Market Information Friday 20 May 2022

Consumer prices in Japan rose 2.5% on an annual basis in April. Although significantly lower than the inflation rate in European countries, this is the highest inflation rate in 13 years in Japan. In March, consumer prices were still up 1.2% year-on-year. The Japanese central bank, like many European central banks, is still aiming for inflation of 2.0%.

Last month, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reported that the confidence of Dutch consumers has never been so low. This morning, Statistics Netherlands reported that confidence improved somewhat in May, but very slightly. Consumer confidence in May came to a reading of -47, compared to -48 in April, the lowest point since measurement began in 1986. The average over the past twenty years is -9.

Between May 7 and May 14, 218,000 initial jobless claims were filed in the United States. The number of new applications unexpectedly rose by 21,000 from a week earlier. Analysts had only taken into account an increase of 3,000. The four-week moving average, usually less volatile, came out at 199,500 applications. The number of applications still hovers around the lowest point in over 50 years, 187,000 applications.

The 6M Euribor increased with 4 basis points to -0.13% compared to previous business day. The 10Y Swap decreased with 5 basis points to 1.69% 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.