By Priya Raman
Economist by training. Covers central banks, inflation, jobs data and the policy decisions that shape the cycle.
Westpac Card Tracker Slips as Australian Consumer Spending Loses Steam
Westpac's Card Tracker slipped to 152.8 in the week ended June 27th, with quarterly nominal spending growth slowing to 0.2%. Cheaper fuel ma
Saudi Non-Oil Sector Gains Steam in June on Domestic Demand, PMI Hits 53.3
Saudi Arabia's non-oil private sector picked up in June, with Riyad Bank's PMI hitting a four-month high of 53.3. Domestic orders drove the
ANZ: Higher Lithium Prices Could Restart Three Idled Australian Mines
ANZ reports that higher lithium prices could restart three idled Australian mines—Bald Hill, Ngungaju, and Finniss. The bank has raised its
Hong Kong PMI Rises to 52.0 in June, But Hiring and Purchasing Slump
Hong Kong's private-sector PMI rose to 52.0 in June from 50.4, indicating faster growth. However, employment fell for a third straight month
India Defends E20 Petrol Rollout as Safety Concerns Spread Among Drivers
India is pushing ahead with mandatory E20 petrol (20% ethanol), as officials and automakers say it's safe for older cars. Service data from
Canada's June Jobs Report Expected to Show Modest 10,000 Gain After May's Surge
Scotiabank's Derek Holt expects Canada's June jobs report to show a modest 10,000 gain, a sharp slowdown from May's surprise 88,000 jump. He
Canada's GDP Bounce and TSX Rally Signal Steadier Economy, but CUSMA Review Looms
Canada's economy gained momentum in April with a 0.5% GDP bounce, and the TSX is near record highs. BMO says this supports a steadier second
Japan's Wage Deals Top 5% for Third Year, Bolstering BOJ Rate Hike Path
Japan's largest labor group, Rengo, says companies agreed to raise wages 5.01% on average this year, following similar gains in 2024 and 202
Tanzania Hikes Key Rate to 6.25% as Inflation Hits 4.2%, Highest in Over a Year
Tanzania's central bank lifted its key rate to 6.25% after inflation rose to 4.2% in May, the highest in over a year. The hike is a preempti
KKR's Japanese Tank Terminal Draws Bids from MBK, Actis, Bain Capital
KKR is selling Central Tank Terminal, a Japanese storage and logistics firm for oil and chemicals. Bidders include MBK Partners, Actis, and
Germany's Services Sector Shrinks for Third Month, Signaling Weak Demand
Germany's services sector contracted for a third straight month in June, with the PMI rising to 48.6 but still below the growth threshold. W
France's Services Sector Stays in Contraction as PMI Rises but Remains Below 50
France's services sector remained in contraction in June, with S&P Global's PMI rising to 46.8 but staying below the 50 growth threshold. We