By Priya Raman
Economist by training. Covers central banks, inflation, jobs data and the policy decisions that shape the cycle.
UK consumer confidence hits two-year high as big-ticket spending plans firm up
GfK's UK consumer confidence index climbed to -14 in August, its highest in two years, beating expectations. Households feel more comfortabl
Factory Surveys Signal Stronger US Summer as AI Investment Rises
The Philadelphia Fed's manufacturing index jumped to 47.4 in August, and the Conference Board's leading indicators rose 0.2% in July. The da
Banxico Signals Patience on Rate Cuts as Inflation Cools
Banxico's minutes show a unanimous hold at 6.5%, with policymakers wary of services inflation. The bank sees inflation returning to 3% only
Bank of Canada: AI may already be slowing hiring in exposed jobs
The Bank of Canada says AI hasn't obviously reshaped the job market yet, but its researchers find hiring is slowing most in roles like recep
Latin America's Growth Steady but Slow, UN Forecast Shows
The UN's ECLAC sees Latin America expanding 2.2% in 2025 and averaging about 2.3% annually through 2027. Inflation is easing toward targets,
Oil hits three-week high as Iran conflict keeps Hormuz in focus
Oil prices climbed to a three-week high as the Iran conflict keeps traders focused on the Strait of Hormuz. Brent reached $93.81 and WTI $88
UK economy was bigger than thought in 2023 and 2024, ONS says
The ONS quietly revised UK growth up for 2023 and 2024, putting 2024 output at £2.905 trillion. The changes come from better estimates of se
US Jobless Claims Drop to 206,000, Beating Forecasts
New US jobless claims fell to 206,000, beating forecasts of 210,000. The four-week average ticked up and continuing claims rose to 1.799 mil
AI's inflation cure may take longer than markets hope, BOE research warns
AI could eventually boost productivity, but a Bank of England research note warns the spending rush to build AI systems may heat up demand b
India's core infrastructure growth cools to 5.4% in July
India's core infrastructure output rose 5.4% year-on-year in July, cooling from June's revised 6%. Cement and coal led gains, while steel an
Oil Holds Near $92 as US Weighs Routes Around Strait of Hormuz
Brent crude hovered just under $92 a barrel as the US tightened pressure on Iran and explored alternative shipping routes around the Strait
Saudi revenue index rises 6.1% in June, led by manufacturing
Saudi Arabia's operating revenues rose 6.1% year over year in June, driven by manufacturing and other non-oil sectors. Building permits jump