Economy
Central banks, inflation, jobs and growth, and the policy decisions that shape the cycle.
RBI returns to net dollar buying in June after two months of selling
The RBI bought a net $561 million in June, flipping from heavy selling in April and May. Fresh inflows helped steady the rupee and trim forw
Hungary cuts base rate to 5.5% as inflation cools to 1.2%
Hungary's central bank cut its base rate by a quarter point to 5.5% on Tuesday, extending a summer easing cycle as inflation cooled to 1.2%
Hong Kong's trade gap narrows as AI electronics exports surge
Hong Kong's trade deficit narrowed sharply in July as exports surged 50.7%, fueled by strong global demand for AI-related electronics. The g
Germany's Q2 growth beats estimates as exports offset energy costs
Germany's GDP rose 0.3% in the second quarter, better than the first reading of 0.2%, as exports led the way. Higher energy prices remain a
Riksbank holds rates at 1.75% but signals future hikes despite low inflation
Sweden's central bank held its policy rate at 1.75%, but minutes reveal officials still see a hike ahead. Despite July inflation at just 0.7
Australian consumer confidence edges up as mortgage holders lead
Australian consumer confidence ticked up again in late August, with mortgage holders leading the improvement. However, households' inflation
RBA minutes reveal board split on rate hikes, cash rate held at 4.35%
Minutes from the RBA's August meeting reveal a divided board, with several members pushing for another rate hike. The cash rate stays at 4.3
China opens applications for $119B infrastructure backstop
China has opened applications for an 800 billion yuan ($119 billion) policy-based financing tool to accelerate infrastructure projects. Brok
Canada's June retail sales rise 0.6%, but July signals a pullback
Canadian retail sales rose 0.6% in June to C$74.3 billion, but early data suggests a 0.8% decline in July. The mixed picture points to a con
Canadian small business confidence dips but stays positive amid tariff talk
Canadian small business confidence eased in August but stayed above the growth line, even as US tariff threats resurfaced. The reading sugge
UK services growth beats forecasts in August, but price pressures build
The UK's services sector grew more than expected in August, with the flash PMI rising to 52.8. However, price pressures picked up and hiring
France's services sector shrinks again as heatwave hits demand
France's private sector contracted again in August as a heatwave weighed on services, even though manufacturing showed a rebound. The compos