Top 5 Graphs of the Week

In this edition we look at the PMI numbers for China, and the U.S., and review the results of the quarterly Tankan in Japan. We then look more closely at some of the other data points out of the U.S. last week; the Case-Shiller house price index, consumer confidence, and of course nonfarm payrolls.

1. China PMI
China showed further signs of slowing down following the moves by the authorities to prevent asset bubbles. The official CFLP index registered at 52.1, down both against consensus estimates (Reuters) 53.1, and the May figure of 53.9. The HSBC index (which surveys 400 businesses, and is more weighted to smaller/privately owned businesses than the CFLP index) confirmed the direction; down to 50.4 vs 52.7 in May. So these figures potentially point to a slowdown in the manufacturing sector, but will the other sectors of the Chinese economy offset the slowdown? Will rising wages help lift consumption? The next big regular data release is due on the 15th of July, and will provide a timely update. (more)