US economy on the mend?

In the US, the markets will focus on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the second quarter, which are expected to show an improvement, aided by healthy exports. The minutes of the last Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting will also be...

In the US, the markets will focus on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the second quarter, which are expected to show an improvement, aided by healthy exports. The minutes of the last Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting will also be scrutinised for any change in the Federal Reserve's (Fed) stance on monetary policy.

A view on the state of the housing market will be provided through the new and existing home sales figures for July and the number of mortgage applications in the first weeks of August. From the labour market, the initial jobless claims and continuing claims will be announced. Other releases will include a number of confidence reports, details on personal consumption and the durable goods orders figures for July.

The economic schedule of the UK will be very limited this week. Details on the state of the UK housing market will be provided through the British Bankers' Association (BBA) mortgage lending figures for July, and Nationwide's house prices for August. Details on consumption patterns in the UK will be assessed through the CBI distributive trades report and the GfK consumer confidence survey.

In the Eurozone, a number of confidence indicators for August will be revealed. Of interest to the markets there will also be the preliminary estimate of the Eurozone's Consumer Price Index (CPI) figure for August, together with Producers Price Index (PPI) figures from certain individual economies within the region. Euroland's and Germany's unemployment rates for July, will complete the schedule for the Eurozone.

This article has been prepared by Bank of Valletta plc, which is licensed to conduct investment services business by the MFSA, for your general information only. This information is not a solicitation or offer by the bank to acquire or sell securities, nor does it constitute any form of advice by the bank. Appropriate advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance and the value of your investments may fall or rise.

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