In Brief U.S.: Trump gives a new “red line” for his 20% corporate tax rate; tax reform framework; consumer confidence index fell to 119.8 while data skewed by hurricanes Europe: France consumer confidence fell; both German and French business optimism was also appearing toppy; German election update Asia: S&P warns of correction as Asia bond… Continue reading

In Brief U.S.: FOMC meeting September 20: Fed is leaving short-term interest rates unchanged, but December Fed hike possible; QE unwind, fiscal progress? Eurozone: Eurozone upturn regains momentum in September; ZEW current sentiment situation; German general elections on September 24 U.K.: U.K. households experience the strongest squeeze on finances for three years in the third… Continue reading

In Brief U.S.: August NFIB small business confidence index up 0.1 month on month to 105.3; CPI surprises to the upside in August; inflation expectations continue to rise Eurozone: Earlier in the cycle, job gains are still nascent; Bank of France estimated French GDP growth of 0.5% in 3Q17; eurozone industrial production up 0.1% in… Continue reading

In Brief U.S.: ISM PMI up 2.5% to 58.8; ISM NMI up 1.4% to 55.3; job growth has started to slow, typical in 2H of a business cycle Euro zone: Manufacturing sector underpinned solid growth of euro zone economy U.K.: Service sector growth slipped to 11-month low China: The PBOC halted initial coin offerings Second… Continue reading

In Brief U.S.: Hurricane Harvey hit insurance stocks and auto giants; U.S. nonfarm payrolls preview Euro: The euro hit a multi-year high after Draghi did not comment on the currency strength U.K.: Home prices reverse monthly rise Thoughts: M&A could be the biggest beneficiary from a tax cut on repatriated profits On the U.S. As… Continue reading