Country:
Importance:Low
Previous:585
Actual:587
The Baker Hughes rig count is an important business barometer for the oil drilling industry. When drilling rigs are active they consume products and services produced by the oil service industry. The active rig count acts as a leading indicator of demand for oil products.

Country:
Importance:Low
Previous:6.7%; 4.4%
Forecast:6.7%; 4.4%
Actual:6.5%; 4.4%
The Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index released by the University of Michigan is a survey of personal consumer confidence in economic activity. It shows a picture of whether or not consumers are willing to spend money. Generally speaking, a high reading anticipates positive (or bullish) for the USD, while a low reading is seen as negative (or bearish).

Country:
Importance:Medium
Previous:-0.6%; 0.2%
Forecast:-0.4%; -0.1%
Actual:-0.4%; 0.5%

Gauge for goods sold at retail outlets in the past month. Retail Sales is a leading indicator for the economy. Rising consumer spending fuels economic growth, confirms signals from consumer confidence, and may spark inflationary pressures.

The headline figure is expressed as the percentage change from the same month last year.