Markit Insight

Japanese GDP surges but global outlook hit by eurozone uncertainty

Thu, 17 May 2012 06:54:30 GMT

Markets are struggling again, despite news of a strong rebound in Japanese GDP, as euro worries continue to dominate.

Bank of England grows gloomy on short-term outlook

Wed, 16 May 2012 07:01:12 GMT

The Bank of England today set out a benign inflation outlook, opening the door for more stimulus to boost an economy that is growing “too weakly".

Greek stand-off rattles markets

Mon, 14 May 2012 13:37:09 GMT

Equities, commodities, the euro and peripheral Eurozone sovereign debt are all being hit as bad news continued to flow out of the single currency...

US consumers help lift market mood

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:42:27 GMT

News from China of a weakening economy sent Asian stock markets lower, but better news on US consumers helped lift the market mood.

Market rally tempered by news of weak export growth from China

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:24:06 GMT

Markets rallied today following the losses seen in previous sessions, but downbeat data from China served as a reminder of the current weak state...

UK and German bond yields hit record lows as investors seek safe havens

Wed, 09 May 2012 14:07:54 GMT

Stocks continued to slide as the Eurozone’s crisis escalated once again, with investors instead seeking safe haven government bonds.

Rising Eurozone political tensions drive markets lower

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:37:03 GMT

Stronger-than-expected industrial production data for Germany failed to outweigh growing political worries in the eurozone

Growth fears hit risk appetite

Fri, 04 May 2012 15:02:08 GMT

US job creation disappointed again in April, raising fears that the US economic recovery is losing momentum. Alongside new signs of deepening...

Stocks hit by weak US economic data

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:37:00 GMT

Risk aversion is creeping back into the markets following weaker than expected economic data from the US and UK.

Euro hit by weak manufacturing surveys

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:52:45 GMT

Weak PMI data from Markit have hit the euro, and stock markets are on the back foot again as global growth worries return.

Dollar and equities gain as US manufacturing strength contrasts with European weakness

Tue, 01 May 2012 13:26:18 GMT

US manufacturing is showing surprising resilience, contrasting with near stagnation in the UK and China and deepening recession in the Eurozone

Spanish woes hit Euro and banking stocks

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:42:25 GMT

The euro came under pressure again today, as did Spanish banking stocks, on the news that Spain fell back into recession.

Risk appetitie hit by weak US GDP growth and Spain's deepening crisis

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:29:34 GMT

The Eurozone's crisis continued to escalate, with rising Spanish unemployment adding to woes following S&Ps credit rating downgrade for the...

Eurozone retail sales fall at fastest rate since late-2008

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 06:41:19 GMT

Eurozone retail sales showed the largest fall since the height of the financial crisis, according to PMI data, led by a steep drop in Italy and...

Jobless claims cast shadow on US outlook, while euro zone stress hits banking stocks

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:49:15 GMT

More downbeat economic news from the US coincided with corporate earnings disappointing compared to previous days’ results, limiting market gains.

Sterling hit as UK slides back into recession

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:44:05 GMT

It was sterling's turn to come under pressure today, as official data showed the UK to have slid back into recession, although the economic news...

Eurozone worries eased by bond auction success

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:53:38 GMT

Equity markets recouped some of yesterday's losses after government bond auctions met solid demand, though gains were limited at concerns persist...

UK net borrowing hits OBR £126bn estimate for 2011-12

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:28:46 GMT

The UK's public sector deficit came in on target at £126bn in 2011-12, down sharply from £136.8bn in 2010-11.

Risky assets suffer as Flash PMIs add to Eurozone gloom

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:31:05 GMT

The week has started badly for risky assets, as renewed worries about the Eurozone drove investors into safe havens

China’s growth slide contributing to labour market weakness

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 03:19:02 GMT

HSBC/Markit 'flash' China Manufacturing PMI ticks higher in April, but still signals contraction.

Week ahead economic calendar [23 - 27 Apr]: Markit flash PMIs to provide glimpse of second quarter growth profiles

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:02:28 GMT

Flash PMIs, Ben Bernanke's Wednesday presser and UK/US Q1 GDP statistics all in focus next week.

Stronger-than-expected UK retail sales in part reflect temporary factors

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 05:12:58 GMT

Strong retail sales in March add further to hopes that the UK economy grew in the first quarter, but the upturn reflects temporary factors.

Bank of England worried by inflation outlook

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:19:14 GMT

The prospect of further stimulus from the Bank of England took a further set back due to worries about inflation

US manufacturing shows surprise contraction

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:58:11 GMT

A drop in manufacturing output caused US industrial production to be flat in March, but the economy stilll looks to have grown in Q1.

Upturn in UK inflation adds to Bank of England worries

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 06:11:38 GMT

UK consumer price inflation rose for the first time in six months in March, dampening hopes of further quantitative easing.

China’s economic growth slide continues in the first quarter

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 05:48:06 GMT

China’s economic growth rate slowed to the weakest for nearly three years in Q1, in line with the weakening trend signalled by PMI surveys.

US trade deficit narrows as exports hit record high

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:26:34 GMT

Further evidence of robust US economic growth was provided by record exports in February.

Setback for UK's export-led recovery

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:50:37 GMT

The UK's scope for an export-led recovery took a further setback today, as the trade deficit widened unexpectedly in February.

US jobless claims jump higher

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:31:33 GMT

US jobless claims moved higher last week, providing further evidence of a sluggish labour market recovery, though business surveys suggest hiring...

Global manufacturing limps along in March

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:14:02 GMT

The world-wide Manufacturing PMI surveys indicated only a modest expansion again in March. At 51.1, the headline index of business activity was...

US manufacturers boost output and payrolls in March, but order book growth slips

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:40:04 GMT

ISM survey data on the manufacturing sector offer further encouraging news that the sector continued to expand at robust pace at the end of the...

US durable goods orders show ongoing robust trend in February

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:09:47 GMT

Orders for non-durable goods rose 4.4% in the three months to February, adding to signs that the US economy continues to expand at a robust pace...

UK economic decline steeper than previously thought in final quarter of 2011

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:20:24 GMT

The UK economy contracted more than previously thought in the final quarter of last year, with gross domestic product (GDP) falling 0.3% compared...

March flash PMI surveys signal downturns in Eurozone and China

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:21:16 GMT

Today's flash PMI surveys for the Eurozone and China both signalled accelerating rates of decline, falling well short of analysts' expectations...

Brighter UK outlook clouded by doubts over business investment surge

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:14:51 GMT

The OBR edged up its prediction for UK economic growth in 2012, but doubts persist about optmistic-looking business investment growth in future years

UK inflation falls to 15-month low, but proves stickier than expected

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 07:45:35 GMT

UK inflation fell in February but remained higher than expected, raising concerns that persistent high inflation could subdue the recovery.

Business surveys and jobless claims hint at robust US economy in March

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:13:00 GMT

Business surveys have turned up and new jobless benefit claims fallen to a four-year low, suggesting economic growth strengthened in March.

UK unemployment rate sticks at highest since 1995

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 07:58:50 GMT

The latest batch of labour market data point to stubbornly high unemployment, with hiring and pay pressures both remaining subdued.

East v West

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 05:52:36 GMT

Western Europe has only one entrant in the top 10 outperforming sovereign CDS over February: Portugal. That might come as a surprise to some but...

Risk of UK recession continues to fade as PMI signal further growth in February

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:27:43 GMT

UK economic growth slowed in February, according to the PMI surveys, but the country still looks likely to avoid a slide back into recession.

Global manufacturing struggles to expand amid weak order books and rising prices

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:41:15 GMT

World-wide manufacturing continued to improve in February, according to the PMIs, although growth remained weak and price pressures rose.

French bank CDS has suffered from Greek exposure

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:15:38 GMT

Greece was put on the backburner today in the credit markets but its influence was more than apprent in bank earnings published today. Credit...

Bank of England considered larger stimulus at latest policy meeting

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:57:18 GMT

The need for further stimulus was argued for at the Bank of England's latest policy meeting, but recent data suggest that the Bank may hold fire...

No relief rally in the CDS market

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:33:41 GMT

As expected, the Greek bailout deal was finally agreed before the market opened today, though it took until about 3am for the final sign-off. The...

Bank of England acts to boost fragile economy

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:18:31 GMT

The Bank of England's MPC voted to print another £50bn, but may now adopt a wait-and-see mood due to the brighter economic outlook

Improved manufacturing performance drives UK trade deficit close to nine-year low

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:35:22 GMT

Rising UK exports helping the trade deficit fall to its lowest since 2003, adding to signs that the gloom is slowly lifting from the UK economy

Strong start to the year for sovereign credit

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:37:05 GMT

Sovereign credit experienced a strong, albeit volatile, start to 2012. The Markit iTraxx SovX Western Europe ended January at 339bps, about 15bps...

German industrial production slump confirms economic downturn in late-2011

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:37:50 GMT

German production slumped in December, confirming survey evidence, but business may be over the worst

Global economic growth hits 11-month high

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:17:34 GMT

Composite PMI measures rose in the US, UK, Eurozone and Japan, pushing global economic growth to an 11-month high in January

US employment jumps higher in January

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:48:35 GMT

A batch of indicators point to a marked improvement in the US labour market in January.

Services PMIs add to brighter economic picture in Europe

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:41:42 GMT

Improvements in services PMIs for key European countries add to the recent flow of upbeat economic data, further boosting risk appetite

Global manufacturing growth hits seven-month high

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:40:44 GMT

Risk appetite has improved as worldwide PMI surveys point to a surprise upturn in business conditions in January

Manufacturing PMIs drive risk rally in Europe

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:31:05 GMT

European equity markets have rallied on news that manufacturing business conditions improved in the UK and Germany, suggesting double-dip...

Italian and French consumer downturns intensify, contrasts with German resilience

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:20:08 GMT

Retail sales fell at the fastest rates for at least eight years in Italy and almost three years France in January, but sales rose in Germany...

US economic growth hits one-and-a-half year high

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:02:28 GMT

The US economy grew at an annualised rate of 2.8% in Q4, but the increase was led by stock building, fueling concerns that growth may slow in 2012

Improved goods orders add to upbeat US dataflow

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:28:36 GMT

The underlying trend of US durable goods orders hit an 11-month high in December, adding to a flurry of recent consensus-beating data

UK economy contracts 0.2% in final quarter of 2011

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:14:33 GMT

Thew UK slid back into contraction at the end of last year, but there are growing indications that any downturn is likely to be mild and short-lived.

China's manufacturing PMI boosts equities

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:12:48 GMT

Equities rallied 1% in China as the flash reading of the Markit-compiled HSBC PMI rose marginally on December

U.S. inflation rate hits nine-month low

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:16:54 GMT

An easing in US consumer price inflation adds to signs that global price pressures have peaked, providing a boost to recovery hopes.

Monte dei Paschi suffering, Commerzbank outperforming

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:33:31 GMT

Bank CDS are tightening this morning, with one notable exception. Banca Monte dei Paschi is widening (513bp, +15) amid reports that it could...

UK inflation continues its descent

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:45:41 GMT

UK inflation hit a six-month low of 4.2% in December, and further falls in coming months should help alleviate the squeeze on household spending.

ECB holds rates steady amid improved news flow

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:32:07 GMT

The European Central Bank held its main policy rate unchanged in January, noting how survey data and baning sector liquidity had improved.

Tesco's CDS spreads at widest level since April 2009

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:02:11 GMT

The retail sector is underperforming today after Tesco issued a profit warning. The UK supermarket chain said it experienced a disappointing...

Bank of England holds policy unchanged as manufacturing downturn plays to script

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:07:10 GMT

As expected, the Bank of England left policy unchanged at its January Monetary Policy Committee meeting, maintaining Bank Rate at 0.5% and its...

CDS index volumes remain subdued - MarkitServ

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:56:20 GMT

CDS Index volumes have been subdued since the start of the year, according to MarkitServ data. The Markit iTraxx Senior Financials index, in...

Production trends weaken in Germany and France

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:46:48 GMT

Manufacturing trended downwards in both France and Germany in November, adding to signs that economic growth stalled at best in both countries in Q4.

Global economy ends 2011 with (US-led) growth spurt

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:35:43 GMT

The global economy finished 2011 with growth hitting a nine-month high, but expansion was biased towards the US and worries about the eurozone...

AAA eurozone sovereigns trading over 200bps

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 07:28:17 GMT

France and Austria, two of the AAA-rated eurozone sovereigns, have both seen their spreads widen sharply over the last six months. France is in...

Eurozone worries dampen market spirits

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:03:15 GMT

Risk aversion has replaced yesterday’s bullish mood as worries about the Eurozone have resurfaced, fueled by weak PMI data for Italy and Spain.

Global manufacturing enjoys boost from US

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:57:12 GMT

Stock markets rally as PMIs signal the first improvement in worldwide manufacturing conditions for four months in December.

UK 10-year bond yield falls below 2%

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:02:58 GMT

The UK 10-year government bond yield has fallen below 2% for the first time as investors seek safe havens amid widening economic disparities.

German economy shows further signs of stabilising

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:50:10 GMT

Germany's two leading surveys - the IFO and PMI - both turned up in December, but the outlook remains gloomy

Week ahead: European data to highlight growing recession risk

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:23:49 GMT

The coming week sees the publication of the Bank of England MPC minutes, business and consumer sentiment surveys, US housing market data plus a...

UK retail sales fall in November

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 06:30:35 GMT

UK retail sales fell in November. Does this represent a blip or weaker trend? Falling spend last week suggests the latter.

UK unemployment hits 17-year high

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:26:01 GMT

Official data showed UK unemployment hitting a 17-year high, and surveys suggest the number will rise higher

Official data add to Eurozone industry woes

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:10:29 GMT

Eurozone industrial production showed no growth in October, according to official data, taking growth over the latest three months compared to the...

UK inflation falls for second month running

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:17:30 GMT

The much anticipated easing in UK inflation appears to be gaining traction. Inflation fell for the second month running in November, dropping from...

Concerns persist about long- and short-term euro prospects

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:34:58 GMT

Markets voiced disappointment on the failure of Friday's EU summit to tackle both the short- and long-term issues facing the Eurozone

Guide to the week ahead: December Flash PMIs, inflation and the Fed

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:05:59 GMT

Flash PMIs to provide guidance on December business conditions in China and the Eurozone, while recent data may encourage the Fed to hold off on...

UK exports surge, Germany's slump

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:01:08 GMT

Contrasting export trends are becoming evident as sales surge in UK but slump in Germany.

Rise in UK retail sales masks weak trend

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:29:35 GMT

UK retail sales rose 0.6% in September, but a quick look at the data for previous months is enough to erode any hopes of a high street recovery.

PMI surveys signal stalled UK recovery

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:28:42 GMT

A downturn in the all-sector PMI signals a stagnation of GDP in October, and a worsening trend in new orders adds to the risk of the economy...

Eurozone unemployment hits record high

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:35:12 GMT

Unemployment in the Eurozone hit 8.3% in October, the highest since the euro was created, as the region showed signs of sliding back into recession.