Derivative of the Tokyo Consumer Price Index (CPI) that excludes the Fresh Food items.

Measures the percentage of the total work force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. A falling trend has a positive effect on the nation's currency. Working people tend to spend more, and consumer spending is a major driver of the economy. However, unemployment usually draws little attention because traders view it as a lagging indicator.

The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) Manufacturing Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI) measures the activity level of purchasing managers in the manufacturing sector, with a reading above 50 indicating expansion. A rising trend has a positive effect on the nation's currency. To produce the index, purchasing managers are surveyed on a number of subjects including employment, production, new orders, supplier deliveries, and inventories. Traders watch these surveys closely because purchasing managers, by virtue of their jobs, have early access to data about their companyӳ performance, which can be a leading indicator of overall economic performance.

Measures the number of individuals who filed for unemployment insurance for the first time over the past week. A falling trend has a positive effect on the nation's currency. Working people tend to spend more, and consumer spending is a major driver of the economy. However, unemployment usually draws little attention because traders view it as a lagging indicator.

Measures the quarterly difference in value between imported and exported goods, services, income flows, and unilateral transfers. A rising trend has a positive effect on the nation's currency. The Current Account is a comprehensive accounting of the nation's trade with other countries. It includes the previously reported Trade Balance (which covers trade of goods and services), so traders focus on the income flows and unilateral transfer portions of the report.

The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures the rate of inflation (i.e., the rate of price changes) experienced by manufacturers when purchasing goods and services. A rising trend has a positive effect on the nation's currency. When manufactures pay more for goods and services, they are likely to pass the higher costs to the consumer, so PPI is thought to be a leading indicator of consumer inflation. PPI is highly regarded, and at extremes will have a market impact equal to that of its CPI counterpart.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Distributive Trades Realized measures the health of the retail sector by asking executives if their firm experienced an increase or decrease in sales compared to a year ago. A positive number indicates that more retailers reported an increase. A rising trend has a positive effect on the nation\'s currency because Retail Sales make up a large portion of consumer spending, which is a major driver of the economy.

Measures the total amount of new capital expenditures by private businesses.

Measures the quarterly difference in value between imported and exported goods, services, income flows, and unilateral transfers. A rising trend has a positive effect on the nation's currency. The Current Account is a comprehensive accounting of the nation's trade with other countries. It includes the previously reported Trade Balance (which covers trade of goods and services), so traders focus on the income flows and unilateral transfer portions of the report.