Day: 3 May 2024

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U.S. job growth totalled 175000 in April 2024 – less than expected

Non-farm payroll U.S.

Non-farm payrolls rose by 175,000 in the month, falling short of the consensus estimate of 240,000.

The unemployment rate increased slightly to 3.9%, contrary to expectations that it would remain at 3.8%. Additionally, a broader measure of unemployment rose to 7.4%, marking the highest rate since November 2021.

In line with recent patterns, the health care sector led job gains with an increase of 56,000. Notable growth was also seen in social assistance (31,000), transportation and warehousing (22,000), and retail (20,000).

In response to the job data update, market traders now anticipate a strong chance of two interest rate reductions by the end of 2024.

Stock markets jumped higher on the news.

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UK predicted to have slowest growth of richest nations in 2025

Slow growth in UK

Forecasts indicate that the UK economy will experience sluggish growth among the largest developed nations in 2025.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has projected a 1% increase in the UK’s gross domestic product (GDP) for 2025, which lags behind the growth rates of other G7 nations, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US.

The OECD, a globally recognised think tank, has described the UK’s economic outlook as ‘sluggish‘ for the current year. The organization attributes the lackluster performance to the cumulative effects of consecutive interest rate hikes in the UK.

Additionally, the OECD has cautioned that persistent elements of high inflation and the uncertainty surrounding the Bank of England’s interest rate decisions may deter investment.

The latest forecast for the UK economy predicts a 0.4% growth for this year, a revision downward from the OECD’s earlier estimate of 0.7% growth. Consequently, Germany is the only G7 country projected to have slower growth than the UK this year.

Year on year economic growth predictions for G7 nations from the OECD

Year on year economic growth predictions for G7 nations from the OECD
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Apple announces largest-ever $110 billion share buyback

Apple

Apple shares rose by 7% in after-hours trading on Thursday 2nd May 2024, following the company’s announcement of fiscal second-quarter earnings that exceeded expectations, coupled with the unveiling of an expanded stock repurchase program.

The tech giant disclosed that its board has approved a new $110 billion share buyback plan, marking a 22% increase from the previous year’s $90 billion authorization and setting a record as the largest buyback in history, significantly surpassing Apple’s prior repurchase initiatives.

Apple one day chart 2nd May 2024

Apple accounts data summary to 30th March 2024

Revenue: $90.75 billion vs. $90.01 billion estimated 

iPhone revenue: $45.96 billion vs. $46.00 billion estimated 

iPad revenue: $5.6 billion vs. $5.91billion estimated 

Mac revenue: $7.5 billion vs. $6.86 billion estimated 

Other Products revenue: $7.9 billion vs. $8.08 billion estimated 

Services revenue: $23.9 billion vs. $23.27 billion estimated 

EPS: $1.53 vs. $1.50 estimated 

Gross margin: 46.6% vs. 46.6% estimated 

According to Apple’s latest results, iPhone sales have declined in nearly every global market. The tech giant reported that the overall demand for its smartphones decreased by over 10% in the first quarter of the year, with sales diminishing in all geographic regions except Europe.