In the US session PPI and Retail Sales figures were released. The Producer Price Index for final demand advanced 0.2 percent in February, seasonally adjusted, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Final demand prices rose 0.4 percent in January and were unchanged in December. On an unadjusted basis, the final demand index increased 2.8 percent for the 12 months ended in February. In February, the rise in final demand prices is attributable to a 0.3-percent advance in the index for final demand services.
U.S. retail sales unexpectedly fell in February for a third month, adding to signs that consumer spending will cool this quarter from the previous period’s hot pace, according to Commerce Department figures released Wednesday. Overall sales fell 0.1% (est. up 0.3%) after 0.1% decrease in prior month (prev. down 0.3%); Dec. figure revised to down 0.1%. Purchases at automobile dealers fell 0.9%, the second straight month with such a reading.
There will be no major data releases from the Australia tomorrow. In the US session Unemployment Claims figures will be released. Analysts predict decrease to 227,000.
Figures to watch:
Unemployment Claims (Thursday 14:30)
