In the US session Unemployment Claims and Philly Fed Manufacturing Index figures were published. In the week ending February 13, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 262,000, a decrease of 7,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 269,000. Analysts were expecting increase to 275,000. The 4-week moving average was 273,250, a decrease of 8,000 from the previous week's unrevised average of 281,250.
Separate report, on Philly Fed Manufacturing Index for current activity, showed that index increased from a reading of -3.5 in January to -2.8 in February and has now been negative for six consecutive months. The index for current new orders remained negative and edged down 4 points, to -5.3. Firms reported an increase in shipments; the shipments index remained positive for the second consecutive month but fell 7 points from January. Firms reported continued declines in inventories, and the inventories index remained negative. Firms’ backlogs of unfilled orders were in decline again this month, and delivery times were shorter, according to the responding firms.
There will be no data releases from Australia tomorrow. In the US session CPI figures will be published. Analysts are forecasting 0.1% decrease.
Figures to watch:
CPI (Friday 14:30)
