The German ZEW economic expectations index rose in September, suggesting less risk for the German economy.
FORBES: A.M. Kitco Metals Roundup: Gold Firmer on Bargain Hunting, Weaker U.S. Dollar
The Expectations Index declined to 41.0 from 47.3 in May, its lowest reading ever.
The economic-expectations index fell to minus-16.9 in June from 10.8 in May, against expectations for a reading of 2.8.
In European news overnight, the German ZEW economic expectations index hit a three-year high in its latest February report.
FORBES: A.M. Kitco Metals Roundup: Gold Firmer on Short Covering, Bargain Hunting
In other overnight news, the German ZEW economic expectations index rose in March to its highest level in three years.
FORBES: A.M. Kitco Metals Roundup: Gold Slightly Lower as Market Place a bit Calmer Tuesday
Meanwhile, the so-called Expectations Index, which purports to measure consumers' views of the economic future, rose from 70.7 to 74.6.
The German ZEW economic-expectations index managed to print a three-year high (31.5 in January, far exceeding the December print of 6.9), reaching its strongest reading in nearly two years.
Adding to the day's upbeat tone was an unexpected rise in German economic sentiment, as measured by the ZEW economic expectations index, and an upgrade by the International Monetary Fund to its global growth forecasts for 2012 and 2013.
No, most consumers have gone digital, and according to our Customer Loyalty Engagement Index expectations regarding digital cameras have increased dramatically.
The drop in the average index was broadly in line with expectations, but the German index fell by less than expected, while the French and Italian indices fell by more.
The recent increase in volume is accompanied by an explosion in volatility: The CBOE Nasdaq Volatility Index, reflecting short-term expectations of volatility in the Nasdaq 100 Index, surged to 80 from 20 or so between mid-2006 and October of last year.
At the same time, the Philly Fed index topped expectations, despite marking a fifth consecutive month of declines.
FORBES: The Bulls Battle Back: US Stocks Recover As Trulia And Starbucks Shine
Overall the index surpassed expectations, rising 3.5 points to 15.4.
FORBES: Manufacturing Index Shows Slow Improvement, No Inflation
The Ifo index of future expectations rose more strongly, creating hopes of a return to stronger growth.
While the index improved and beat expectations, it still remained far below the 50 level, indicating a contraction.
There were no surprises in the Consumer Price Index data which met expectations at 1.6% for the euro area while the overall unemployment rate for the region remained at 10%.
FORBES: As Consumer Lending in the U.K. Contracts, Pound Slides
Things looked cheerier in American factories, where the ISM index of manufacturing activity beat expectations and crept up to 51.5, ending three consecutive months of contraction.
The current-conditions index also fell short of expectations.
Separately the Philadelphia Fed index number came in at 3.2 for July, over the expectations for a 2.0 reading and well above the -7.7 reading the index measured for June.
FORBES: Job Market Still Stuck As Claims Rise, But Philly Fed Reports Signs Of Growth
On the economic front, the National Federation of Independent Business said its small-business optimism index for February rose and topped expectations.
The surprise slow-down in the euro zone private service sector was met with similar results in manufacturing, which dropped below expectations to 48.4 in the factory index from 49.0 in August.
Prices then backed off a bit but once again surged back to near the daily high when it was reported the U.S. consumer confidence index came in well below trader expectations.
The inflationary expectations contained in the yields of ten-year index-linked bonds have risen sharply in recent months.
And U.K. data were just as dreary, with the services purchasing managers' index for May also falling short of expectations.
Separately, expectations for a higher reading on the consumer price index were confirmed, when the reading came in at higher than expected at 0.2% higher, and 0.3% higher excluding fuel and food.
FORBES: Weakening Consumer And Manufacturing In U.S. Dishearten Markets
Gross domestic product may be rising smartly for now, but the future looks gray--in the past few months, Polish output growth has come in below expectations, while the country's purchasing managers index has also been weak over recent months.
The purchasing managers' index registered 49.9, compared with expectations for a reading of 50.3.
应用推荐