US economic malaise extends into March as new work inflows hit post-recession low

The US economy is going through its worst growth spell for three and a half years, according to flash PMI survey data from Markit. The headline index from the two PMI national surveys covering manufacturing and services had fallen to the stagnation-level of 50.0 in February and rose only modestly in March to 51.1. That was the third-lowest reading seen since the global financial crisis.

UK retail sales show resilient start to 2016, but wider worries linger

Resilient retail sales provide welcome news that consumers remain in an upbeat mood so far this year, but bargain-hunting shoppers seem unlikely to counteract a weakening of growth in the wider economy.

Weak flash US manufacturing PMI rounds off worst quarter since mid-2012

US factories continue to endure their worst spell for three-and-a-half years.

Japan flash PMI signals worst manufacturing conditions for over three years

Japan’s manufacturing sector slid into decline in March, according to the Nikkei Flash Japan Manufacturing PMI. Business conditions deteriorated at the fastest rate for just over three years as output, new orders and exports all fell. The destocking trend meanwhile accelerated, job creation slowed and deflationary pressures intensified.

Bank of Russia maintains current interest rate but looks set to endure a testing few months

The Bank of Russia’s decision to keep its benchmark one-week repo rate at 11.0% today was unsurprising to global analysts. However, with a number of economic headwinds on the horizon, the consensus that a rate cut is nearing has been gathering momentum.

Falling US retail sales add to signs of weak start to 2016

A weaker than previously thought retail sales trend so far this year puts further pressure on US policymakers to hold off hiking interest rates.

Nigeria PMI signals economic downturn in February

Nigeria’s private sector economy slipped into reverse gear during February, according to the latest PMI data compiled for Stanbic IBTC Bank by Markit. After having pointed to a notable growth slowdown in January, the latest seasonally adjusted PMI signalled an outright deterioration in business conditions. This was a survey-first, driven by unprecedented falls in output and new orders.

Eurozone producers see unexpectedly strong start to the year

Eurozone industrial production jumped 2.1% in January, its biggest monthly rise since September 2009. Output was 2.8% higher than a year ago, the best year-on-year performance since August 2011.

UK construction sees recession revised away but suffers poor start to the year

The UK construction sector suffered a disappointing start to the year, adding to a downbeat flow of data on the health of the economy so far this year. The data follow survey evidence showing growth slowing sharply in February amid heightened uncertainty about the economic outlook.

Signs of political stalemate impacting on Spanish economy

The Spanish economic recovery is showing signs of being held back by political uncertainty.

Faltering US economy leads global slowdown

Global economic growth slowed to near-stagnation in February, according to PMI data. The JPMorgan Global PMI, compiled by Markit from its worldwide business surveys, sank to its lowest since October 2012.

US Sector PMI: Three sectors post lower output in February

US Sector PMI data from Markit provided further evidence of weakening US economic performance in February.

US Fed to weigh strong labour market against signs of economic slowdown

An upbeat US jobs report raises the possibility that the Fed will hike interest rates again at its March policy meeting. However, current signs of rising inflationary pressures and a tightening labour market need to be viewed alongside indications that the pace of economic growth may be slowing, and possibly sharply, amid growing concerns about the outlook.

Global PMI sinks to lowest since October 2012

Global economic growth slowed to near-stagnation in February, according to PMI survey data. The JPMorgan Global PMI, compiled by Markit from its worldwide business surveys, sank to 50.6 from 52.6 in January, its lowest level since October 2012.

UK PMI suffers biggest fall for 4½ years as weakness spreads to services

UK economic growth slowed to its weakest for almost three years in February, according to the latest Markit/CIPS ‘all-sector’ PMI data. At 52.9, down from 56.1 in January, the headline index measuring growth of business activity fell to its lowest since April 2013. The 3.2 index-point slump in the PMI was the largest since August 2011.

Global factory activity stagnates and payrolls fall

Global manufacturing performance failed to improve in February for the first time since November 2012. The JPMorgan Global Manufacturing PMI fell from 50.9 in January to 50.0, signalling no change in business conditions during the month.