Japan: July, household spending down 3.7 %м yr/yr

Japan July consumer confidence index rises to 48.1 from 46.6 in June

French 7 mths budget deficit 48.8 bln eur vs 46.2

Tokyo shares close lower as investors take profits after sharp rise

UK: July, Manufacturing Output 0.1%m/m, 0.2% yr/yr vs 0.2% m/m, -1.0% yr/yr

UK manufacturing sector posts fourth consecutive monthly improvement in July

OECD leaves US 2005 GDP growth forecast at 3.6 pct, hikes euro zone to 1.3

Dollar remains solid as oil prices remain well off highs