From the UK, yesterday, Industrial Production data was published. Total production is estimated to have increased by 0.3% between December 2015 and January 2016. Analysts were expecting 0.6% increase. There were increases in 3 of the 4 main sectors, with manufacturing (the largest component of production), having the largest positive contribution, increasing by 0.7%.The largest contribution to the increase in manufacturing, between December 2015 and January 2016, came from other manufacturing & repair, which increased by 4.8%. This industry includes the manufacture of furniture, other manufacturing & repair and installation of machinery & equipment.
In the US session Crude Oil Inventories figures were released. Oil extended gains on Wednesday after government data showed a build in U.S. crude stockpiles in line with expectations and a big drop in gasoline inventories.
The Energy Information Administration reported crude stocks rose by 3.9 million barrels in the previous week to a total of 521.9 million barrels, meeting analysts' estimates. Total motor gasoline stockpiles dropped by 4.5 million barrels, and distillate fuel stocks also decreased by 1.1 million barrels. Closely watched weekly production figures were barely changed.
From the UK tomorrow, CPI and PPI data are scheduled for a release. Analysts are predicting 1.8% increase in CPI and 4.9% fall in PPI Input. In the US session Unemployment Claims figures are scheduled for a release. Decline to 272,000 is forecasted.
Figures to watch:
CPI/PPI (Thursday 10:30)
Unemployment Claims (Thursday 14:30)