The key points from today’s economic news, brought to you by Guardian Stockbrokers.
UK total trade deficit narrowed in May
Total trade deficit in the UK fell to £2.79 billion in May, from a revised total deficit of £3.09 billion in the previous month. Market anticipation was for the nation to record a total deficit of £3.40 billion.
UK industrial production surprisingly fell in May
On a MoM basis, industrial production in the UK recorded an unexpected drop of 0.40% in May, lower than market expectations for a rise of 0.50%. In the prior month, industrial production had dropped by a revised 1.00%.
Euro-zone economic sentiment index slid in July
In the Euro-zone, the ZEW economic sentiment index recorded a drop to a level of -18.70 in July. In the prior month, the index had recorded a level of -12.60.
German current situation index eased in July
The ZEW current situation index in Germany fell to a level of 72.40 in July, compared to market expectations of a drop to a reading of 78.10. The index had recorded a level of 80.60 in the previous month.
German economic sentiment index dropped in July
In July, the ZEW economic sentiment index in Germany dropped to a level of -24.70, compared to a reading of -16.10 in the prior month. Markets were expecting the index to fall to a level of -18.90.
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