USD
New figures out yesterday showed that US economic growth accelerated in the
second quarter at a 2.3 per cent annual rate, with strong consumer spending
offsetting weak business spending. The release fuelled expectations that
the Federal Reserve will hike interest rates later this year, however the
figure was slightly disappointing as economists had expected a 2.6 per cent
rise in GDP.

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, real GDP indicates that the US

USD
New figures out yesterday showed that US economic growth accelerated in the
second quarter at a 2.3 per cent annual rate, with strong consumer spending
offsetting weak business spending. The release fuelled expectations that
the Federal Reserve will hike interest rates later this year, however the
figure was slightly disappointing as economists had expected a 2.6 per cent
rise in GDP.

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, real GDP indicates that the US
Economy’s Top Speed Has Probably Been Overestimated for Years and that GDP from
2011 to 2014 increased at an annual rate of 2 percent, a downgrade from the
prior estimate of 2.3 percent.

In a slightly more positive note, applications for US unemployment benefits
remained near the four decade low of last week, consistent with a strong labour
market.

The Fed’s July statement indicated the central bank will
raise rates when it has seen “some further improvement in the labour
market” and is “reasonably confident” that inflation will trend
toward 2 percent. The recent data release underscores the difficulties the
Federal Reserve faces in gauging just when to hike interest rates.  

EUR
Yesterday the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it could be prevented from
participating in Greece’s third bailout programme, due to the state’s debt pile
and poor record of implementing previous economic reforms. This means
while IMF staff will continue to participate in current negotiations around the
Greek debt crisis, it could be months – potentially even a year – before
they’re able to sign up to a new programme.

Yesterday IMF chief Christine Lagarde said “for any programme to fly, a
significant debt restructuring should take place”. It thinks Greek debt
could surpass 200 per cent of GDP otherwise. The organisation’s position
puts it on a collision course with German officials who vehemently oppose any
cuts to Greece’s debt. They favour re-profiling which analysts say would
involve extending the repayment time, without marking down the value of the
debt.

 

Key
Announcements:

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