Quick Overview

• U.S. GDP rose 0.8% in Q1 and up 2.5% YoY

• The University of Michigan's index of consumer sentiment rose from 69.5 to 72.2
  

• The Chicago Purchasing Managers Index rose from 58.8 to 63.8 in April,
  

• YoY Japan's consumer prices fell 1.1% in March
  

• Japans unemployment rate rose from 4.9% to 5.0%
  

• Spain's unemployment rate rose from 18.8% to 20.1%
  

• Canada’s GDP rose 0.3% MoM and 1.8% YoY.
  

• Danish shipping giant A.P.Møller-Maersk is ready to launch an offensive and invest in new acquisitions if suitable objects emerge in the wake of the financial crisis. According to the group's chairman of the board Michael Pram Rasmussen, Maersk has the financial strength to make acquisitions.
  

• U.S. ethanol refiners are using more corn to make Ethanol. Production was 32% higher YoY.
  

• Gold rose to a new high for the year amid concerns over euro zone debt problems.