Market Information Friday 20 October 2023

The leading indicators for the U.S. economy declined again in September, falling by 0.7%, as reported by The Conference Board. In August, the index also decreased by 0.5%, despite an initial report of a 0.4% decline for that month.  This suggests an ongoing downward trend that has persisted for the past year and a half, potentially indicating future economic weakness. The Leading Economic Index now stands at 104.6. The index predicts economic developments for the next six months and includes various components such as consumer confidence and stock prices.

Existing home sales in the United States declined in September, but the drop was less severe than expected, according to data from the NAR (National Association of Realtors). On a monthly basis, sales decreased by 2.0% to an annualized rate of 3.96 million homes, surpassing economists’ expectations of 3.90 million homes. However, on a year-over-year basis, there was a significant decline of 15.4% in September’s home sales. Notably, the median sale price increased by 2.8% to $394,300 last month.

In October, business confidence in France declined, as reported by the French statistical agency, Insee. The confidence index dropped from 100 to 98. This decrease in confidence also extended to the manufacturing sector, with the sub-index falling from 99 to 98.

The 6M Euribor increased with 2 basis points to 4.14% compared to previous business day. The 10Y Swap increased with 1 basis point to 3.48% compared to previous business day.

In the attachment, today’s market data on money and capital market rates as well as other rates are presented.