Consumer confidence in the U.S. dipped slightly in March as concerns persisted that the world’s largest economy will cool. The University of Michigan final sentiment index for last month eased to 91 from 91.7 in February. The median projection in a Bloomberg survey of economists called for a reading of 90.5. The gauge was up from a preliminary reading of 90 as Americans grew more upbeat about their own finances, offsetting less favorable views in economic growth.
Separate report, on
Manufacturing PMI showed that the March PMI registered 51.8 percent, an increase of 2.3 percentage points from the February reading of 49.5 percent. The New Orders Index registered 58.3 percent, an increase of 6.8 percentage points from the February reading of 51.5 percent. The Production Index registered 55.3 percent, 2.5 percentage points higher than the February reading of 52.8 percent. The Employment Index registered 48.1 percent, 0.4 percentage point below the February reading of 48.5 percent.
Euro is currently being traded few points above 1.1390 level, Sterling is around 1.4270 handle, while Aussie is at 0.7660 area. Later today, Manufacturing PMI and revised Consumer Sentiment figures are scheduled for a release.