By Priya Raman
Economist by training. Covers central banks, inflation, jobs data and the policy decisions that shape the cycle.
Malaysia Stocks Edge Up as Q2 Growth Beats Forecasts, Inflation Eases
Malaysia's stock benchmark edged higher after Q2 2026 growth came in at 5.8%, beating forecasts, while June inflation eased to 1.9%. The com
RBC Cuts TotalEnergies Forecasts as Gas Trading Weakens Ahead of Q2 Results
RBC Capital Markets cut its earnings forecasts for TotalEnergies through 2028 after a weak second-quarter update. Gas trading cooled from a
Germany's Factory Order Backlog Hits Record High in May as Supply Constraints Persist
Germany's factory order backlog reached a new record in May, with outstanding orders rising 1.7% from April. However, economists caution tha
Oil's Rebound Puts ECB Rate Hikes Back on the Table for Investors
Oil rebounded sharply this week, briefly topping $85 a barrel, as tensions in the Gulf raised supply fears. The jump pushed eurozone bond yi
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