By Priya Raman
Economist by training. Covers central banks, inflation, jobs data and the policy decisions that shape the cycle.
Nano Nuclear, Tillman sign framework for 2 GW of AI data center power
Nano Nuclear Energy and Tillman Global have signed a nonbinding framework to explore building 2 gigawatts of advanced nuclear power for US A
China opens applications for $119B infrastructure backstop
China has opened applications for an 800 billion yuan ($119 billion) policy-based financing tool to accelerate infrastructure projects. Brok
Shell's US chemicals unit draws $8B interest from Exxon, Apollo
Shell is selling its US chemicals business, which has drawn interest from ExxonMobil, LyondellBasell, Apollo, and Kuwait Petroleum. Non-bind
RBC sees MPLX's next growth wave from its project pipeline
RBC Capital Markets expects MPLX to enter a faster growth phase in 2027 as several major projects come online. The bank says the pipeline op
Canada's June retail sales rise 0.6%, but July signals a pullback
Canadian retail sales rose 0.6% in June to C$74.3 billion, but early data suggests a 0.8% decline in July. The mixed picture points to a con
Canadian small business confidence dips but stays positive amid tariff talk
Canadian small business confidence eased in August but stayed above the growth line, even as US tariff threats resurfaced. The reading sugge
UK services growth beats forecasts in August, but price pressures build
The UK's services sector grew more than expected in August, with the flash PMI rising to 52.8. However, price pressures picked up and hiring
France's services sector shrinks again as heatwave hits demand
France's private sector contracted again in August as a heatwave weighed on services, even though manufacturing showed a rebound. The compos
NAB sees slower Australian growth but resilient consumer spending
National Australia Bank expects the economy to cool to about 1.3% growth this year, with the RBA keeping rates at 4.35% into 2027. Yet its o
Australia's job market cools, boosting odds of RBA rate pause
Australia's job market cooled in July as unemployment ticked up to 4.5% and employment fell by 15,800. The softer data gives the Reserve Ban
Japan's factory activity accelerates in August on AI chip demand
Japan's manufacturing sector picked up speed in August, with a key survey showing the fastest rise in new orders since January 2018. Semicon
Australia's private sector grows in August, but manufacturing slips into contraction
Australia's private sector expanded for a third straight month in August, but the growth was uneven. Services remained solidly in expansion