Quick Overview

• U.S. Factory orders were down 4.5% in January, the biggest monthly drop in over five years. Excluding transport, factory orders were up 1.6% in January.
  

• Retail sales volumes in the Euro zone were up 0.9% YoY.
  

• YoY Japan's Finance Ministry said that capital spending was up 9.5% in the fourth quarter.
  
  

• Chile's economy expanded 5.5 percent in January.
  
  

• Brazilian exports of ethanol rose to 145.1 million liters in February, up 20.7% from 120.2 million liters a year ago. U.S. demand dominated sales.
  

• Gold production in South Africa totaled 296.3 tons in 2005, down 13% YoY and the lowest production since 1923.
  

• London inventories of copper are at 121,175 tons.
  

• The Florida Citrus Processors said there were 92.3 million gallons of frozen orange juice concentrate in inventory on February 25th, down 35% YoY.