Sunday, May 17, 2009

Weekly Economic Data Preview : UK Detailed GDP in the Spotlight

UK data this week will highlight the growing impact of the recession on consumers, as increased uncertainty and rising unemployment change their saving and spending patterns. The first view of the expenditure components of Q1 2009 GDP are published on Friday, with another sharp fall expected in consumer spending, while changes to the methodology used by the ONS to calculate retail sales volumes pose a downside risk to figures for April due on Thursday. News on Tuesday that inflation edged lower again in April, with annual RPI estimated to fall to -0.8%, may provide little comfort. The minutes of the Bank of England MPC meeting on 6-7 May should underline the predictions in last week's Inflation Report of a large negative output gap, helping to explain the committee's decision to increase the asset purchase programme by £50bn to £125bn, as the risk of deflation remains high. The minutes of the 29 April US FOMC meeting are also published on Wednesday. After the very weak euro zone GDP data for the first quarter, there will be keen interest in the flash PMI figures for May on Thursday, where we expect a modest rise in both the manufacturing and services indices. However, they remain well below the 50 level, indicating contraction. The first estimate of Japan Q1 2009 GDP on Wednesday could potentially show a fall of over 5% q/q. The BoJ meets on Friday, when we expect the overnight rate to stay at 0.1%, however other policy measures are possible. Key speakers this week include Fed chairman Bernanke and US Treasury Secretary Geithner.

The main message from the Bank of England's May Inflation Report, which was published last week, was that the UK economic outlook remained very uncertain. We agree with this, as while recent data have provided some optimism that the pace of decline is moderating, output is still falling and the sharp pick up in unemployment makes it difficult to be confident of a swift return to growth. We expect confirmation on Friday that UK real GDP contracted by 1.9% in the first quarter of this year, the biggest since Q3 1979, driven by falling services output, with manufacturing also collapsing by the most on record. The first view of the expenditure breakdown is expected to show consumer spending fell by 1.5% in Q1 2009, following on from a 1% fall in the previous quarter. Although retail spending has held up surprisingly well, spending on consumer services and vehicles is under severe pressure, while rising unemployment and falling household incomes do not suggest a turnaround can be expected anytime soon. Gross fixed capital formation is also likely to show a sharper drop compared to the previous quarter, reflecting falling business investment and further declines in housing-related investment. Aggressive de-stocking, as companies adjust inventories for the potential sharp fall in demand, is likely to have remained a significant drag on overall GDP in the first quarter. However, its effect should ease in coming quarters, primarily reflecting the fact it has been much more severe than in previous recessions.

Further information on economic activity in Q2 will be provided by data on retail sales and industrial activity this week. The ONS confirmed last week that a change to their methodology will result in lower estimates of the volume of retail sales. The data for April are published on Thursday. The headline total orders index of the CBI industrial trends survey is expected to show conditions remained challenging in May, indicating that recovery is unlikely in Q3. Inflation data on Tuesday are likely to show further declines in annual rates for CPI and RPI, however monthly rises could be quite strong, in part reflecting

Full Report in PDF

Lloyds TSB Bank http://www.lloydstsbfinancialmarkets.com

Disclaimer: Any documentation, reports, correspondence or other material or information in whatever form be it electronic, textual or otherwise is based on sources believed to be reliable, however neither the Bank nor its directors, officers or employees warrant accuracy, completeness or otherwise, or accept responsibility for any error, omission or other inaccuracy, or for any consequences arising from any reliance upon such information. The facts and data contained are not, and should under no circumstances be treated as an offer or solicitation to offer, to buy or sell any product, nor are they intended to be a substitute for commercial judgement or professional or legal advice, and you should not act in reliance upon any of the facts and data contained, without first obtaining professional advice relevant to your circumstances. Expressions of opinion may be subject to change without notice. Although warrants and/or derivative instruments can be utilised for the management of investment risk, some of these products are unsuitable for many investors. The facts and data contained are therefore not intended for the use of private customers (as defined by the FSA Handbook) of Lloyds TSB Bank plc. Lloyds TSB Bank plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and is a signatory to the Banking Codes, and represents only the Scottish Widows and Lloyds TSB Marketing Group for life assurance, pension and investment business.