Economy
Central banks, inflation, jobs and growth, and the policy decisions that shape the cycle.
France's Business Activity Nears Growth as PMI Hits 49.6, but Energy Risks Loom
France's composite PMI climbed to 49.6 in July from 47.2, inching closer to the growth threshold of 50. The improvement beat expectations, b
German Consumer Sentiment Dips to -29.6 as Saving Intentions Rise
German consumer sentiment slipped in August as the NIM-GfK index edged down to -29.6, below economists' forecasts. Households reported weake
RBI Steps In to Support Rupee as Brent Crude Breaches $100, Currency Nears Record Low
The Reserve Bank of India likely intervened through state-run banks to sell dollars as the rupee tested record-weak levels near 96.80 per do
Westpac Forecasts Australia's June CPI Rise to 0.4% on Travel, Rent, Housing Costs
Westpac forecasts Australia's June CPI rose 0.4% month-on-month, pushing annual inflation to 4.2%. Holiday travel, rents, and new-home costs
NAB Forecasts RBA to Hold Rates at 4.35% Through 2026, First Cut Not Until Mid-2027
NAB predicts the RBA will hold rates at 4.35% through 2026, citing cooling growth and stubborn inflation. The first rate cut is not expected
Oil Above $100 Pushes Indian Rupee Toward Record Low as RBI Weighs Intervention
Oil's return above $100 a barrel is putting the Indian rupee under fresh pressure, with traders expecting it to open near 96.85-96.90 per do
Japan Factory Growth Holds Strong in July as Services Slow, Middle East Risks Loom
Japan's factories kept expanding in July, with the flash manufacturing PMI at 54.7, just below June's 54.8. Services slowed, and firms cited
Australia's Private Sector Growth Hits 2026 High in July, Confidence Lags
Australia's private sector grew at its fastest pace of 2026 in July, according to S&P Global's flash PMI. The composite index hit 52.6, driv
UK Consumer Confidence Jumps to -17 in July, Biggest Monthly Gain Since November
UK consumer confidence improved sharply in July, with GfK's index rising to -17 from -23, its biggest monthly gain since November 2023. The
US Treasury Urges Japan to Raise Rates as Yen Hits 40-Year Low
The US Treasury is pressing Japan's central bank to raise interest rates after the yen fell to a 40-year low against the dollar. The Treasur
ECB Holds Rates at 2.25% as Energy Risks Loom Over Cooling Inflation
The European Central Bank held its key deposit rate at 2.25% this week as inflation cooled to 2.8% in June. However, policymakers warned tha
Canada's Small Business Confidence Jumps in July, But Manufacturers Remain Glum
Canada's small businesses felt more optimistic in July, with the CFIB barometer jumping to 58.3. But manufacturers remained stuck at 53.7, s