Market Information Monday 26 April 2021

Retail sales in the United Kingdom rose faster than anticipated in March, according to figures published on Friday by the British statistics office. On a monthly basis, sales increased by 5.4%. On an annual basis, there was an increase of 7.2%.

In its World Trade Monitor on Friday, the CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis reported that world trade continued to grow in February but at a slower pace. World trade increased by 0.3% in February, compared to the 1.9% increase in January. The strong increase in January was mainly due to high growth in emerging Asia, excluding China, for both imports and exports. In China and the US, trade contracted last month.

Preliminary figures published on Friday from Markit Economics show that economic activity in the eurozone rose in April. The composite purchasing managers index for the monetary union rose from 53.2 in March to 53.7 in April, higher than the forecast of 52.9. The purchasing managers index for the services sector rose from 49.6 to 50.3 for which 49.0 was expected. The preliminary index for industry rose from 62.5 to 63.3, compared to 62.0 expected. The index for industry is at its highest level since 1997. Index levels higher than 50 indicate growth, while less than 50 indicate a contraction.

The 6M Euribor decreased with 1 basis point to -0.52% compared to previous business day. The 10Y Swap increased with 3 basis points to 0.09% 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.