Summary 3/9 – 3/10

Global Economic Indicators: Early March 2026

The period between March 9th and March 13th, 2026, saw the release of a series of crucial economic data points from various countries, offering a snapshot of the global economic landscape. These indicators spanned a range of sectors, including labor, manufacturing, trade, and consumer sentiment, providing valuable insights for analysts and investors.

Key Economic Data Releases: March 9-10

On March 9th, 2026, Japan reported a 2.50% year-over-year increase in Labor Cash Earnings for January, matching consensus estimates and exceeding the previous reading of 2.40%. Bank Lending in Japan also showed a 4.40% increase in February, slightly below the previous 4.50%. China's CPI for February came in at 0.90% year-over-year, surpassing the prior 0.20%. Germany's Industrial Production for January showed a 0.90% month-over-month increase, a rebound from the previous -1.90%.

March 10th, 2026, brought data including Australia's Westpac Consumer Confidence at -2.60%. Japan's Household Spending for January increased by 2.50% year-over-year, recovering from the previous -2.60%. The final GDP figure for Q4 in Japan was 0.30% quarter-over-quarter. China's Trade Balance for February was reported at $175.0B, significantly higher than the previous $114.1B. Germany's Trade Balance for January was €15.2B, down from €17.1B the previous month. The NFIB Business Optimism Index in the US for February was 99.7, a slight increase from the previous 99.3.

Mid-Week Economic Updates: Inflation and Inventories

The middle of the week focused on inflation metrics and inventory levels, offering insights into price pressures and supply dynamics.

Inflation and Inventory Reports: March 11-12

On March 11th, 2026, Japan's PPI for February was reported at 2.10% year-over-year, slightly below the previous 2.30%. Germany's final CPI for February matched initial estimates at 0.20% month-over-month and 2.00% year-over-year. US CPI for February showed a 0.20% increase month-over-month and a 2.50% increase year-over-year. US Crude Oil Inventories increased by 3.5M barrels.

March 12th, 2026, saw the release of New Zealand's Manufacturing Sales for Q4, which came in at 2.70%. The UK's RICS Housing Price Balance for February was -9%. Canada's Trade Balance for January was -$1.0B. US Initial Jobless Claims were reported at 215K, slightly above the previous 213K. US Building Permits for January were 1.39M, lower than the previous 1.45M. The US Trade Balance for January was -$67.8B. US Natural Gas Storage decreased by -132B.

Closing the Week: Employment, Production, and Sentiment

The end of the week provided updates on employment figures, industrial production, and consumer sentiment, rounding out the economic picture.

Final Data Points: March 13

On March 13th, 2026, the Eurozone Industrial Production for January increased by 0.70% month-over-month, recovering from the previous -1.40%. Canada's Net Change in Employment for February was 10.0K, a turnaround from the previous -24.8K. The Canadian Unemployment Rate increased to 6.60% from 6.50%. US Personal Income for January increased by 0.50% month-over-month, while Personal Spending increased by 0.30%. The US Core PCE Price Index increased by 0.40% month-over-month and 3% year-over-year. US GDP Annualized for Q4 was reported at 1.40%. The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Preliminary reading for March was 56.4.