By Priya Raman
Economist by training. Covers central banks, inflation, jobs data and the policy decisions that shape the cycle.
South African Rand Weakens as Traders Await Inflation Data and SARB Rate Decision
South Africa's rand weakened as traders prepared for June inflation figures and a tight South African Reserve Bank rate decision next week.
China Holds Key Lending Rates Steady for 14th Month Amid Fiscal Focus
China's loan prime rates are set to hold steady for a 14th straight month, according to a Reuters survey. The one-year and five-year LPRs ar
Singapore's Trade Surplus Hits SG$13.8 Billion in June, Biggest Since April 2025
Singapore's trade surplus surged to SG$13.8 billion in June, its highest since April 2025, as imports fell and AI-linked electronics exports
AI Reshapes Australian Jobs: Slower Growth in Exposed Roles, Inflation Risk Ahead
AI hasn't shrunk Australia's workforce, but it's shifting which jobs grow fastest. Deloitte and DEWR reports show slower growth in AI-expose
Japan Government Backs Down on BOJ Policy Language After Market Turmoil
Japan's government revised its economic blueprint after earlier wording rattled the yen and bond markets. A new footnote reaffirms the Bank
ANZ Warns New Zealand Inflation May Reheat, Fuel Costs Key Risk
ANZ now expects New Zealand's headline inflation to hit 4% in the June quarter, above the central bank's forecast. The bank warns that risin
India's Rupee Nears Record Low as Oil Costs and Dollar Demand Weigh
India's rupee is heading back toward its record low, with traders expecting it to open around 96.40-96.44 per dollar. High oil prices and st
New Zealand Fuel Prices Drop Again, But Annual Costs Remain High
New Zealand drivers saw a second month of relief as petrol and diesel prices dropped in June. However, annual increases remain steep, with d
Fed's Jefferson: Rate Hikes Still on Table If Inflation Stalls
Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson said rates can likely hold steady for now, but the central bank could hike again if inflation stops cooling.
Energy Stocks Climb Despite Oil and Gas Slip on Surprise Inventory Build
Energy stocks defied a drop in oil and natural gas prices Thursday, with the XLE fund rising 0.8%. A larger-than-expected build in US gas in
Fed Officials Signal Possible Rate Hikes as Inflation Stays Stubbornly High
Federal Reserve officials are maintaining a hawkish stance, with Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan and Governor Lisa Cook indicating that fur
US Consumer Spending Holds Up in June Despite Housing Slump
New US data shows consumers kept spending in June, with core retail sales up 0.6%, but pending home sales dropped 5.4% as high mortgage rate