Economy
Central banks, inflation, jobs and growth, and the policy decisions that shape the cycle.
Canada's trade surplus narrows to C$769M as exports slip in July
Canada's trade surplus narrowed to C$769 million in July as exports fell 2.3% and imports climbed 2.2%. The surplus with the US also shrank
Malaysia holds rates at 2.75% as AI exports and subsidies keep inflation tame
Malaysia's central bank held its key interest rate at 2.75% again, as the economy grows strongly and inflation stays mild. AI-linked exports
Ifo lifts Germany growth forecasts on spending boost
Germany's Ifo institute upgraded its growth forecasts for 2026 and 2027, citing nearly €40 billion in new government spending and firmer fac
Germany's services sector stays in contraction as PMI dips to 49.7
Germany's services sector remained in contraction in August, with the PMI dipping to 49.7. Despite the headline dip, new business and export
France's services sector slips back into contraction in August
France's services sector contracted in August as the S&P Global PMI fell to 48.0, with weaker demand and summer heat weighing on sales. Pric
Swiss economy posts strongest growth since 2021 on pharma rebound
Switzerland's economy grew 1.5% in Q2 2026, the fastest pace in nearly five years, powered by a rebound in chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Bu
Germany's outlook brightens, but Kiel sees growth fading by 2028
Germany's top economic think tank now sees the eurozone's largest economy growing 1.3% this year, up from 0.8%. But it cautions the rebound
Spain's services growth cools but stays strong as hiring slows
Spain's services sector kept expanding in August, though the pace eased slightly. The PMI slipped to 57.8 as domestic demand stayed firm, bu
Swiss inflation doubles to 0.8% in August on fuel price surge
Swiss inflation doubled in August to 0.8% year-on-year, driven by a 25% surge in petroleum product prices. The data lands just weeks before
Hong Kong's private sector slips back into contraction in August
Hong Kong's private sector slipped back into contraction in August as the S&P Global PMI fell to 49.5. Weaker output and new business weighe
Australia's services growth holds steady in August despite rising costs
Australia's services sector kept growing in August, with S&P Global's PMI at 53.2, marking a third straight month of expansion. However, ris
Ireland's services growth holds up in August, but hiring stalls
Ireland's services sector kept growing in August, with the AIB S&P Global PMI rising to 55.4. New business and confidence improved, but hiri