Unemployment rates were lower in July than a year earlier in 211 of the 369 metropolitan areas, higher in 131 areas, and unchanged in 27 areas, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported.
In the first half of 2007, flat panel TVs were still mainstream among consumer electronics in China. Dramatic price cuts greatly stimulated LCD TV terminal sales, while plasma TV sales also rebounded strongly. Increased input from concerned manufacturers pushed forward the steady growth of the plasma TV market.
Euronext NV reports its half-year 2007 results as presented under the Amsterdam, 29 IFRS, on a standalone basis. As already reported, Euronext experienced its all-time record in terms of revenues booked during the first six months of the year, with €630.6m up 13.1% compared to the same period last year. All the business lines but MTS Fixed Income registered an increase of their revenues during the period.
The Xinhua Finance eziData China Consumer Confidence Index fell 1.3 points to 100.7 in August, the lowest level since the survey's baseline reading of 100 in April this year. Current conditions eased 0.5 point to 99.7 in August, the third consecutive monthly decline.
Euro area annual inflation was 1.8% in July 20072, down from 1.9% in June. A year earlier the rate was 2.4%. Monthly inflation was -0.2% in July 2007. EU annual inflation was 2.0% in July 2007, down from 2.1% in June. A year earlier the rate was 2.4%. Monthly inflation was -0.3% in July 2007.
GDP grew by 0.3% in the euro area (EA13) and by 0.5% in the EU27 during the second quarter of 2007, compared with the previous quarter, according to flash estimates published by Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities. In the first quarter of 2007, growth rates were +0.7% in both the euro area and the EU27.