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Eurozone emerges from deflation as unemployment hits three-year low - live updates Eurozone emerges from deflation as unemployment hits three-year low - live updates
(35 minutes later)
12.54pm GMT12:54
The latest US economic data just hit the wires, and paints a mixed picture of the world’s largest economy.
American household spending rose by just 0.1% in September, down from 0.4% in August, and only half as fast as economists expected.
But US labour costs have risen by 0.6% during the last quarter, up from 0.2% in the previous three months. That’s a broad measure of pay, suggesting salaries are rising as the employment market continues to tighten.
So on balance, it doesn’t really settle the debate on whether US interest rates will go up before Christmas (as covered in the intro).
Updated at 1.04pm GMT
12.35pm GMT12:3512.35pm GMT12:35
Canadian growth slows in AugustCanadian growth slows in August
The global slowdown has rippled across to Canada.The global slowdown has rippled across to Canada.
Canadian GDOP rose by only 0.1% in August, data just released showed, down from 0.3% in July.Canadian GDOP rose by only 0.1% in August, data just released showed, down from 0.3% in July.
#Canada #GDP 0.1%m/m from 0.3%. oh well.#Canada #GDP 0.1%m/m from 0.3%. oh well.
That follows this week’s trend of slowing growth in the last quarter (in the UK, the US and Spain).That follows this week’s trend of slowing growth in the last quarter (in the UK, the US and Spain).
It’s the third monthly expansion in a row in Canada, following contractions earlier in the year. On an annual basis, the economy was only 0.9% bigger than 12 months ago.It’s the third monthly expansion in a row in Canada, following contractions earlier in the year. On an annual basis, the economy was only 0.9% bigger than 12 months ago.
Updated at 12.42pm GMTUpdated at 12.42pm GMT
12.25pm GMT12:2512.25pm GMT12:25
Over in Lisbon, Portugal’s new government is being sworn in after a general election that produced no clear winner.Over in Lisbon, Portugal’s new government is being sworn in after a general election that produced no clear winner.
It means Pedro Passos Coehlo remains as prime minister, but leading a minority government.It means Pedro Passos Coehlo remains as prime minister, but leading a minority government.
#Portugal new government being sworn-in now in Lisbon. pic.twitter.com/NTqFLbD8bN#Portugal new government being sworn-in now in Lisbon. pic.twitter.com/NTqFLbD8bN
#Portugal: Minority govt swears-in 11 days before decisive confidence vote at parliament. President address soon. pic.twitter.com/DJlRZgmD8r#Portugal: Minority govt swears-in 11 days before decisive confidence vote at parliament. President address soon. pic.twitter.com/DJlRZgmD8r
Portugal’s president sparked controversy by asking Passos Coehlo to form the next administration, even though left-wing parties won a majority of seats between them.Portugal’s president sparked controversy by asking Passos Coehlo to form the next administration, even though left-wing parties won a majority of seats between them.
This sparked talk that a coup had been perpetrated. But in truth, the wheels of democracy will keep turning.This sparked talk that a coup had been perpetrated. But in truth, the wheels of democracy will keep turning.
The opposition will get their chance to kick Passos Coehlo out of office early next month, in a vote of confidence on the new government’s policies.The opposition will get their chance to kick Passos Coehlo out of office early next month, in a vote of confidence on the new government’s policies.
Related: Sorry, British Eurosceptics, but there was no coup in Portugal | Felipe HenriquesRelated: Sorry, British Eurosceptics, but there was no coup in Portugal | Felipe Henriques
11.44am GMT11:4411.44am GMT11:44
Merkel has used her China trip to call for more protection for Europe’s steel industry, which has been ravaged by falling prices and overcapacity.Merkel has used her China trip to call for more protection for Europe’s steel industry, which has been ravaged by falling prices and overcapacity.
Over to Reuters’ Andreas Rinke:Over to Reuters’ Andreas Rinke:
At a German-Sino business congress in Hefei, Merkel calledfor better protection of the steel and solar industries against unfair international competition, a complaint some manufacturers make against China.At a German-Sino business congress in Hefei, Merkel calledfor better protection of the steel and solar industries against unfair international competition, a complaint some manufacturers make against China.
Merkel said the steel sector needed “a certain amount of market protection” as steelmakers have pointed out that environmental regulations differ from country to country,impacting cost advantages.Merkel said the steel sector needed “a certain amount of market protection” as steelmakers have pointed out that environmental regulations differ from country to country,impacting cost advantages.
“I also hope that we can extend the rules already in placein the solar sector,” she added.“I also hope that we can extend the rules already in placein the solar sector,” she added.
Updated at 11.44am GMTUpdated at 11.44am GMT
11.35am GMT11:3511.35am GMT11:35
Angela Merkel also had an opportunity to pass on some football tips to the next generation today, during a trip to a primary school in Xin Nan Cun.Angela Merkel also had an opportunity to pass on some football tips to the next generation today, during a trip to a primary school in Xin Nan Cun.
Updated at 11.36am GMTUpdated at 11.36am GMT
11.32am GMT11:3211.32am GMT11:32
Angela Merkel has also predicted that China’s economy will avoid a crash, during her trip to Hefei today.Angela Merkel has also predicted that China’s economy will avoid a crash, during her trip to Hefei today.
She told journalists:She told journalists:
“I think one can expect that China’s growth will be a bit weaker, but that it will have constant growth.“I think one can expect that China’s growth will be a bit weaker, but that it will have constant growth.
“It is obvious that particularly the domestic demand through growing cities is an important factor to stimulate consumption and here with growth.”“It is obvious that particularly the domestic demand through growing cities is an important factor to stimulate consumption and here with growth.”
This is Merkel’s eighth visit to China since becoming Germany’s leader a decade ago, underlining the importance of the links between Berlin and Beijing.This is Merkel’s eighth visit to China since becoming Germany’s leader a decade ago, underlining the importance of the links between Berlin and Beijing.
11.23am GMT11:2311.23am GMT11:23
Photos: Angela Merkel visits ChinaPhotos: Angela Merkel visits China
Angela Merkel has been hard at work building closer trade links with China.Angela Merkel has been hard at work building closer trade links with China.
The chancellor has put worries over Germany’s economy, and Europe’s escalating refugee crisis behind her. And the latest photos from the trip suggest it’s going well.The chancellor has put worries over Germany’s economy, and Europe’s escalating refugee crisis behind her. And the latest photos from the trip suggest it’s going well.
Merkel got a warm welcome from students at Hefei University in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province....Merkel got a warm welcome from students at Hefei University in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province....
...and then shared a drink with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, using beer brewed by the students #cheers...and then shared a drink with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, using beer brewed by the students #cheers
Merkel also told reporters that Germany favours granting China “market economy status” - a shift that would make it harder for the EU to protect local industry from Chinese competition.Merkel also told reporters that Germany favours granting China “market economy status” - a shift that would make it harder for the EU to protect local industry from Chinese competition.
However, Beijing still “has to do some homework, for example in the area of public procurement,” she added (Reuters reports)However, Beijing still “has to do some homework, for example in the area of public procurement,” she added (Reuters reports)
And she also met a group of children in the Baohe district of Hefei:And she also met a group of children in the Baohe district of Hefei:
Updated at 11.38am GMTUpdated at 11.38am GMT
11.02am GMT11:0211.02am GMT11:02
Mario Draghi will be pleased to see the eurozone clamber out of deflation this month, but it only takes a little pressure off his central bank.Mario Draghi will be pleased to see the eurozone clamber out of deflation this month, but it only takes a little pressure off his central bank.
Last week, the ECB chief hinted that more stimulus could be needed soon, as inflation remained sharply off course.Last week, the ECB chief hinted that more stimulus could be needed soon, as inflation remained sharply off course.
Bill Adams, senior international economist at PNC Financial Services Group, believes Draghi will make an announcement at its next meeting:Bill Adams, senior international economist at PNC Financial Services Group, believes Draghi will make an announcement at its next meeting:
The ECB’s most likely next move is to announce an extension in December of the duration of its quantitative easing program to last through March 2017. But hawks on the Governing Council may point to an exit from deflation as a reason for the ECB to continue with asset purchases in 2016, but without as clear a pre-commitment as they made in 2015.The ECB’s most likely next move is to announce an extension in December of the duration of its quantitative easing program to last through March 2017. But hawks on the Governing Council may point to an exit from deflation as a reason for the ECB to continue with asset purchases in 2016, but without as clear a pre-commitment as they made in 2015.
This would provide the ECB with discretion to begin a taper of its easing program earlier than expected if inflation surprises to the upside due to pass-through of higher import prices or higher food prices (unprocessed food prices rose 3.0% from a year earlier in October).This would provide the ECB with discretion to begin a taper of its easing program earlier than expected if inflation surprises to the upside due to pass-through of higher import prices or higher food prices (unprocessed food prices rose 3.0% from a year earlier in October).
When do we start talking about tapering the 2nd lot of QE the ECB hasn't yet announced?When do we start talking about tapering the 2nd lot of QE the ECB hasn't yet announced?
No time like the present, eh?....No time like the present, eh?....
Updated at 11.08am GMTUpdated at 11.08am GMT
10.38am GMT10:3810.38am GMT10:38
European Union jobless rate hits six-year lowEuropean Union jobless rate hits six-year low
Unemployment in the wider European Union has hit a six-year low of 9.3%, even better than the 3.5 year low of 10.8% in the eurozone:Unemployment in the wider European Union has hit a six-year low of 9.3%, even better than the 3.5 year low of 10.8% in the eurozone:
But that still leaves 22.631 million men and women out of work in the 28 countries which make up the EU.But that still leaves 22.631 million men and women out of work in the 28 countries which make up the EU.
Eurostat explains:Eurostat explains:
The EU28 unemployment rate was 9.3% in September 2015, down from 9.4% in August 2015, and from 10.1% in September 2014. This is the lowest rate recorded in the EU28 since September 2009.The EU28 unemployment rate was 9.3% in September 2015, down from 9.4% in August 2015, and from 10.1% in September 2014. This is the lowest rate recorded in the EU28 since September 2009.
But this is still far, far too high -- almost twice the levels in the UK and the US.But this is still far, far too high -- almost twice the levels in the UK and the US.
And many countries are still lagging behind.And many countries are still lagging behind.
The highest rates were recorded in Greece (25.0% in July 2015) and Spain (21.6%) -- a reminder that the Spanish recovery hasn’t fully fed through to its labour market.The highest rates were recorded in Greece (25.0% in July 2015) and Spain (21.6%) -- a reminder that the Spanish recovery hasn’t fully fed through to its labour market.
The lowest were recorded in Germany (4.5%), the Czech Republic (4.8%), Malta (5.1%) and the United Kingdom (5.3% in July 2015).The lowest were recorded in Germany (4.5%), the Czech Republic (4.8%), Malta (5.1%) and the United Kingdom (5.3% in July 2015).
At just 5.3%, the UK unemployment rate is about half the eurozone average (10.8%) pic.twitter.com/kHZqnHO8S4At just 5.3%, the UK unemployment rate is about half the eurozone average (10.8%) pic.twitter.com/kHZqnHO8S4
Updated at 10.49am GMTUpdated at 10.49am GMT
10.28am GMT10:2810.28am GMT10:28
It’s almost a year since oil prices began to tumble on the world markets, giving the global economy a deflationary squeeze.It’s almost a year since oil prices began to tumble on the world markets, giving the global economy a deflationary squeeze.
The impact of cheap oil should soon start to drop out of the annual inflation rates, though (as prices will no longer be cheaper than a year ago). And that could send consumer prices indices up again....The impact of cheap oil should soon start to drop out of the annual inflation rates, though (as prices will no longer be cheaper than a year ago). And that could send consumer prices indices up again....
Can't help feeling there will be a bit of a pop in €area inflation once this washes through https://t.co/311GaHfmXo pic.twitter.com/HYTJueilmaCan't help feeling there will be a bit of a pop in €area inflation once this washes through https://t.co/311GaHfmXo pic.twitter.com/HYTJueilma
10.14am GMT10:1410.14am GMT10:14
This is the second time this year that the eurozone has shaken off a bout of negative inflation:This is the second time this year that the eurozone has shaken off a bout of negative inflation:
#Eurozone out of #deflation: CPI bounced back to 0.0% YoY in Oct. Core CPI a touch better at 1.0% YoY vs 0.9% cons. pic.twitter.com/nIjIEqan5b#Eurozone out of #deflation: CPI bounced back to 0.0% YoY in Oct. Core CPI a touch better at 1.0% YoY vs 0.9% cons. pic.twitter.com/nIjIEqan5b
Updated at 10.16am GMTUpdated at 10.16am GMT
10.12am GMT10:1210.12am GMT10:12
Eurozone unemployment hits lowest since January 2012Eurozone unemployment hits lowest since January 2012
Europe’s unemployment crisis has eased a little, in another little boost to the region.Europe’s unemployment crisis has eased a little, in another little boost to the region.
Eurostat reports that the overall jobless rate dropped to 10.8% in September, down from 10.9% in August.Eurostat reports that the overall jobless rate dropped to 10.8% in September, down from 10.9% in August.
That’s lower than economists had expected, and is the lowest level since January 2012.That’s lower than economists had expected, and is the lowest level since January 2012.
Sept 2015 euro area unemployment rate 10.8% (Aug 10.9%), EU 9.3% (Aug 9.4%) #Eurostat https://t.co/JN3JQcdm6f pic.twitter.com/HJPqhbbVleSept 2015 euro area unemployment rate 10.8% (Aug 10.9%), EU 9.3% (Aug 9.4%) #Eurostat https://t.co/JN3JQcdm6f pic.twitter.com/HJPqhbbVle
10.09am GMT10:0910.09am GMT10:09
Although the eurozone’s inflation rate was zero in October, that masks wide differences across the economy.Although the eurozone’s inflation rate was zero in October, that masks wide differences across the economy.
Today’s eurozone inflation data shows that food prices rose by 1.5% year-on-year in October, while service sector costs were up by 1.3%.Today’s eurozone inflation data shows that food prices rose by 1.5% year-on-year in October, while service sector costs were up by 1.3%.
Other goods prices only rose by +0.4%, while energy costs slumped by 8.7%.Other goods prices only rose by +0.4%, while energy costs slumped by 8.7%.
So on average prices were unchanged (as the economist with one foot in a bucket of scalding hot water and the other foot in a bucket of ice might put it)So on average prices were unchanged (as the economist with one foot in a bucket of scalding hot water and the other foot in a bucket of ice might put it)
10.03am GMT10:0310.03am GMT10:03
Eurozone inflation rises to 0.0%Eurozone inflation rises to 0.0%
The eurozone has emerged from deflation!The eurozone has emerged from deflation!
Prices across the single currency region were flat in October, having shrunk by 0.1% the previous month.Prices across the single currency region were flat in October, having shrunk by 0.1% the previous month.
That’s broadly in line with forecast, and shows how little inflationary pressure there is in the eurozone (due to weak energy prices).That’s broadly in line with forecast, and shows how little inflationary pressure there is in the eurozone (due to weak energy prices).
Euro area inflation up to 0.0% in Oct 2015 (Sept -0.1%): flash estimate from #Eurostat https://t.co/pzXfjPwYOg pic.twitter.com/UPMIIcQFB7Euro area inflation up to 0.0% in Oct 2015 (Sept -0.1%): flash estimate from #Eurostat https://t.co/pzXfjPwYOg pic.twitter.com/UPMIIcQFB7
Core inflation (which strips out volatile elements such as energy and food) across the eurozone rose to 1% - well below the ECB’s 2% target.Core inflation (which strips out volatile elements such as energy and food) across the eurozone rose to 1% - well below the ECB’s 2% target.
Euro Zone CPI Data (Oct A) CPI Y/Y 0.0% versus 0.0% expected, previous -0.1% Core CPI Y/Y +1.0% versus +0.9% expected, previous +0.9%Euro Zone CPI Data (Oct A) CPI Y/Y 0.0% versus 0.0% expected, previous -0.1% Core CPI Y/Y +1.0% versus +0.9% expected, previous +0.9%
Updated at 10.04am GMTUpdated at 10.04am GMT
9.38am GMT09:389.38am GMT09:38
European stock markets are subdued this morning, as investors wait for the latest eurozone inflation and unemployment data in 25 minutes.European stock markets are subdued this morning, as investors wait for the latest eurozone inflation and unemployment data in 25 minutes.
The FTSE 100 has lost 5 points, or just under 0.1%, while the French and German markets are up just 0.15%.The FTSE 100 has lost 5 points, or just under 0.1%, while the French and German markets are up just 0.15%.
But still, fears that we could suffer a grim October have not come to pass, with most indices posting strong gains this month:But still, fears that we could suffer a grim October have not come to pass, with most indices posting strong gains this month:
October has been a merry month for markets. Here are the highlights https://t.co/Z93Ib69vr7 pic.twitter.com/dZGj39pXtKOctober has been a merry month for markets. Here are the highlights https://t.co/Z93Ib69vr7 pic.twitter.com/dZGj39pXtK
9.26am GMT09:269.26am GMT09:26
Looking back at Japan...some economists believe the BoJ may beef up its stimulus package in November, when it meets again.Looking back at Japan...some economists believe the BoJ may beef up its stimulus package in November, when it meets again.
By then, they should have new growth figures showing whether Japan’s economy shrank in the last quarter, or not.By then, they should have new growth figures showing whether Japan’s economy shrank in the last quarter, or not.
Mitsuo Shimizu, deputy general manager of Japan Asia Securities Group, says:Mitsuo Shimizu, deputy general manager of Japan Asia Securities Group, says:
“They could move after the next meeting - expectations for more easing aren’t going away.”“They could move after the next meeting - expectations for more easing aren’t going away.”
But there’s also an argument for waiting until the US central bank’s next meeting in December. If the Fed does hike interest rates, then the yen will weaken against the US dollar without the BoJ needing to do anything....But there’s also an argument for waiting until the US central bank’s next meeting in December. If the Fed does hike interest rates, then the yen will weaken against the US dollar without the BoJ needing to do anything....
Bbg's Brian Fowler in Tokyo says BoJ is waiting for December Fed move to make its next move. Fed action would be Japan-positive: strong $USDBbg's Brian Fowler in Tokyo says BoJ is waiting for December Fed move to make its next move. Fed action would be Japan-positive: strong $USD
9.10am GMT09:109.10am GMT09:10
Italy’s unemployment rate has dipped to its lowest point since January 2013 but still remains worryingly high.Italy’s unemployment rate has dipped to its lowest point since January 2013 but still remains worryingly high.
New data shows that the Italian jobless rate fell to 11.8% in September, from 11.9% in August, suggesting prime minister Matteo Renzi’s reform plan may finally be bearing some fruit.New data shows that the Italian jobless rate fell to 11.8% in September, from 11.9% in August, suggesting prime minister Matteo Renzi’s reform plan may finally be bearing some fruit.
It’s better than economists expected.It’s better than economists expected.
*ITALIAN SEPT. UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FALLS TO 11.8%; EST. 11.9%*ITALIAN SEPT. UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FALLS TO 11.8%; EST. 11.9%
In 50 minutes time we get the overall eurozone unemployment report....In 50 minutes time we get the overall eurozone unemployment report....
Updated at 9.10am GMTUpdated at 9.10am GMT
8.47am GMT08:478.47am GMT08:47
Spain’s recovery has been partly due to a strong tourist season, which helped it overcome the housing crash.Spain’s recovery has been partly due to a strong tourist season, which helped it overcome the housing crash.
The FT’s Ian Mount explains:The FT’s Ian Mount explains:
Record spending by foreign tourists has helped speed Spain’s recovery from a double dip recovery that began after its real estate bubble popped in 2008.Record spending by foreign tourists has helped speed Spain’s recovery from a double dip recovery that began after its real estate bubble popped in 2008.
Tourists injected €53.8bn into the economy over the first nine months of 2015, 6.3 per cent more than in the same period in 2014.Tourists injected €53.8bn into the economy over the first nine months of 2015, 6.3 per cent more than in the same period in 2014.
8.34am GMT08:348.34am GMT08:34
Capital Economics fears that today’s GDP report shows Spain’s ‘impressive’ recovery is faltering a little:Capital Economics fears that today’s GDP report shows Spain’s ‘impressive’ recovery is faltering a little:
Morning. Spain Q3 GDP +0.8% q/q after Q2's +1.0%. Suggests impressive recovery may be losing some steam, in line with survey indicatorsMorning. Spain Q3 GDP +0.8% q/q after Q2's +1.0%. Suggests impressive recovery may be losing some steam, in line with survey indicators
Holger Sandte of Nordea Markets is concerned that Spain’s building and housing sector is still in the mire:Holger Sandte of Nordea Markets is concerned that Spain’s building and housing sector is still in the mire:
#Spain’s #GDP up 0.8% q/q in Q3, almost back at pre-crisis level. But many gaps have not been closed pic.twitter.com/UHnZRizeww#Spain’s #GDP up 0.8% q/q in Q3, almost back at pre-crisis level. But many gaps have not been closed pic.twitter.com/UHnZRizeww
8.26am GMT08:268.26am GMT08:26
Spanish GDP up by 0.8% as recovery continuesSpanish GDP up by 0.8% as recovery continues
Spain’s economic recovery continues, although at a slightly lower speed.Spain’s economic recovery continues, although at a slightly lower speed.
The Spanish statistics body reports that GDP rose by 0.8% in the last three months, compared to 1% in the second quarter of this year.The Spanish statistics body reports that GDP rose by 0.8% in the last three months, compared to 1% in the second quarter of this year.
On an annual basis, the economy grew by 3.4%, up from 3.1%.On an annual basis, the economy grew by 3.4%, up from 3.1%.
This is the 9th consecutive quarter of growth in Spain, which has been one of the best performing European economics since the debt crisis eased in 2012.This is the 9th consecutive quarter of growth in Spain, which has been one of the best performing European economics since the debt crisis eased in 2012.
Spain is the first eurozone country to report growth figures (we get most of the data in two weeks time).Spain is the first eurozone country to report growth figures (we get most of the data in two weeks time).
Today’s numbers mean it is growing faster than the UK, which reported a GDP increase of 0.5% on Tuesday. It also beats America’s annualised rate of 1.5% (which is <0.4% on a quarter-on-quarter basis).Today’s numbers mean it is growing faster than the UK, which reported a GDP increase of 0.5% on Tuesday. It also beats America’s annualised rate of 1.5% (which is <0.4% on a quarter-on-quarter basis).
Reaction to follow....Reaction to follow....
8.13am GMT08:138.13am GMT08:13
Kuroda predicts moderate recovery for global economyKuroda predicts moderate recovery for global economy
Governor Kuroda is also trying to dampen fears over China’s economy, and its impact on Japan.Governor Kuroda is also trying to dampen fears over China’s economy, and its impact on Japan.
He says he agrees with the IMF that the slowdown in China could last longer than expected, which would be bad for Japanese trade:He says he agrees with the IMF that the slowdown in China could last longer than expected, which would be bad for Japanese trade:
Many Japanese companies operate in East Asia so their profits may also be affected.Many Japanese companies operate in East Asia so their profits may also be affected.
But he’s still optimistic that the region’s economies are resilient enough to cope:But he’s still optimistic that the region’s economies are resilient enough to cope:
Our main scenario is for the global economy to recover moderately, driven by the strength in advanced economies.”Our main scenario is for the global economy to recover moderately, driven by the strength in advanced economies.”
8.05am GMT08:058.05am GMT08:05
Here’s some instant reaction to BoJ governor Haruhiko Kuroda’s comments:Here’s some instant reaction to BoJ governor Haruhiko Kuroda’s comments:
Kuroda leaving the easing door open, obviously.Kuroda leaving the easing door open, obviously.
The Bank of Japan lowers projections of growth, inflation https://t.co/yeiHwXl64d pic.twitter.com/uUav5IjbNWThe Bank of Japan lowers projections of growth, inflation https://t.co/yeiHwXl64d pic.twitter.com/uUav5IjbNW
BoJ's Kuroda pushes 2% inflation target to H2 16. Sees lower oil prices as main reason. Says overall inflation trend is improving in #Japan.BoJ's Kuroda pushes 2% inflation target to H2 16. Sees lower oil prices as main reason. Says overall inflation trend is improving in #Japan.
BoJ's Kuroda: Don't think confidence in BoJ is falling apart. BoJ's bal sheet expansion smaller than Fed's or PBoC's pic.twitter.com/fiA9RUPi5XBoJ's Kuroda: Don't think confidence in BoJ is falling apart. BoJ's bal sheet expansion smaller than Fed's or PBoC's pic.twitter.com/fiA9RUPi5X
7.49am GMT07:497.49am GMT07:49
BoJ's Kuroda: We won't hesitate to do moreBoJ's Kuroda: We won't hesitate to do more
The Bank of Japan has fuelled speculation that it could soon announce fresh stimulus measures, after cutting the Bank’s inflation and growth forecasts.The Bank of Japan has fuelled speculation that it could soon announce fresh stimulus measures, after cutting the Bank’s inflation and growth forecasts.
Governor Haruhiko Kuroda has just told a press conference that the BoJ has more ammunition at its disposal, as it battles against the deflationary pressures gripping the globe.Governor Haruhiko Kuroda has just told a press conference that the BoJ has more ammunition at its disposal, as it battles against the deflationary pressures gripping the globe.
Kuroda insisted that the BoJ could still hit its target of getting inflation to 2% (even it is is taking longer than hoped), saying:Kuroda insisted that the BoJ could still hit its target of getting inflation to 2% (even it is is taking longer than hoped), saying:
“We won’t hesitate to make necessary policy adjustments if we judge that there is a change in the broad price trend.”“We won’t hesitate to make necessary policy adjustments if we judge that there is a change in the broad price trend.”
“I’m not thinking of raising or lowering the current 2% inflation target.”“I’m not thinking of raising or lowering the current 2% inflation target.”
And on the details of monetary policy, Kuroda declared:And on the details of monetary policy, Kuroda declared:
“I don’t think there are limits to our policy options.”“I don’t think there are limits to our policy options.”
*KURODA: DON'T SEE THERE ARE LIMITS TO ANY FURTHER ACTION*KURODA: DON'T SEE THERE ARE LIMITS TO ANY FURTHER ACTION
Kuroda was speaking after the BoJ left its current stimulus programme unchanged at its latest policy meeting, despite evidence that Japan hasn’t shaken off the spectre of deflation.Kuroda was speaking after the BoJ left its current stimulus programme unchanged at its latest policy meeting, despite evidence that Japan hasn’t shaken off the spectre of deflation.
The BoJ also cut its forecast for real economic growth for the current fiscal year to 1.2% from 1.7%. It also kicked back the target for hitting 2% inflation to the back end of 2016, or even early 2017, from the middle of next year.The BoJ also cut its forecast for real economic growth for the current fiscal year to 1.2% from 1.7%. It also kicked back the target for hitting 2% inflation to the back end of 2016, or even early 2017, from the middle of next year.
Some analysts had thought the Bank might boost its 80 trillion yen annual asset-buying scheme today, but Japan’s policymakers are hopeful that the global economy will pick up.Some analysts had thought the Bank might boost its 80 trillion yen annual asset-buying scheme today, but Japan’s policymakers are hopeful that the global economy will pick up.
But there are signs that more may be needed. New figures showed that consumer prices fell 0.1% in the year to September, a second monthly decline, while household spending slid 1.3 percent from a year earlier.But there are signs that more may be needed. New figures showed that consumer prices fell 0.1% in the year to September, a second monthly decline, while household spending slid 1.3 percent from a year earlier.
More here:More here:
Related: Bank of Japan keeps QE programme on hold as it hopes for economic recoveryRelated: Bank of Japan keeps QE programme on hold as it hopes for economic recovery
Updated at 8.00am GMTUpdated at 8.00am GMT
7.26am GMT07:267.26am GMT07:26
The Agenda: Will eurozone emerge from deflation?The Agenda: Will eurozone emerge from deflation?
Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of the world economy, the financial markets, the eurozone and business.Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of the world economy, the financial markets, the eurozone and business.
It looks like another busy day for economic news, as policymakers, analysts and the public all ponder the state of the global economy as the year grinds towards its close (just 55 sleeps till Christmas, folks!)It looks like another busy day for economic news, as policymakers, analysts and the public all ponder the state of the global economy as the year grinds towards its close (just 55 sleeps till Christmas, folks!)
In Europe, the latest inflation data come at 10am GMT. It may show that prices stopped falling in the eurozone, after dropping by 0.1% in September.In Europe, the latest inflation data come at 10am GMT. It may show that prices stopped falling in the eurozone, after dropping by 0.1% in September.
We also get European unemployment figures - likely to show that the eurozone jobless crisis is still severe:We also get European unemployment figures - likely to show that the eurozone jobless crisis is still severe:
There’s also a flurry of data coming our way from across the Atlantic. That includes US personal spending stats at 12.30pm and the University of Michigan confidence report at 2pm GMT.There’s also a flurry of data coming our way from across the Atlantic. That includes US personal spending stats at 12.30pm and the University of Michigan confidence report at 2pm GMT.
They’ll both provide more ammunition for the ongoing debate about whether the Federal Reserve will take the plunge and raise interest rates at its December meeting (just 47 sleeps to go!).They’ll both provide more ammunition for the ongoing debate about whether the Federal Reserve will take the plunge and raise interest rates at its December meeting (just 47 sleeps to go!).
Canada will become the latest major economy to report growth figures - economists predict that growth slowed to 0.1% in August from 0.3% in July.Canada will become the latest major economy to report growth figures - economists predict that growth slowed to 0.1% in August from 0.3% in July.
And in the City, it’s quite busy for a Friday.And in the City, it’s quite busy for a Friday.
BG Group, the oil company, has been hit by the weak crude price:BG Group, the oil company, has been hit by the weak crude price:
Oil price slump still hitting profits...@BGGroup profit -63%...but better than expectedOil price slump still hitting profits...@BGGroup profit -63%...but better than expected
And Royal Bank of Scotland has suffered an operating loss of £134m in the last quarter, after taking a £847m charge to cover restructuring costs.And Royal Bank of Scotland has suffered an operating loss of £134m in the last quarter, after taking a £847m charge to cover restructuring costs.
JUST IN: RBS profit falls by more than half in third quarter, missing estimates https://t.co/10Ittj6HsL pic.twitter.com/WPIazisys0JUST IN: RBS profit falls by more than half in third quarter, missing estimates https://t.co/10Ittj6HsL pic.twitter.com/WPIazisys0
It still managed to post a net profit though:It still managed to post a net profit though:
RBS smashes forecasts despite litigation costs https://t.co/F3etbhLuQoRBS smashes forecasts despite litigation costs https://t.co/F3etbhLuQo
More details on that later, along with all the main events through the day....More details on that later, along with all the main events through the day....
Updated at 7.55am GMTUpdated at 7.55am GMT