in the Westpac Melbourne Institute Leading Index, which indicates the likely pace of economic activity relative to trend three to nine months into the future, rose to -4.37 percent in July from -4.43 percent in June.

The economic contraction in Victoria caused by the hard lockdown following the renewed virus outbreak will offset the ongoing recovery in other states, said Westpac.

Wespac expects economic growth to be flat in the September quarter before lifting by 2.8 percent in the December quarter on the assumption that Victoria moves through Stage 4 to Stage 2 and the other states avoid 'second wave' outbreaks.

Looking over the six months since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the index still showed a large, broad-based weakening.

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Sri Lanka's Central Bank Keeps Rate On Hold

Sri Lanka's central bank left its key rates unchanged on Thursday after cutting it by 100 basis points last month.

The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka decided to hold the Standing Deposit Facility Rate at 4.50 percent and the Standing Lending Facility Rate at 5.50 percent.

The bank has reduced the interest rates five times so far this year. The bank had slashed the rates by 100 basis points in July.

The board decided to adopt targeted measures to reduce specific interest rates that it considered to be excessive, which would help marginal borrowers.

The central bank expects the economy to recover in the second half of the year. However, for sustaining the growth momentum beyond the near term would require reforms to address structural issues in the economy, the bank noted.

Inflation is forecast to remain broadly within the desired 4-6 percent range in the near to medium term, with appropriate policy measures.

Given the poor outlook for the economy and mounting political pressure, Alex Holmes, an economist at Capital Economics, said the easing cycle has further to run.

The economist expects 50 basis points of rate cuts for the remainder of this year and another 50 basis points of cuts in 2021.

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Japan Manufacturing PMI Improves To 46.6 In July - Jibun Bank

The manufacturing sector in Japan continued to contract in July, albeit at a weaker pace, the latest survey from Jibun Bank showed on Friday with a manufacturing PMI score of 46.6.

That's up from 45.2 in June, although it remains beneath the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction.

The survey also showed that the services PMI fell to 45.0 from 45.4 in June, while the composite PMI was unchanged at 44.9.

Individually, output, new orders, new export orders, employment, backlogs of work, output prices, input prices and future output all remained in contraction territory.

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New Zealand Retail Sales Plummet In Q2 Lockdown

Retail sales values in New Zealand tumbled 15 percent on quarter in the second quarter of 2020 during the Covid-19 lockdown, Statistics New Zealand said on Monday - marking the largest drop on record going back 25 years.

The total volume of retail sales dropped 14 percent on quarter.

Individually, declines were led by food and beverage services, down 40 percent (NZ$1.2 billion); fuel retailing, down 35 percent (NZ$770 million); motor vehicle and parts retailing, down 22 percent (NZ$729 million); and accommodation, down 44 percent (NZ$418 million).

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South Korea Consumer Confidence Improves In August

South Korea's consumer confidence improved for the fourth straight month in August, survey results from Bank of Korea showed on Tuesday.

The consumer confidence index rose to 88.2 in August from 84.2 in July.

The indicator measuring current living standards remained unchanged at 85 in August, while that concerning the outlook for living standards rose two points to 89.

Consumer sentiment related to future household income increased two points to 92 and future spending index grew four points to 99.

Consumer sentiment concerning current domestic conditions and future domestic economic conditions rose five points each to 54 and 75.

The expected inflation rate for the following year was 1.8 percent versus 1.7 percent a month ago.

The survey was conducted among 2,500 households between August 10 and 14.

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European Economics Preview: French Consumer Confidence Data Due

Consumer sentiment data from France is due on Wednesday, headlining a light day for the European economic news.

At 2.00 am ET, unemployment data is due from Statistics Norway. The jobless rate is forecast to rise to 4.7 percent in June.

At 2.45 am ET, the French statistical office Insee publishes consumer sentiment survey data for August. The consumer confidence index is expected to remain unchanged at 94. At 4.00 am ET, Swiss ZEW expectations survey data is due.

At 5.00 am ET, Iceland's central bank announces its interest rate decision.

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South Korea Keeps Rate Unchanged; Cuts GDP Outlook

South Korea's central bank left its key interest rates unchanged at a record low and downgraded its GDP outlook as authorities enhanced coronavirus containment measures.

The Monetary Policy Board of the Bank of Korea decided to hold its key policy rate at 0.50 percent. As economic growth is expected to be sluggish and inflationary pressures on the demand side are forecast to remain weak due to the covid-19 pandemic, the Board will maintain its accommodative monetary policy stance, the bank said in a statement on Thursday.

Policymakers observed that the recovery of domestic growth is likely to be slower than previously forecast due to the domestic resurgence of Covid-19.

The bank forecast the economy to shrink 1.3 percent this year instead of 0.2 percent projected previously. Uncertainties around the future path of GDP growth are also judged to be very high, the bank said.

At the same time, inflation outlook was lifted to 0.4 percent from 0.3 percent.

It is forecast that consumer price inflation and core inflation will run at the mid-zero percent level this year, reflecting prolonged effects from the drop in global oil prices and weak demand-side inflationary pressures.

With little space left for more policy rate cuts, the BoK is more likely to turn to unconventional measures, Alex Holmes, an economist at Capital Economics, said.

Given that the Bank has already made a vague commitment to reduce "excess volatility" in long term bond yields, the most likely next step is an explicit yield target, which would be more effective in driving down long-term yields and supporting the economy, Holmes added.

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[InstaForex Gertrude]

Japan Inflation Eases In August

Japanese Tokyo inflation eased in August after rising in the previous month, data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs showed on Friday.

The consumer price index increased 0.3 percent year-on-year in August, slower than 0.6 percent rise July. In June, inflation was 0.3 percent.

Core CPI fell 0.3 percent in August, after a 0.4 percent rise in the previous month. Economists had expected a 0.3 percent rise.

On a monthly basis, core prices fell 0.6 percent in August, after a 0.3 percent rise in the prior month. Excluding fresh food and energy, consumer prices fell 0.7 percent monthly, after a 0.3 percent increase in July.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, consumer prices fell 0.4 percent in August, reversing a 0.3 percent rise in the preceding month.

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Australia Private Sector Credit Eases 0.1% In July

Total private sector credit in Australia was down 0.1 percent on month in July, the Reserve Bank of Australia said on Monday - following the 0.2 percent decline in June.

On a yearly basis, private sector credit advanced 2.4 percent - slowing from the 2.9 percent gain in the previous month.

Individually, housing credit was up 0.2 percent on month and 3.1 percent on year, while personal credit tumbled 1.8 percent on month and 12.1 percent on year and business credit fell 0.6 percent on month and gained 3.7 percent on year.

Broad money was up 0.9 percent on month and 10.7 percent on year.

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Aussie Slightly Up After RBA Decision

The Reserve Bank of Australia kept its benchmark lending rate at 0.25 percent, as expected. Following the announcement, the aussie rose slightly against its major rivals.

The aussie was trading at 78.21 against the yen, 1.6197 against the euro, 0.7405 against the greenback and 1.0956 against the kiwi around 12:34 am ET.

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Australia GDP Slides 7.0% In Q2, Into Recession

Australia's gross domestic product was down a seasonally adjusted 7.0 percent on quarter in the second quarter of 2020, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said on Wednesday.

That missed expectations for a fall of 5.9 percent following the 0.3 percent decline in the three months prior, sending the country into recession.

On a yearly basis, GDP dropped 6.3 percent versus forecasts for a decline of 5.2 percent after rising 1.4 percent in Q1.

Capital expenditure dropped 4.9 percent on quarter after falling 0.8 percent in the previous three months. Final consumption tumbled 8.1 percent on quarter after sinking 0.4 percent in Q1.

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Hong Kong PMI Eases In August - IHS Markit

Private sector business conditions in Hong Kong continued to worsen in August, and at a faster rate, the latest survey from IHS Markit revealed on Thursday with a PMI score of 44.0.

That's down from 44.5 in July and it moves farther beneath the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction.

Individually, output and new orders fell as faster rates, while supply chains remained under pressure. Business expectations remained negative.

Further tightening of virus-fighting measures, including new limits on the size of public gatherings, dealt another blow to the private sector, with retail, entertainment and food establishments hit particularly hard.

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PHILIPPINES INFLATION CLIMBS 2.4% ON YEAR IN

Consumer prices in the Philippines were up 2.4 percent on year in August, the National Statistics Office said on Friday - shy of expectations for 2.8 percent and down from 2.7 percent in July.

On a monthly basis, inflation eased 0.2 percent after rising 0.5 percent in the previous month.

Core CPI gained an annual 3.1 percent, slowing from 3.3 percent a month earlier.

The bureau also said that industrial production in the Philippines plummeted 14.8 percent on year in August after sinking 16.0 percent in July.

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EUROPEAN ECONOMICS PREVIEW: GERMANY INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT DATA DUE

Industrial production from Germany is due on Monday, headlining a light day for the European economic news.

At 2.00 am ET, Destatis is slated to issue Germany's industrial output data for July. Economists forecast production to grow 4.7 percent on month, slower than the 8.9 percent increase in June.

In the meantime, industrial output from Norway and foreign trade figures from Finland are due.

At 2.45 am ET, France current account data for July is due.

At 3.00 am ET, the Czech Statistical Office is scheduled to publish industrial production and foreign trade figures for July. Industrial output is expected to fall 7.2 percent on year, smaller than the 11.9 percent decrease in June.

Half an hour later, the UK Halifax house price data is due.

At 4.30 am ET, Eurozone Sentix investor confidence survey data is due. The investor sentiment index is seen at -10.5 in September versus -13.4 in August.

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EUROPEAN ECONOMICS PREVIEW: GERMANY FOREIGN TRADE DATA DUE

Foreign trade data from Germany and revised GDP data from euro area are due on Tuesday, headlining a light day for the European economic news. At 2.00 am ET, Destatis is slated to issue Germany's foreign trade data for July. Exports are forecast to grow 5 percent on month and imports to grow 3.3 percent. At 2.45 am ET, France's external trade data is due for July. The deficit totaled EUR 8 billion in June.

At 3.00 am ET, foreign trade figures are due Hungary and Austria. Hungary's trade surplus is seen at EUR 235 million in July.

Half an hour later, Statistics Sweden publishes industrial production and new orders data.

At 4.00 am ET, Italy's Istat releases retail sales figures for July. Sales had increased 12.1 percent on month in June.

At 5.00 am ET, Eurostat publishes euro area revised GDP data. The statistical office is expected to confirm 12.1 percent sequential fall in the second quarter.

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NEW ZEALAND Q2 MANUFACTURING VOLUME SINKS 12%

The volume of total manufacturing sales in New Zealand was down 12 percent on year in the second quarter of 2020, Statistics New Zealand said on Wednesday.

The value of manufacturing sales dropped an annual 9.5 percent, while the volume of total manufacturing finished goods stocks fell 2.1 percent.

The total wholesale trade sales value declined 10 percent on year toNZ$2.7 billion, while the total value of wholesales trade stocks was down 1.6 percent on year or NZ$206 million to NZ$13 billion.

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