Economic growth in New Zealand has been decelerating since the middle of 2016 even before the general election of September 2017 that brought a Labour-led government into power.
Global Economic Data
China commerce minister says there is no winner in a trade war: RTRS
China commerce minister says U.S.’s unilateralism, protectionism will hurt global economy, does no good to any country: RTRS China commerce minister says cooperation between China and U.S. is the only correct choice on trade: RTRS
ECB Still Sees Bond Buying Phased Out as Rates Stay on Hold – Gold Silver Reports
The Frankfurt-based institution said it will buy 15 billion euros ($17 billion) of assets a month from October to December, and that a decision to halt the program after that continues to be contingent on incoming economic data. Policy makers reiterated that interest rates will remain at their present record lows “at least through the summer” of 2019.
Draghi : Significant Stimulus Still Needed to Support Inflation – Gold Silver Reports
Draghi says underlying strength of economy continues to support confidence.
ECB Draghi — Latest data point to ongoing, broad-based growth
ECB sees 2018 GDP growth at 2.0 pct vs 2.1 pct seen in June
UK labour Market: September 2018 – Gold Silver Reports
Estimates of employment, unemployment, economic inactivity and other employment-related statistics for the UK.
US-China Trade War is Helping to Boost use of Yuan in International Transactions – GSR
The trade war initiated by the United States is actually helping China achieve one of its coveted long-term financial goals – the greater use of its currency, the yuan, in international commerce and financial transactions.
US Dollar Grinds at Key Support Ahead of Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP)
Gold Silver Reports (GSR) – The US Dollar continues to battle with the 95.00 level, and this most recent test comes with a bit of heightened interest: Last week saw sellers drive below the level only to be followed by buyers pushing off of the August lows into month-end. This came along with a resistance reaction at a big area in EUR/USD. Yesterday saw resistance in USD/DXY at the June and July highs around 95.53, and this adds further questions to the sustainability of US Dollar strength as we move towards the end of Q3.
Federal Reserve Is Sued, Accused of Limiting Competition – Gold Silver Reports
Gold Silver Reports (GSR) — A former Federal Reserve official is suing the Fed for blocking his plan to create a new kind of bank, saying it is putting the interests of big Wall Street banks ahead of their large customers.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court last week, accuses the Fed chairman, Jerome H. Powell, of preventing the new bank, known as TNB USA, from operating. James McAndrews, who filed the lawsuit, asserts Mr. Powell directed Fed staffers to withhold permission for his bank to open an account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York — a necessary precursor for TNB USA to open its doors.
President Trump hints to WSJ that Trade Fight with Japan Could be Next
✅ During a phone call with President Donald Trump, WSJ columnist James Freeman noted that the president sounded “still very focused on eliminating trade deficits with America’s trading partners.”
China Ready to Impose Retaliatory Tariffs on $60 Billion worth of US goods
The Trump administration may be about to slap tariffs of up to 25 percent on an additional $200 billion in Chinese goods, escalating a confrontation between the world’s two biggest economies and likely squeezing US companies that import everything from handbags to bicycle tires.