By Priya Raman
Economist by training. Covers central banks, inflation, jobs data and the policy decisions that shape the cycle.
France's Factory PMI Returns to Growth in June Despite Iran-Linked Supply Disruptions
France's factory sector returned to growth in June as the S&P Global manufacturing PMI hit 51.2, up from 49.7. However, transport disruption
Italian Factory Cost Pressures Ease in June as PMI Slips Slightly
Italy's factories saw some relief in June as input and output price pressures eased, according to S&P Global's PMI. The headline index slipp
Spain's Factory Sector Contracts in June as Iran War Costs Bite
Spain's factory sector slipped back into contraction in June, with the S&P Global manufacturing PMI falling to 49.7. Weakening orders and ri
Poland's Factory Slump Deepens as PMI Hits 46.1, Orders Plunge
Poland's manufacturing sector worsened in June as the PMI slid to 46.1, well below the 50 growth threshold. New orders fell at their fastest
Turkey's Manufacturing Slips Back into Contraction as PMI Falls to 47.1
Turkey's factory activity contracted in June as the manufacturing PMI fell to 47.1 from 49.8. The Middle East conflict weighed on new orders
Shell Sells $1.7B Gulf Assets to Talos, Signaling Portfolio Shift
Shell agreed to sell a slice of its Gulf of America oil business for $1.7 billion, offloading mature deepwater assets to Talos Energy and Ri
Malaysia's Household Debt Ratio Dips to 84.4% as Banks Offer Targeted Relief
Malaysia's household debt ratio fell to 84.4% of GDP in March, down from 84.7% at end-2025. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said most borrowers
Taiwan Factory Confidence Rises in May as AI Chip Demand Offsets Oil Costs
Taiwan's factory sentiment improved in May as AI-driven chip orders boosted semiconductor demand and softer oil prices eased costs. The TIER
RBNZ Likely to Hike Rates to 2.5% Next Week as Inflation Stays Stubborn
New Zealand's central bank is expected to raise its official cash rate by a quarter point to 2.5% next week, according to ANZ. Markets see a
China Factory Activity Hits Best Quarter Since 2020 Despite June Dip
China's factories posted their best quarter since late 2020, with a private PMI averaging 51.9. June's reading slipped to 51.7 but stayed ab
Australia's Industry Slump Deepens as Ai Group Index Hits -30 in June
Australia's industrial slowdown worsened in June, with the Ai Group Industry Index dropping to -30. Activity and new orders sank deeper into
Australia's Factory PMI Rises to 51.5, But New Orders Keep Falling
Australia's factory PMI rose to 51.5 in June, but the gain was driven by hiring and stockpiling, not demand. New orders fell for a fifth mon