August 21, 2025
United States:
US Jobless Claims Rise, Adding to Signs of Slowing Labor Market
Applications for US unemployment benefits rose last week to the highest level since June and continuing claims climbed, adding to evidence the US labor market is slowing.
Initial claims increased by 11,000 to 235,000 in the week ended Aug. 16. The median forecast in a Bloomberg survey of economists called for 225,000 applications.
Europe:
Euro-Zone Business Activity at 15-Month High Despite Tariffs
The euro area’s private sector grew at the quickest pace in 15 months as manufacturing exited a three-year downturn despite a deal locking in higher levies for exports to the US.
The Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index compiled by S&P Global rose to 51.1 in August from 50.9 in July, further above the 50 threshold separating expansion from contraction.
Asia:
Japan’s 20-Year Yield Rises to Highest Since 1999 on Fiscal Woes
Japan’s 20-year government bond yields climbed to fresh multi-decade highs, driven by persistent concerns over fiscal expansion and fading demand from key investors.
The so-called super-long yield briefly touched 2.655% on Thursday, surpassing its previous high in 1999.
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