The key points from today’s economic news, brought to you by Guardian Stockbrokers.
UK manufacturing PMI advanced in April
In the UK, the preliminary manufacturing PMI recorded a rise to 60.70 in April, compared to a reading of 58.90 in the previous month. Markets were expecting the manufacturing PMI to record a rise to a level of 59.00.
UK retail sales climbed more than expected in March
In the UK, retail sales advanced 5.40% on a MoM basis in March, compared to a revised rise of 2.20% in the prior month. Markets were expecting retail sales to rise 1.50%.
Euro-zone manufacturing PMI unexpectedly advanced in April
In the Euro-zone, the flash manufacturing PMI unexpectedly rose to 63.30 in April, compared to a reading of 62.50 in the prior month. Markets were anticipating the manufacturing PMI to drop to 62.00.
German manufacturing PMI dropped in April
In Germany, the preliminary manufacturing PMI registered a drop to 66.40 in April, compared to a reading of 66.60 in the previous month. Market anticipations were for the manufacturing PMI to ease to 65.80.
US Markit manufacturing PMI rose more than expected in April
In the US, the preliminary Markit manufacturing PMI climbed to a level of 60.60 in April, compared to a reading of 59.10 in the previous month. Markets were expecting the manufacturing PMI to record a rise to a level of 60.50.
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