The Cyprus Composite Leading Economic Index (CCLEI) remained negative for the third consecutive month in April, with a year-over-year decrease of 0.6%. This was driven by a slowdown in tourist arrivals and an increase in crude oil prices.
The US Dollar strengthened due to upbeat PMI data, with the USD Index closing in positive territory for the fourth consecutive day. The S&P Global Composite PMI showed business activity expanding at an accelerating pace in May. Japan’s National Consumer Price Index rose 2.5% in April. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand stated that lowering interest rates was not being discussed in the near term. UK Retail Sales declined 2.3% in April. Gold fell more than 2% on Thursday.
State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard is leading an effort to replace Nebraska’s income, property, and corporate taxes with a broader sales or consumption tax called the EPIC Option.
The Dollar Index (DXY) entered a consolidation phase after reaching a weekly high near 105.00.
Supporters of the EPIC consumption tax in Nebraska have gathered signatures from 5% of registered voters in 38 counties, aiming to replace income, property, and corporate taxes with a broader sales tax. They need a total of 123,000 signatures by July 3 to place the issue on the fall ballot. Governor Jim Pillen opposes the EPIC tax, calling it unworkable and advocating for a balanced approach to property tax relief. Former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom and others criticize the EPIC tax for potentially increasing sales taxes on various items and eliminating local control. Supporters argue that drastic changes are needed in the state’s tax system and believe the EPIC tax is the only solution that prioritizes taxpayers.
Fact: John Hood suggests cutting the state tax on capital gains in North Carolina to make the tax code friendlier to growth and investment.
The GBPUSD pair rose near 1.2688 due to weaker US CPI inflation data. Inflation in the US eased slightly in April, with the CPI rising 3.4% on a yearly basis. The softer inflation data raised the odds for a Fed rate cut in 2024, leading to a weaker dollar and supporting the GBPUSD pair. The UK employment data showed deteriorating job market conditions, and Bank of England policymakers are concerned about high service inflation potentially stalling progress in the disinflation process.
The EURUSD pair reached a monthly high near 1.0870 as the US Consumer Price Index eased and Retail Sales remained stagnant in April.
The General Assembly in North Carolina has pursued tax reform to promote growth and expand freedom in the state. They have implemented a flat-rate income tax, lower rates on personal income and retail sales, and are phasing out corporate income taxes. However, there are concerns about completely eliminating income taxes without raising sales taxes or broadening its base. One solution proposed is to keep the personal income tax but subtract net savings and charitable gifts from taxable income, similar to other states and countries. Implementing an exclusion for long-term capital gains, like South Carolina, could make the state more favorable for savings and investment without creating fiscal imbalances.
The price of gold (XAUUSD) rose to ,360 due to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, boosting safe-haven flows.