GBP:
Britain’s economic record as one of the fastest-growing major economies has
been confirmed by official figures showing a jump in business investment,
construction and manufacturing in the first three months of the year.

UK GDP has grown by 0.8% for the first quarter of 2014, pushing the annual
growth rate above 3% and well above those of the Eurozone and the US. 

In more disappointing news that caused the pound to weaken was last month’s

GBP:
Britain’s economic record as one of the fastest-growing major economies has
been confirmed by official figures showing a jump in business investment,
construction and manufacturing in the first three months of the year.

UK GDP has grown by 0.8% for the first quarter of 2014, pushing the annual
growth rate above 3% and well above those of the Eurozone and the US. 

In more disappointing news that caused the pound to weaken was last month’s
public finances, showing that Public Sector Net was £7.364bn, up from £5.648bn
a year ago. Economists had expected a lower figure of around £4.5bn.

USD:
Previously owned U.S. home purchases increased in April as a larger supply of
properties attracted buyers and increased prospects for a stronger spring
buying season.

For the first time this year, a 1.3% gain, raised sales to a 4.65 million
annualized rate. The number of available properties climbed to an almost
two-year high, helping slow the pace of price appreciation.

A pickup in the property market that improves affordability will help bring
home ownership within reach of more Americans, increasing the chances the
industry will recover from a yearlong slowdown. 

ZAR:
The bank left its lending rate unchanged at 5.5%, the decision was supported by
five of the seven Monetary Policy Committee, so not a complete consensus. 

Economic growth has been adversely affected by a strike involving roughly
70,000 workers that’s stopped output at the world’s biggest platinum mines
since January.

Today:
We had GDP figures from Germany which showed a rise from 2.3% to 2.5% YOY.

Key Announcements:
12.30 – CAD – Consumer Price Index figures (MOM) expected to decline from 0.6% to
0.3%

14.00 – USD – New Home Sales (MOM): expected to rise from 384,000 to 425,000.

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