UK employees report higher pay reviews in 2016, but average wage rise of only 1.3% signalled

Survey data collected in March and April point to disappointingly weak UK pay reviews in 2016, though wage pressures have picked up slightly compared to 2015.

Latest five-year socio-economic development plan launched in Vietnam

April saw the National Assembly in Vietnam agree a new five-year socio-economic development plan covering the years 2016-2020. As part of this plan a number of economic targets have been set. This note looks at the targets and attempts to judge how likely the country is to achieve them. But first, we take a look at the latest PMI data on the performance of the manufacturing sector to gauge the current economic situation.

Bank of Japan holds off from further stimulus despite economic woes

Official data confirmed the poor start to the year suffered by Japan's manufacturers. Data from the Ministry of Economics, Trade and Industry (METI) recorded a 1.0% drop in manufacturing output over the first quarter, corroborating Nikkei PMI data which have shown a deterioration in business conditions in the sector.

US official data corroborate survey signals of stalling first quarter growth

US economic growth slowed sharply to a near stand-still in the first quarter, and early signs indicate that the malaise extended into the second quarter.

US Fed holds policy but edges door open for further rate hikes

The US Federal Reserve kept policy on hold at its April FOMC meeting, as widely expected. Since hiking rates for the first time in almost a decade in December, appetite for further policy tightening has waned, though the statement accompanying the meeting still suggests the door remains open to two more rate hikes this year.

UK economic growth slows in first quarter, with further easing likely ahead

UK economic growth slowed in the first quarter, according to official data, and key indicators point to a further deterioration in the second quarter.

Worsening UK economic environment points to slower growth ahead

A slowing in the pace of UK economic growth is signalled by a worsening of financial conditions and an increase in economic uncertainty.