GERMAN DATA SHINES
New data out today showed German industrial production rose by 3.4 per cent in November 2017, representing the largest monthly rise in the figure since September 2009, in yet more positive economic news for the Euro area.
Fresh German trade figures were also robust, despite the strengthening of the Euro exchange rate over the second half of 2017. German companies grew their exports by an impressive 4.1 per cent in November, ahead of forecast of a 1.2 per cent gain. Imports also rose too, by 2.3 per cent, ahead of forecasts of a 0.8 per cent rise.
The German export sector had a good run over the year as a whole. Exporters have been sending their goods in greater quantities to their neighbors in the East - countries like Hungary and Poland, where economies are still growing steadily. Exports to China have also rebounded this year, while exports to the UK are becoming less important.
Small business optimism gauged
The National Federation of Independent Business in the US released its latest small business optimism index today, a measure designed to give an insight into how SME's feel about the future. Under President Trump, the index had its strongest ever year in 2017 since it began in 1973, indicating business-owners feel positively about his moves to cut regulations and taxes. However, today's data showed the index fell 2.6 points to 104.9 in December 2017.
UK consumers under pressure
Disposable income in British households has fallen, with consumers reporting a worsening of their perception of their own financial situation for 2 consecutive quarters for the first time in 2 years, according to the Office for National Statistics. However, the UK's job market is still robust, with new data showing permanent job placements in the U.K grew at the fastest pace in four months in December, from a report on jobs compiled by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and IHS Markit.
Via: https://invstr.com/