GERMANY DECEMBER TRADE BALANCE SURPLUS BEATS EXPECTATIONS
Germany's December trade balance shows a surplus of €20.7 billion, higher than the €17.0 billion expected.
Prior month's trade surplus was €19.7 billion.
For the year 2024, Germany posted a trade surplus of €241.2 billion.
Exports down 1.0% and imports down 2.8% compared to 2023
CHINA: RETAIL SALES AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION BEAT EXPECTATIONS Grew 4% YoY in February, matching expectations and improving from January's 3.7%. Increased by 5.9% YoY, surpassing the 5.3% forecast but slower than January’s 6.2% growth.
Gold price is near its highest level ever. People are buying gold because of global economic worries. Traders expect the U.S. Federal Reserve to cut interest rates in 2025. The U.S. dollar is weak, which helps gold stay strong. Investors see gold as a safe place to keep
CHINA FEBRUARY 2025 NEW HOME PRICES FALL 4.9% YoY, 0.1% MoM New home prices fell 4.9% YoY and 0.1% MoM in February. The housing sector remains under pressure, with January showing a 5% YoY decline. PBOC set USD/CNY reference rate at 7.1688, the strongest
Federal Reserve (Fed): Will decide on interest rates while worrying about a possible recession. Bank of Japan (BoJ): Traders are watching for signs that Japan might raise interest rates. Swiss National Bank (SNB): Expected to cut interest rates by 0.25%. Bank of England (BoE): Likely to keep rates the