The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the euro area for March 2010 was 10% the same as February. The unemployment rate in the EU27 was 9.6% the same as February and compared with 8.5% in March 2009.
It is estimated that 23,130 million people in the EU27 were unemployed in March 2010. The estimation includes 15,808 million in the euro area. The increase in numbers of people means 123,000 more unemployed in EU27 and 101,000 in the euro area.
Male unemployment increased from 8.9% to 10% in the euro area between March 2009 and March 2010 and 8.6% to 9.8% in EU27, women from 9.3% to 10.1% in the euro area and 8.5% to 9.4% in EU27. Youth unemployment in March 2010 was 19.9% in the euro area and 20.6% in EU27 compared with 19% and 18.9% respectively. The US unemployment rate was 9.7% in March 2010 and in Japan it was 4.8% in February 2010.
Friday, 30 April 2010
MUICP Is 1.5% For April 2010
Euro area inflation is expected to be 1.5% in April from 1.4% in March according to Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. Euro inflation is measured by the Monetary Union Index of Consumer Prices (MUICP).
Business Investment Down In Euro And EU27 Areas
The gross investment rate of non-financial corporations in the EU27 zone was 20.3% in Q4 2009 from 20.6% in Q3 according to Eurostat. In the eurozone the rate was 20.4% in Q4 from 20.7% in the previous quarter. The gross investment rate of non-financial corporations in the eurozone fell as gross fixed capital formation fell 0.9% and value added grew 0.6%. Eurozone stocks of materials, supplies and finished goods continued to decrease for the fourth quarter in a row.
The business profit share of non-financial corporations in EU27 was 37.1% in Q4 2009 from 36.9% in 2008. The eurozone profit share was 37.9% from 37.5% in Q3 2009. The eurozone profit share of non-financial corporations increased as value added grew 0.6%. Wage costs plus taxes minus subsidies on production was unchanged.
The business profit share of non-financial corporations in EU27 was 37.1% in Q4 2009 from 36.9% in 2008. The eurozone profit share was 37.9% from 37.5% in Q3 2009. The eurozone profit share of non-financial corporations increased as value added grew 0.6%. Wage costs plus taxes minus subsidies on production was unchanged.
Trade Union Membership 2009
The rate of union membership for UK employees in 2009 was 27.4% the same as 2008 according to a National Statistics survey published by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Membership fell at about the same rate as total employment over the year. The rate for all people in employment including the self-employed was 24.7% in 2009 from 24.9% in 2008. The number of employees who are trade union members fell by 163,000 or 2.4% to 6.7 million. For all in employment, the number of members fell by 165,000 to 7.1 million or by 2.3%.
The number of female union members increased 0.2% to 29.5% but the number of males fell by 0.4% to 25.2%. Female union density was higher than males for the eighth year in a row. Both public and private sector membership fell by about 0.5%. The private sector fell to 15.1% and the public sector to 56.6% in 2009.
The nations of the UK had varying union densities. The highest density was in N. Ireland with 39.9%, Wales had 35.4%, Scotland had 31.8% and England had the lowest union density with 26.1%. London had the largest decrease in density with 2.2%, Yorkshire and Humberside came next down 0.9% and the East Midlands with 0.4%.
Taking all sectors into account 46.6% of employees worked in a workplace with a trade union presence in 2009. About a third of emplyees said their pay and conditions were affected by collective agreements. Collective agreements covered about 20% of private sector employees and 68.1% of public sector employees in 2009, a fall of 2.4% on 2008.
The number of female union members increased 0.2% to 29.5% but the number of males fell by 0.4% to 25.2%. Female union density was higher than males for the eighth year in a row. Both public and private sector membership fell by about 0.5%. The private sector fell to 15.1% and the public sector to 56.6% in 2009.
The nations of the UK had varying union densities. The highest density was in N. Ireland with 39.9%, Wales had 35.4%, Scotland had 31.8% and England had the lowest union density with 26.1%. London had the largest decrease in density with 2.2%, Yorkshire and Humberside came next down 0.9% and the East Midlands with 0.4%.
Taking all sectors into account 46.6% of employees worked in a workplace with a trade union presence in 2009. About a third of emplyees said their pay and conditions were affected by collective agreements. Collective agreements covered about 20% of private sector employees and 68.1% of public sector employees in 2009, a fall of 2.4% on 2008.
Sales Continue To Grow On The High Street
Growth in High Street sales has continued into the third consecutive month and it is expected to continue according to the latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey for April.
The moving average of sales volumes remained positive and growth is expected again in May. Although there wasn't much change in the volume of orders placed on suppliers it is also expected to grow in May. Stock levels are more than adequate to cover demand.
Wholesalers saw sales volumes grow rapidly and expect the same in May. Industrial materials wholesalers also had strong sales growth except for agricultural machinery and electrical installation materials who reported a difficult April. Durables wholesalers sales stabilised after a difficult March. Motor trades sales fell for the fourth consecutive month and they expect another fall next month. Parts and accessories sales grew for the third month in a row.
The moving average of sales volumes remained positive and growth is expected again in May. Although there wasn't much change in the volume of orders placed on suppliers it is also expected to grow in May. Stock levels are more than adequate to cover demand.
Wholesalers saw sales volumes grow rapidly and expect the same in May. Industrial materials wholesalers also had strong sales growth except for agricultural machinery and electrical installation materials who reported a difficult April. Durables wholesalers sales stabilised after a difficult March. Motor trades sales fell for the fourth consecutive month and they expect another fall next month. Parts and accessories sales grew for the third month in a row.
Thursday, 29 April 2010
Last Rajars Results 2009
The Rajars survey for the last quarter of 2009 shows that the BBC was the popular radio service provider in the UK taking 55.2% of the total listening share (TSA%). Commercial radio took 42.6% and other listening got 2.2%. BBC Network Radio took 46.7% and BBC local/regional radio 8.5%. The most popular of the BBC's stations was again Radio 2 with 16.5%, Radio 4 came next with 12.5%. Commercial radio's share was divided between national commercial radio with 10.4% and local commercial radio with 32.2%. The survey is of all individuals aged over 15 for the period ending December 2009.
Monday, 26 April 2010
Marketers More Optimistic
The latest Bellwether Report from the IPA says that marketing budgets have been revised upwards for the first time in two and a half years. Firms are confident about the future and expect the recovery to continue. The main media budgets are up for the first time since Q3 2007 and Internet budgets were adjusted for the third quarter in a row but the biggest since since Q1 2008. Sales promotion and direct marketing budgets were unchanged. Below the line marketing budgets such as PR and events was the only sector to revise spend downwards.
Government Deficit Up Nearly £3bn
Public sector finance statistics show that the current deficit was £2.8bn higher than March 2009 at £14.8bn. Public sector net borrowing (PSNB) was £3.4bn higher at £23.5bn. Central goverment borrowed £21.6bn, local government £2.1bn and public corporations -£0.3bn. Public sector net investment was £8.7bn, up £0.6bn on March 2009. The public sector net cash requirement was £2.6bn lower at £25.8bn. Public sector net debt (PSND) was £890bn or 62% of GDP from £742bn, 52.9% at the end of March 2009.
The financial interventions introduced by the government are still making a difference to the economy. PSNB excluding interventions was £35.5bn in Q4 2009 from £26.4bn in Q4 2008-9. PSND excluding financial interventions in March 2010 was £771.6bn or 53% GDP from £617bn or 44% GDP last year.
The financial interventions introduced by the government are still making a difference to the economy. PSNB excluding interventions was £35.5bn in Q4 2009 from £26.4bn in Q4 2008-9. PSND excluding financial interventions in March 2010 was £771.6bn or 53% GDP from £617bn or 44% GDP last year.
Improvements In Retail Performance
The seasonally adjusted value of retail sales in March 2010 increased by 4.4% on March last year and the volume increased by 2.2%. The quarterly figures to March 2010 on last year show an increase in value of 3.7% and an increase in volume of 1.4%. The most recent month on month figures show an increase of 0.9% in value and 0.4% in volume. The most significant factor was non-store retailing. Prices were estimated to be 2.5% higher than last year. The experimental Internet sales indicator showed that the weekly vaue of Internet sales was £372 million or 6.9% of total retail sales.
In terms of value, non-specialised stores also reported the biggest quarter on a year earlier increase since May 1996. Household goods stores had their biggest month an a year earlier increase since July 2007.
In terms of value, non-specialised stores also reported the biggest quarter on a year earlier increase since May 1996. Household goods stores had their biggest month an a year earlier increase since July 2007.
Business Services Help GDP Estimates
GDP increased 0.2% in the first quarter of 2010. The increase was mainly due to business services and finance and manufacturing. The service industries increased by 0.2% and the production industries by 0.7%. A year-on-year comparison shows GDP decreased by 0.3% in Q1.
Positive Indicators In Services
The index of services from the ONS reported a positive index number for the first time since October 2008. The total service industries indicator increased by 0.1% year-on-year in February 2010 after a fall of 1.2% in January. The monthly indicator also increased by 0.6% on January 2010.
Three of the five components that make up the index reported positive indicators. Distribution increased 3.7% mainly due to the increase retail of 5.4%, transport, storage and communication 0.6% partly due to transport services, and Government and other services 0.1% due to health and social work increasing 2.4% but being partly offset by a fall in recreation of 5.5%. The other two components, hotels and restaurants and business services and finance, both recorded decreases of 0.9% and 1% respectively. The main factor in the decrease in the indicator for hotels and restaurants was pubs and clubs. The business services and finance sector decrease was mainly down to banks with a decrease of 6.8%.
Three of the five components that make up the index reported positive indicators. Distribution increased 3.7% mainly due to the increase retail of 5.4%, transport, storage and communication 0.6% partly due to transport services, and Government and other services 0.1% due to health and social work increasing 2.4% but being partly offset by a fall in recreation of 5.5%. The other two components, hotels and restaurants and business services and finance, both recorded decreases of 0.9% and 1% respectively. The main factor in the decrease in the indicator for hotels and restaurants was pubs and clubs. The business services and finance sector decrease was mainly down to banks with a decrease of 6.8%.
More Green Belt Statistics UK
The latest Green belt statistics from the DCLG tell us that on 31 March 2010 there was an estimated 1,639,560 hectares of designated Green Belt land in England. This amounts to about 13% of the total land area of England. The designated Green Belt area of England in March 2009 has been revised and the estimation is now 1,639,650 hectares which amounts to an increase of 810 hectares on the estimate published by DCLG in April 2009. The difference is due to the correcting, improving of measurements of local authorities using digitised data from geographical information systems as opposed to paper maps and Positional Accuracy improvements by the Ordnance Survey. The Comprehensive Spending Review resulted in Departmental Strategic Objectives on Planning which relate to net change in the national area of Green Belt land. The indicator used for this is sustaining the level of Green Belt nationally measured regionally. There has been a net real decreas decrease of 80 hectares between April 2009 and March 2010. The difference is due to new plans being adopted in South Cambridgeshire (70 hectares) and the Mole Valley (10 hectares).
Green Belt policy comprises five purposes for including land in designated Green Belt areas. They are to check urban sprawl, to prevent the merging of neighbouring towns, the safeguard the countryside from encroachment, the preservation of the setting and character of historic towns and to help urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land. Green Belt land once identified can then provide the urban population with opportunities of access to the open countryside and outdoor sport and leisure, the retention and enhancement of landscapes near inhabited areas, improvement of damaged and derelict land, nature conservation and the retaining of land in agricultural, forestry and other related uses.
Green Belt policy comprises five purposes for including land in designated Green Belt areas. They are to check urban sprawl, to prevent the merging of neighbouring towns, the safeguard the countryside from encroachment, the preservation of the setting and character of historic towns and to help urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land. Green Belt land once identified can then provide the urban population with opportunities of access to the open countryside and outdoor sport and leisure, the retention and enhancement of landscapes near inhabited areas, improvement of damaged and derelict land, nature conservation and the retaining of land in agricultural, forestry and other related uses.
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Electronic Trading Up 3% In March
The London Stock Exchange saw 17.6 million electronic equity trades carried out in March 2010 an increase of 3% on March 2009. The average daily number of trades was 28% lower than March 2009 at 766,229. The average daily traded was £7 billion, 2% lower than last year.
The LSE celebrated 10 years of ETF trading on the 13 April 2010. The first Exchange Traded Fund was admitted to its markets in 2000 and there are now over 240 ETF products available for trading on the LSE from 9 issuers. ETFs have seen constant year on year growth with an average growth rate of 64% in the value of ETFs traded and an average 100% growth rate in the number of trades.
The LSE celebrated 10 years of ETF trading on the 13 April 2010. The first Exchange Traded Fund was admitted to its markets in 2000 and there are now over 240 ETF products available for trading on the LSE from 9 issuers. ETFs have seen constant year on year growth with an average growth rate of 64% in the value of ETFs traded and an average 100% growth rate in the number of trades.
UK Order Books Looking Better
The manufacturing sector looks to be improving but profits are threatened by rising costs according to the latest Industrial Trends survey from the CBI. The first three months to April show that orders are rising for British made goods overseas but as order books are still recovering from 30 year lows, total order books are still below normal.
The growth in orders is expected to continue over the next few months and production is expected to increase along with it. It is reflected in business confidence which continues to improve. Average unit costs are rising and though domestic prices were stable prices may increase in the next three months. Most firms say they working below capacity.
Firms have continued to de-stock but levels of finished goods have fallen in the quarter and are expected to stabilise in the next as is work in progress as the decline in raw materials slows down. Credit and finance are expected to continue to limit output over the next three months and even constrain exports. A majority of firms have plans to invest in training and retraining and in innovation.
The growth in orders is expected to continue over the next few months and production is expected to increase along with it. It is reflected in business confidence which continues to improve. Average unit costs are rising and though domestic prices were stable prices may increase in the next three months. Most firms say they working below capacity.
Firms have continued to de-stock but levels of finished goods have fallen in the quarter and are expected to stabilise in the next as is work in progress as the decline in raw materials slows down. Credit and finance are expected to continue to limit output over the next three months and even constrain exports. A majority of firms have plans to invest in training and retraining and in innovation.
Producer Prices Index Of Agricultural Products
The producer prices index of agricultural products for cereals was 114.9 in February 2010 down from 116.1 in January. The annual series index of cereals in 2009 was 150.1 down from 207.1 in 2008 an unusually high index in the series since 2003. Industrial crops for February increased from 123.8 to 124.6 and vegetables decreased from 127.3 to 121.6. Animals and animal products decreased from 143.2 to 140.9. The all products total index decreased slightly from 137.4 to 136.6 in February. The total of all products index for 2009 decreased from 143.3 to 135.5.
The purchase prices index of agricultural inputs includes seeds, crop protection products and fertilizers as well as feedingstuffs and energy. Seeds were unchanged at 104.5 in February, sprays were also unchanged at 99.9 but the fertilizer index increased from 209.8 in January to 214.7 in February 2010. The index of feedingstuffs increased from 154.3 to 156.2 over the month between January and February. The energy and lubricants index decreased from 152.8 to 149.1. The maintenance and repair of plant index was 125.3 from 125.4, of buildings 125.8 from 123.8, veterinary services went from 105.2 from 105.0. Cultivation and harvesting machinery, tractors and other machinery and equipment increased from 125.0 to 125.1. Buildings increased from 122.1 to 123.6. The index of all means for agricultural production for February 2010 went up to 122.2 from 121.7 in January and for 2009 the index was down to 133.1 from the sharp increase to 139.6 in 2008 from 113.8 in 2007.
The purchase prices index of agricultural inputs includes seeds, crop protection products and fertilizers as well as feedingstuffs and energy. Seeds were unchanged at 104.5 in February, sprays were also unchanged at 99.9 but the fertilizer index increased from 209.8 in January to 214.7 in February 2010. The index of feedingstuffs increased from 154.3 to 156.2 over the month between January and February. The energy and lubricants index decreased from 152.8 to 149.1. The maintenance and repair of plant index was 125.3 from 125.4, of buildings 125.8 from 123.8, veterinary services went from 105.2 from 105.0. Cultivation and harvesting machinery, tractors and other machinery and equipment increased from 125.0 to 125.1. Buildings increased from 122.1 to 123.6. The index of all means for agricultural production for February 2010 went up to 122.2 from 121.7 in January and for 2009 the index was down to 133.1 from the sharp increase to 139.6 in 2008 from 113.8 in 2007.
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Unemployment Rate At 8%
The ONS Labour Market Survey says that for December 2009 to February 2010 there were 2.5 million people unemployed and the unemployment rate was 8%. The employment rate was given as 72.1% or 28.82 million employed people. There were also 8.16 million economically inactive people equalling 21.5%. Pay including bonuses rose by 2.3% and pay excluding bonuses rose by 1.7%. Yorkshire and Humberside had the highest unemployment rate at 9.5%, the North East and the West Midlands both had 9.5%. The South East, South West and N. Ireland had the lowest with 6.4%. The figures compare with the 64.8% employment rate for July-September 2009 and the 9.6% unemployment rate for February 2010 that are the averages in the EU.
The 72.1% employment rate is the lowest it has been since October 1996. as the number of people in employment fell by 89,000 (F/T 59,000 and P/T 30,000). It was 74.9% for men and 69% for women. The number of unemployed increased by 43,000. The number unemployed for over 6 months fell by 46,000 to 1.22 million. The number of people unemployed for over 12 months increased by 89,000 to reach 726,000 the highest since July 1997. The 2.5 million unemployed people included 1.53 million unemployed men, up 23,000, and 970,000 unemployed women, up 20,000 since three months ending in November. The number of employed people was made up of 13.47 million men and 7.69 million women. Part-time workers totalled 7.67 million of which 1.88 million were men and 5.79 million people were women. The public sector employed 6.1 million people and the private sector 22.76 million people in December 2009.
There were 1.54 million people claiming Job Seeker's Allowance between February and March 2010. The count has fallen 4 out of the last 5 months. The inactivity rate is the highest it has been since October 2004. The number of inactive people was 110,000 which includes 71,000 students. Vacancies increased by 9,000 to 475,000. There were 30.75 million workforce jobs in December 2009. There were 30.75 million workforce jobs, down 119,000 over the quarter to December 2009. The largest decrease was in distribution, hotels and restaurants with 62,000 job losses. Most of the workforce jobs were in London and the South East, the least jobs in England were in the North East, in Wales and N.Ireland.
The annual growth rate for total earnings was 2.3% driven mainly by the financial sector's higher bonuses and a change in timing of payment of bonuses from January last year to February this year. Annual regular pay (excluding bonuses) was 1.7% in February up from 1.5% in the three months to January 2010. Average total pay was £443/week and average regular pay £428/week. In the private sector average total pay was £451/week and average regular pay £418/week. In the public sector average total pay was £462/week and average regular pay was £459/week. There were a total of 912.8 million hours worked in the quarter to February 2010. Average weekly hours were 31.7 hours.
Redundancies went down by 20,000 to 6.5/1000 employees. Labour disputes lost 3,000 working days in February 2010 and in the 12 months to February 440,000 working days were lost from 100 stoppages.
The 18-24 year old bracket increased by 14.1% over the year overall and by 39.9% for 6-12 months and 56.9% for over 12 months while up to 6 months fell by 4.8% over the year. Agriculture, forestry and fishing jobs decreased by 3.8% on the quarter and 3% on the year to February.
The 72.1% employment rate is the lowest it has been since October 1996. as the number of people in employment fell by 89,000 (F/T 59,000 and P/T 30,000). It was 74.9% for men and 69% for women. The number of unemployed increased by 43,000. The number unemployed for over 6 months fell by 46,000 to 1.22 million. The number of people unemployed for over 12 months increased by 89,000 to reach 726,000 the highest since July 1997. The 2.5 million unemployed people included 1.53 million unemployed men, up 23,000, and 970,000 unemployed women, up 20,000 since three months ending in November. The number of employed people was made up of 13.47 million men and 7.69 million women. Part-time workers totalled 7.67 million of which 1.88 million were men and 5.79 million people were women. The public sector employed 6.1 million people and the private sector 22.76 million people in December 2009.
There were 1.54 million people claiming Job Seeker's Allowance between February and March 2010. The count has fallen 4 out of the last 5 months. The inactivity rate is the highest it has been since October 2004. The number of inactive people was 110,000 which includes 71,000 students. Vacancies increased by 9,000 to 475,000. There were 30.75 million workforce jobs in December 2009. There were 30.75 million workforce jobs, down 119,000 over the quarter to December 2009. The largest decrease was in distribution, hotels and restaurants with 62,000 job losses. Most of the workforce jobs were in London and the South East, the least jobs in England were in the North East, in Wales and N.Ireland.
The annual growth rate for total earnings was 2.3% driven mainly by the financial sector's higher bonuses and a change in timing of payment of bonuses from January last year to February this year. Annual regular pay (excluding bonuses) was 1.7% in February up from 1.5% in the three months to January 2010. Average total pay was £443/week and average regular pay £428/week. In the private sector average total pay was £451/week and average regular pay £418/week. In the public sector average total pay was £462/week and average regular pay was £459/week. There were a total of 912.8 million hours worked in the quarter to February 2010. Average weekly hours were 31.7 hours.
Redundancies went down by 20,000 to 6.5/1000 employees. Labour disputes lost 3,000 working days in February 2010 and in the 12 months to February 440,000 working days were lost from 100 stoppages.
The 18-24 year old bracket increased by 14.1% over the year overall and by 39.9% for 6-12 months and 56.9% for over 12 months while up to 6 months fell by 4.8% over the year. Agriculture, forestry and fishing jobs decreased by 3.8% on the quarter and 3% on the year to February.
TB In Cattle In January
Defra released provisional data estimating incidence of TB in cattle for January 2010. The early results suggest that incidents for January 2010 are below those for January 2009 though care should be taken with the results until more tests are carried out because for example a high rate of unclassified incidents were included.
The provisional figures show that there was a 21% decrease of new TB incidents compared with last year. There was also a decrease in the number of herds tested over the same period giving an overall decrease of 15%. The provisional confirmed average indidence rate was 4% for January 2010 compared with 4.3% for January 2009. The confirmed average indidence rate is confirmed new TB incidents as a proportion of tests on unrestricted herds.
The number of tests on unrestricted herds was 6,069. There were 3,685 restricted herds and the total number of tests on herds was 7,410. There were 420 new herd incidents and 226-256 confirmed new incidents. The number of cattle tested in the 420 tests was 706,558 cattle. As a result of the tests 2,752 cattle were compulsorily slaughtered, 2,730 of which were reactors to the tuberculin test and 22 considered to have been in direct contact with TB infected cattle.
The provisional figures show that there was a 21% decrease of new TB incidents compared with last year. There was also a decrease in the number of herds tested over the same period giving an overall decrease of 15%. The provisional confirmed average indidence rate was 4% for January 2010 compared with 4.3% for January 2009. The confirmed average indidence rate is confirmed new TB incidents as a proportion of tests on unrestricted herds.
The number of tests on unrestricted herds was 6,069. There were 3,685 restricted herds and the total number of tests on herds was 7,410. There were 420 new herd incidents and 226-256 confirmed new incidents. The number of cattle tested in the 420 tests was 706,558 cattle. As a result of the tests 2,752 cattle were compulsorily slaughtered, 2,730 of which were reactors to the tuberculin test and 22 considered to have been in direct contact with TB infected cattle.
An Increase of 3.4% In The CPI
The CPI for March 2010 went up by 3.4% from 3% in February and the RPI by 4.4% from 3.7%. The CPI indicator in March was 113.5 from 112.9. The RPIX went up from 4.2% in February to 4.8% in March.
Housing and household services made the most difference to the annual CPI with an increase this year after a fall last year. The main difference was made by domestic gas because average bills were unchanged this year between February and March but fell last year. Transport also made a large contribution from fuels and lubricants, increasing by 2.7% between February and March, and air fares on European and long-haul flights. Falling prices for second-hand cars partially offset these upward effects. Other large upward contributions came from food and clothing. The only large downward contribution came from furniture and furnishings.
Housing and household services made the most difference to the annual CPI with an increase this year after a fall last year. The main difference was made by domestic gas because average bills were unchanged this year between February and March but fell last year. Transport also made a large contribution from fuels and lubricants, increasing by 2.7% between February and March, and air fares on European and long-haul flights. Falling prices for second-hand cars partially offset these upward effects. Other large upward contributions came from food and clothing. The only large downward contribution came from furniture and furnishings.
Friday, 16 April 2010
Wild Birds In Britain's Countryside
A recent statistical release from Defra provides the latest figures on the bird populations on farmland and woodland and all-native wild birds in the English Government Office Regions between 1994-2008.
The statistics say that between 1994-2008 farmland birds declined by 10% or more in five of the Government's Regions namely the South-West, South East, the East of England, the East Midlands and the West Midlands. The South East reported the largest decline of 23% below the 1994 baseline. The overall farmland birds indicator fell by 11% in that period. At the national level, there were declines of over 25% in Corn Bunting, Linnet, Grey Partridge, Yellow Wagtail, Starling and Turtle Dove and increases of over 25% in Jackdaw, Goldfinch, Tree Sparrow, Woodpigeon and Whitethroat.
The woodland bird indicator increased by more than 10% between 1994 and 2008 in four regions - the North West, the North East, Yorkshire and Humberside and the East Midlands. The indicator fell in two regions, the South East and the South West. The largest regional increase was in the North West at 43%. Yorkshire and Humberside came next with a 31% increase. The overall woodland bird indicator for England fell 6% over the same period. Nationally, there were declines of over 50% in Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Chiffchaff and Green Woodpecker and increases of over 50% in Spotted Flycatcher, Wood Warbler and Willow Tit.
The all-native bird indicator for England increased by 3%. The all-native bird population indicator increased by 10% in three regions, Yorkshire and Humberside, the North East and the North West. The biggest increase was in the North West with 26%.
The data for the Defra statistical reports were based on annual data from the British Trust for Ornithology's Breeding Bird Survey (BBS).
The statistics say that between 1994-2008 farmland birds declined by 10% or more in five of the Government's Regions namely the South-West, South East, the East of England, the East Midlands and the West Midlands. The South East reported the largest decline of 23% below the 1994 baseline. The overall farmland birds indicator fell by 11% in that period. At the national level, there were declines of over 25% in Corn Bunting, Linnet, Grey Partridge, Yellow Wagtail, Starling and Turtle Dove and increases of over 25% in Jackdaw, Goldfinch, Tree Sparrow, Woodpigeon and Whitethroat.
The woodland bird indicator increased by more than 10% between 1994 and 2008 in four regions - the North West, the North East, Yorkshire and Humberside and the East Midlands. The indicator fell in two regions, the South East and the South West. The largest regional increase was in the North West at 43%. Yorkshire and Humberside came next with a 31% increase. The overall woodland bird indicator for England fell 6% over the same period. Nationally, there were declines of over 50% in Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Chiffchaff and Green Woodpecker and increases of over 50% in Spotted Flycatcher, Wood Warbler and Willow Tit.
The all-native bird indicator for England increased by 3%. The all-native bird population indicator increased by 10% in three regions, Yorkshire and Humberside, the North East and the North West. The biggest increase was in the North West with 26%.
The data for the Defra statistical reports were based on annual data from the British Trust for Ornithology's Breeding Bird Survey (BBS).
House Prices Up 7.4%
UK house prices up 7.4% on February 2009 compared to 6.2% last year and 0.1% lower than January. The index (HPI) stood at 171.4. The mix-adjusted average house price in UK was £204,359 in February 2010 compared to £207,825 last year. UK house prices up 2.9% in the quarter ending February and 3.4% higher than last quarter. First time buyers annual average price in February 2010 was 9.3% higher than last year. Former owner occupiers annual average price was 6.6% higher than last year. Average annual house price for new houses was 3.9% higher. Average house price for pre-owned houses was 8.2% higher.
There was an increase in house prices in all countries of the UK except N.Ireland in the year to February. In England the increase was 7.9%, in Scotland 4.2% and in Wales 4.7%. In N.Ireland house prices fell by an average of 8.3% on February last year.
In the regions the mix-adjusted average fell in all regions except the North-East. The annual house price changes in England were lowest in the North-East at 3.5%, 3.9% in the West Midlans, 5.1% in Yorks and Humber and the East Midlands, 5.3% in the North-West, in the South-West it was 7.5%, 8.5% in the East, 10% in the South-East and highest in London at 10.6%. House prices in London averaged £321,289 and the North-East averaged £137,523. The average mix-adjusted house price for England was £211,299, Scotland £167,865, N.Ireland £167,832 and Wales £159,865. The South-West, East, South-East and London were above the UK national average of £204,359.
The average price paid by first time buyers was £149,490 and by former owner occupiers £238,185. Tne average price paid for pre-owned properties was £206,142 and new properties £181,783.
There was an increase in house prices in all countries of the UK except N.Ireland in the year to February. In England the increase was 7.9%, in Scotland 4.2% and in Wales 4.7%. In N.Ireland house prices fell by an average of 8.3% on February last year.
In the regions the mix-adjusted average fell in all regions except the North-East. The annual house price changes in England were lowest in the North-East at 3.5%, 3.9% in the West Midlans, 5.1% in Yorks and Humber and the East Midlands, 5.3% in the North-West, in the South-West it was 7.5%, 8.5% in the East, 10% in the South-East and highest in London at 10.6%. House prices in London averaged £321,289 and the North-East averaged £137,523. The average mix-adjusted house price for England was £211,299, Scotland £167,865, N.Ireland £167,832 and Wales £159,865. The South-West, East, South-East and London were above the UK national average of £204,359.
The average price paid by first time buyers was £149,490 and by former owner occupiers £238,185. Tne average price paid for pre-owned properties was £206,142 and new properties £181,783.
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Easter Has A Good Effect On Sales
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) Retail Sales Monitor (RSM) for March says that UK retail sales increased by 4.4% on March 2009 on a like-for-like basis. Last year they had fallen 1.2%. Easter had an effect on sales. The holiday fell during the trading period this year but last year increased sales. On a total basis the increase was 6.6%. The thre month figures show an increase on 2.1% on a like-for-like basis and 4.2% on a total basis.
Food sales increased this at least partly due to the fact that Easter buying fell in the trading period. Consumer caution seemed to have had an effect on non-food sales with only essentials and replacement in favour over discretionary items. Internet, mail order and phone sales were 15.9% higher than last year. In many cases, sales were a result of discounts.
Food sales increased this at least partly due to the fact that Easter buying fell in the trading period. Consumer caution seemed to have had an effect on non-food sales with only essentials and replacement in favour over discretionary items. Internet, mail order and phone sales were 15.9% higher than last year. In many cases, sales were a result of discounts.
Services Surplus Narrower In February
The seasonally adjusted trade deficit narrowed significantly during February 2010. The deficit on trade in goods and services fell from £3.9bn in January to £2.1bn in February. Trade in goods was £6.2bn in February compared with £8.1bn in January but the surplus on trade in services was £4.1bn in February from £4.2bn in January.
Exports increased by 6.3% but imports fell 1.4%. The prices of exports went up 0.5% and imports went up 0.3% compared with January. Total exports in goods increased 9.5% or £1.8bn to £21.3bn. Total imports of goods fell to £27.5bn. The single biggest contributor to the change in exports was chemicals with an increase of £629m. Oil was the second biggest with exports increasing by £370m and imports increasing by £205m.
An analysis of trade with EU countries shows that the deficit on trade in goods with EU countries narrowed by £0.6bn to £2.8bn in February 2010 compared with a deficit of £3.4bn in January. EU exports increased to £11.5bn and imports to £14.4bn.
The biggest export commodity traded with the EU was oil which increased in value by £751m over the quarter to February. There were large increases in value in imports of cars (£274m), fuels other than oil (£438m), capital goods (£108m) and intermediate goods (£176m). Imports of chemicals fell £279m over the quarter.
More geographical analysis shows that within the G7 group of countries export trade with the US increased by £0.5bn and with Germany by £0.2bn between January and February 2010. Import trade increased with Norway by £0.3bn but decreased with South Africa by £0.2bn.
The change in the volume of exports excluding oil and erratics increased by 6.3% but the volume of imports fell by 1.4% between January and February 2010. At the commodity level the biggest changes were in basic materials where exports increased by 42.7% and chemicals which increased by 15.2%. Over the quarter the biggest changes were in the export of cars which increased by 10.9% and the import of semi-manufactured goods (other than chemicals) which increased by 10%.
Export prices rose by 0.5% in February and import prices by 0.3%. The terms of trade therefore increased. If the oil price effect is left out export prices rose by 0.7% and import prices by 0.5%. Over the quarter export prices rose by 1.6% and import prices by 1.2%. Again that means an increase in the terms of trade.
The surplus on trade in services narrowed to £4.1bn compared with £4.2bn in January. Exports fell by 1.4% to £13.1bn and imports by 7.7% to £8.9bn.
Exports increased by 6.3% but imports fell 1.4%. The prices of exports went up 0.5% and imports went up 0.3% compared with January. Total exports in goods increased 9.5% or £1.8bn to £21.3bn. Total imports of goods fell to £27.5bn. The single biggest contributor to the change in exports was chemicals with an increase of £629m. Oil was the second biggest with exports increasing by £370m and imports increasing by £205m.
An analysis of trade with EU countries shows that the deficit on trade in goods with EU countries narrowed by £0.6bn to £2.8bn in February 2010 compared with a deficit of £3.4bn in January. EU exports increased to £11.5bn and imports to £14.4bn.
The biggest export commodity traded with the EU was oil which increased in value by £751m over the quarter to February. There were large increases in value in imports of cars (£274m), fuels other than oil (£438m), capital goods (£108m) and intermediate goods (£176m). Imports of chemicals fell £279m over the quarter.
More geographical analysis shows that within the G7 group of countries export trade with the US increased by £0.5bn and with Germany by £0.2bn between January and February 2010. Import trade increased with Norway by £0.3bn but decreased with South Africa by £0.2bn.
The change in the volume of exports excluding oil and erratics increased by 6.3% but the volume of imports fell by 1.4% between January and February 2010. At the commodity level the biggest changes were in basic materials where exports increased by 42.7% and chemicals which increased by 15.2%. Over the quarter the biggest changes were in the export of cars which increased by 10.9% and the import of semi-manufactured goods (other than chemicals) which increased by 10%.
Export prices rose by 0.5% in February and import prices by 0.3%. The terms of trade therefore increased. If the oil price effect is left out export prices rose by 0.7% and import prices by 0.5%. Over the quarter export prices rose by 1.6% and import prices by 1.2%. Again that means an increase in the terms of trade.
The surplus on trade in services narrowed to £4.1bn compared with £4.2bn in January. Exports fell by 1.4% to £13.1bn and imports by 7.7% to £8.9bn.
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
Further Economic Expansion Likely In OECD
The signs from the composite leading indicators of the OECD for February 2010 are still in favour of further economic expansion in the growth cycles of member states. The pace across different countries and regions is however expected to vary. The US and Japan look the most likely to continue to increase their economic activity in coming months with an increase of 0.9 points each. Signs of slower growth were recorded in China 0.0, and France 0.1, and Italy 0.2. The OECD area increased by 0.7 in February 2010. The UK recorded an increase of 0.4 points. The Euro area recorded 0.5 and the G7 0.7 points. India 0.4, Brazil 0.3 and Russia 0.5 recorded fairly moderate increases.
Fibre-Optic The Future Of OECD Broadband
The OECD has updated its broadband statistics of member states to June 2009. The number of broadband subscribers in the OECD in June 2009 was 271 million, up 10% from June 2008, and half of OECD countries have reached 25 subscriptions in a 100 people. Future growth in fast broadband is expected to come from fibre-optic networks.
In June 2009 the United States had the most broadband subscribers by millions in the world with over 81m, Japan came second with nearly 31m and Germany with 24m. These were followed by France and the UK with 18.7 and 17.7m respectively and then Korea with nearly 16m and Italy with nearly 12m.
Korea had the largest proportion of households with 94.3% having broadband access. Iceland had 83.2% and Denmark 74.1%. The United States proprtion of households with broadband access was 50.8% (2007), the UK had 61.5%, Japan 58.5%, Germany 54.9% and Italy 30.8%.
The price range of broadband monthly subscriptions was very wide in some countries and very narrow in others. In Turkey the price range was very wide. The range was from very low at $8.45 a month to quite high at $125.95 a month in US dollars PPP terms. The Slovak Republic's range was widest from a moderately low $15.6 a month to a very high $263.23 a month. Korea had a very narrow range of prices in the middle to low range from $33.97 to $43.03. The US range in price was from $14.99 a month to $139.95 a month. UK prices ranged from $17.81 to $55.76, Japan prices range from $19.50 to $67.09 a month, Germany $23.02 to $75.15 and Italy from $11.39 to $45.43.
The average prices for low speed connections were lowest in Italy at $11.39 PPP and highest in Mexico at $57.79. The US average was $24.40, the UK $22.07, Japan $22.38 and Germany $36.96. The average monthly broadband subscription price was highest in the Slovak Republic at $78.86 PPP quite a long way ahead of Mexico in second at $59.52 and the lowest in Sweden at $29.22 ahead of Greece at £30.06.
PPP stands for Purchasing Power Parity which is a measure that gives currencies some equivalence for a meaningful comparison in terms of a parity of their purchasing power.
In June 2009 the United States had the most broadband subscribers by millions in the world with over 81m, Japan came second with nearly 31m and Germany with 24m. These were followed by France and the UK with 18.7 and 17.7m respectively and then Korea with nearly 16m and Italy with nearly 12m.
Korea had the largest proportion of households with 94.3% having broadband access. Iceland had 83.2% and Denmark 74.1%. The United States proprtion of households with broadband access was 50.8% (2007), the UK had 61.5%, Japan 58.5%, Germany 54.9% and Italy 30.8%.
The price range of broadband monthly subscriptions was very wide in some countries and very narrow in others. In Turkey the price range was very wide. The range was from very low at $8.45 a month to quite high at $125.95 a month in US dollars PPP terms. The Slovak Republic's range was widest from a moderately low $15.6 a month to a very high $263.23 a month. Korea had a very narrow range of prices in the middle to low range from $33.97 to $43.03. The US range in price was from $14.99 a month to $139.95 a month. UK prices ranged from $17.81 to $55.76, Japan prices range from $19.50 to $67.09 a month, Germany $23.02 to $75.15 and Italy from $11.39 to $45.43.
The average prices for low speed connections were lowest in Italy at $11.39 PPP and highest in Mexico at $57.79. The US average was $24.40, the UK $22.07, Japan $22.38 and Germany $36.96. The average monthly broadband subscription price was highest in the Slovak Republic at $78.86 PPP quite a long way ahead of Mexico in second at $59.52 and the lowest in Sweden at $29.22 ahead of Greece at £30.06.
PPP stands for Purchasing Power Parity which is a measure that gives currencies some equivalence for a meaningful comparison in terms of a parity of their purchasing power.
Monday, 12 April 2010
5% Increase In Factory Gate Prices
Output prices for home sales of manufactured products increased by 5% in year to March, from 4.2% last month and 0.9% between February and March. The increase mainly reflects the 24.8% increase in output price for petroleum products over the year. It is the highest increase since September 2008. Electrical and optical increased by 6.3% and chemicals by 4.5%. Excise duties did not contribute that much to the increase. The output price index excluding volatile priced products like food, beverages, tobacco and petroleum increased by 3.6% in the year and 0.7% in the month to March. The output price of petroleum products increased 3.9% over the month. The index for paper products is the lowest it has been since January 2006.
Input prices for materials and fuel for the manufacturing industries increased by 10.1% in the year and 3.6% in the month to March. The increases mainly reflect the 60% increase in price for crude oil and 14.4% increase in price for imported metals over the year. Imported materials as a whole increased 4.4% between February and March. If the more volatile categories are excluded the index increased 4% over the year and 1.1% in the month between February and March. The price of crude oil increased 9.7% in the month between February and March and imported metals 5.3%. It is the largest monthly rise since records began in February 1991.
The producer price index is important because because it provides a key inflation measure as important as the CPI or the RPI and works on a similar 'basket of goods' principle. The current data is from the statistical release from the Office for National Statistics for March 2010.
Input prices for materials and fuel for the manufacturing industries increased by 10.1% in the year and 3.6% in the month to March. The increases mainly reflect the 60% increase in price for crude oil and 14.4% increase in price for imported metals over the year. Imported materials as a whole increased 4.4% between February and March. If the more volatile categories are excluded the index increased 4% over the year and 1.1% in the month between February and March. The price of crude oil increased 9.7% in the month between February and March and imported metals 5.3%. It is the largest monthly rise since records began in February 1991.
The producer price index is important because because it provides a key inflation measure as important as the CPI or the RPI and works on a similar 'basket of goods' principle. The current data is from the statistical release from the Office for National Statistics for March 2010.
Production Down In February
The index of production fell by 0.1% in February 2010. The index of manufacturing increased by 1.4%, the mining and quarrying index fell by 7.6% and the energy supply industries index 2.6% according to the latest statistics from the ONS.
The production index increased in 8 of the 13 manufacturing sub-sectors and fell in 5 sub-sectors. The transport equipment sub-sector increased the most with an increase of 16.9% over the year within which the manufacture of motor vehicles increased 51.6% and the manufacture of aircraft and spacecraft went up 12%. Food, drink and tobacco increased by 2.8% within which meat and meat products increased by 16.3% and the processing and preservation of fish, fruit and vegetables by 16.5%. The largest contributor to the year on year increase in the manufacturing index of 1.4% was transport equipment with 1.8%. The food, drink and tobacco industries increased by 0.4%.
The mining and quarrying index fell by 7.6% in February 2010 compared with February 2009. Oil and gas extraction decreased by 8.9% and coal by 16.9%. Over the year there was an 8.1% decrease in oil and gas extraction that contributed to the 7.6% year on year decrease.
Electricity supply output decreased by 7.5% contributing to the overall 2.6% fall in output in electricity, gas and water supply. Consumer durables and capital goods reported increases of 0.6% and 6.2% respectively in February.
The production index increased in 8 of the 13 manufacturing sub-sectors and fell in 5 sub-sectors. The transport equipment sub-sector increased the most with an increase of 16.9% over the year within which the manufacture of motor vehicles increased 51.6% and the manufacture of aircraft and spacecraft went up 12%. Food, drink and tobacco increased by 2.8% within which meat and meat products increased by 16.3% and the processing and preservation of fish, fruit and vegetables by 16.5%. The largest contributor to the year on year increase in the manufacturing index of 1.4% was transport equipment with 1.8%. The food, drink and tobacco industries increased by 0.4%.
The mining and quarrying index fell by 7.6% in February 2010 compared with February 2009. Oil and gas extraction decreased by 8.9% and coal by 16.9%. Over the year there was an 8.1% decrease in oil and gas extraction that contributed to the 7.6% year on year decrease.
Electricity supply output decreased by 7.5% contributing to the overall 2.6% fall in output in electricity, gas and water supply. Consumer durables and capital goods reported increases of 0.6% and 6.2% respectively in February.
Food Inflation Lowest For Three Years
Shop price inflation slowed to the lowest level for three years. The British Retail Consortium's (BRC) Shop Price Index (SPI) fell to 1.2% in March from 1.7% in February. Food inflation fell to 1.2% from 1.3% and non-food inflation to 1.3% from 1.9%. Food inflation is at its lowest for over three years.
Friday, 9 April 2010
Differences In Disposable Income Are Widening
Statistics regarding Gross Disposable Household Income (GDHI) per head relative to the UK average show that between 1995 and 2008 the differences widened. The UK average is taken to be 100 and Yorkshire and Humberside fell the most from 91.8 in 1995 to 88.2 in 2008. London showed the most significant increases from 120.7 in 1995 to 128 in 2008 and Northern Ireland also showed significant increases from 87.1 in 1995 to 89.2 in 2008. GDHI per head was greartest in London at 28% above the national average of £14,872 at £19,038 and the North East of England's GDHI per head was the lowest at 16% below at £12,543.
Fall In Services Index
The Index of Services (seasonally adjusted) for January 2010 was 104.8, a fall of 1.1% compared with January 2009. Business services and finance contributed most to the fall with a decrease of 2.2% within which banking reported the biggest decrease and architectural services and management consultancy also reported falls. In all, three of the five components reported a decrease. Distribution output increased by 1.7% and government and other services increased by 0.1%. Hotels and restaurants and transport, storage and communication were the other sectors that reported decreases.
Productivity Down By 1.4%
Whole economy output/worker productivity decreased by 1.4% Q4 2009 compared with same period last year from a fall of 3.3% on the previous quarter. Quarter-on-quarter output/worker productivity increased 0.5% up from 0.2% in the previous quarter. Output fell by 2.8% in the quarter from a fall of 4.9% in the previous quarter. Another measure of productivity looks at it in terms of output per hour worked. Using this measure, productivity fell by 0.3% in Q4 2009 compared with last year. Total hours worked fell by 2.5% on last year. Comparing the sectors shows that manufacturing output/hour increased by 3.9% and services decreased by 1.2%.
In the service industries output/job fell by 2% in Q4 2009 compared with the previous year. The fall in the previous quarter was 3.4%. Output/hour deceased by 1.2% from 2.3% in the previous quarter. Business services and finance output/job fell 3.9% and output/hour fell 3%. Manufacturing output/job productivity increased by 2.8% and output/hour increased by 3.9% on the same quarter last year. Unit wage costs were up 2.4% on last year's 4.2%. In agriculture, forestry and fisheries, slow growth sectors, output/job fell by 7.4% and output/hour by 13.5%. Manufacturing unit wage costs increased by 0.4%.
Across the regions in 2008, productivity measures show GVA per job to be highest in London at 140.9 (national average = 100) and lowest in Wales and Northern Ireland at 84. Scotland was 95.4. In England, the average was 101.8, the lowest were the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber at 87.4. The GVA per hour measure shows London the highest at 132.7 and Northern Ireland the lowest at 81.4. Wales reported 86.4 and Scotland 96.3. In England, the average was 101.7 but the lowest was the North West at 87.9. GVA per head was highest in London with 170.6, and lowest was Wales with 74. Northern Ireland reported 78.7 and Scotland 97.5. In England the lowest was the North East with 77. The average for England was 102.5.
In the service industries output/job fell by 2% in Q4 2009 compared with the previous year. The fall in the previous quarter was 3.4%. Output/hour deceased by 1.2% from 2.3% in the previous quarter. Business services and finance output/job fell 3.9% and output/hour fell 3%. Manufacturing output/job productivity increased by 2.8% and output/hour increased by 3.9% on the same quarter last year. Unit wage costs were up 2.4% on last year's 4.2%. In agriculture, forestry and fisheries, slow growth sectors, output/job fell by 7.4% and output/hour by 13.5%. Manufacturing unit wage costs increased by 0.4%.
Across the regions in 2008, productivity measures show GVA per job to be highest in London at 140.9 (national average = 100) and lowest in Wales and Northern Ireland at 84. Scotland was 95.4. In England, the average was 101.8, the lowest were the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber at 87.4. The GVA per hour measure shows London the highest at 132.7 and Northern Ireland the lowest at 81.4. Wales reported 86.4 and Scotland 96.3. In England, the average was 101.7 but the lowest was the North West at 87.9. GVA per head was highest in London with 170.6, and lowest was Wales with 74. Northern Ireland reported 78.7 and Scotland 97.5. In England the lowest was the North East with 77. The average for England was 102.5.
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