By Priya Raman
Economist by training. Covers central banks, inflation, jobs data and the policy decisions that shape the cycle.
Orlen says Polimery Police buyout on track despite arbitration
Orlen's CEO says the Polimery Police buyout is still on track, despite LyondellBasell launching arbitration. The deal includes 1.35 billion
Shell closes $16.5B ARC deal, expands Canadian gas footprint
Shell has closed its $16.5 billion cash-and-shares acquisition of Canada's ARC Resources, adding about 370,000 barrels of oil equivalent per
Malaysia holds rates at 2.75% as AI exports and subsidies keep inflation tame
Malaysia's central bank held its key interest rate at 2.75% again, as the economy grows strongly and inflation stays mild. AI-linked exports
Ifo lifts Germany growth forecasts on spending boost
Germany's Ifo institute upgraded its growth forecasts for 2026 and 2027, citing nearly €40 billion in new government spending and firmer fac
Germany's services sector stays in contraction as PMI dips to 49.7
Germany's services sector remained in contraction in August, with the PMI dipping to 49.7. Despite the headline dip, new business and export
France's services sector slips back into contraction in August
France's services sector contracted in August as the S&P Global PMI fell to 48.0, with weaker demand and summer heat weighing on sales. Pric
Swiss economy posts strongest growth since 2021 on pharma rebound
Switzerland's economy grew 1.5% in Q2 2026, the fastest pace in nearly five years, powered by a rebound in chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Bu
Germany's outlook brightens, but Kiel sees growth fading by 2028
Germany's top economic think tank now sees the eurozone's largest economy growing 1.3% this year, up from 0.8%. But it cautions the rebound
Spain's services growth cools but stays strong as hiring slows
Spain's services sector kept expanding in August, though the pace eased slightly. The PMI slipped to 57.8 as domestic demand stayed firm, bu
Swiss inflation doubles to 0.8% in August on fuel price surge
Swiss inflation doubled in August to 0.8% year-on-year, driven by a 25% surge in petroleum product prices. The data lands just weeks before
Hong Kong's private sector slips back into contraction in August
Hong Kong's private sector slipped back into contraction in August as the S&P Global PMI fell to 49.5. Weaker output and new business weighe
KEPCO asks Samsung and SK Hynix to prepay power bills to fund grid
KEPCO has proposed that Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix prepay for electricity through 2031 to help finance new transmission lines and subs