The key points from today’s economic news, brought to you by Guardian Stockbrokers.
UK ILO unemployment rate steadied in the August-October 2018 period
In the UK, the ILO unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.10% in the August-October 2018 period. Markets were expecting the ILO unemployment rate to record a steady reading.
UK average earnings excluding bonus advanced more than expected in the August-October 2018 period
In the UK, the average earnings excluding bonus advanced 3.30% on an annual basis, in the August-October 2018 period, compared to an advance of 3.20% in the July-September 2018 period. Market anticipation was for the average earnings excluding bonus to advance 3.20%.
Euro-zone economic sentiment index rose in December
The economic sentiment index in the Euro-zone rose to a level of -21.00 in December. In the prior month, the index had recorded a level of -22.00.
German economic sentiment index surprisingly advanced in December
The economic sentiment index in Germany unexpectedly advanced to a level of -17.50 in December, compared to market expectations of a drop to a reading of -25.00. In the previous month, the index had registered a reading of -24.10.
US small business optimism index dropped in November
In the US, the small business optimism index fell to a level of 104.80 in November, lower than market expectations of a drop to a level of 107.00. In the prior month, the index had registered a reading of 107.40.
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