Macro Target Tracker

This page brings together the key economic numbers — growth, inflation, unemployment and interest rates — for the world's largest economies, so you can see at a glance where each one stands.

Growth versus inflation. Strong growth with falling inflation is the best mix for stocks. High inflation with slowing growth is the hardest backdrop, because central banks can't cut rates easily to help.

Divergence drives currencies. When one economy is clearly stronger than another, its central bank is likely to keep rates higher for longer, which tends to support its currency.

Surprises matter more than levels. Economists publish forecasts before each release. A run of better-than-expected numbers usually lifts a country's currency and bond yields, even if the economy is still weak overall.

Look at the trend. One month can be noisy. Three to six months of data in the same direction is a far more reliable signal.