The euro area (EA19) seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 10.3% in February 2016, down from 10.4% in January 2016, and from 11.2% in February 2015. This is the lowest rate recorded in the euro area since August 2011. The EU28 unemployment rate was 8.9% in February 2016, stable compared to January 2016, and down from 9.7% in February 2015. This is the lowest rate recorded in the EU28 since May 2009.
In the US session Factory Orders data was published. New orders for manufactured goods in February, down three of the last four months, decreased $8.0 billion or 1.7% to $454.0 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported today. This followed a 1.2% January increase. Shipments, down ten of the last eleven months, decreased $3.4 billion or 0.7% to $462.8 billion. This followed a 0.2% January decrease. Unfilled orders, down two of the last three months, decreased $4.1 billion or 0.3% to $1,184.0 billion. This followed a 0.1% January increase.
From Eurozone, on Monday, Spanish and Italian Services figures are scheduled for a release. Analysts predict slight incline in both data. In the US session Trade Balance, Non-Manufacturing PMI and JOLTS Job Openings figures will be published. Trade Balance deficit is expected to widen to $46.3 billion, while Non-Manufacturing PMI should increase to 54.1. JOLTS Job Openings are forecasted to rise to 5.57 million.
Figures to watch:
Spanish Services PMI (Tuesday 9:15)
Italian Services PMI (Tuesday 9:45)
Trade Balance (Tuesday 14:30)
ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI (Tuesday 16:00)
JOLTS Job Openings (Tuesday 16:00)
