Economy
Central banks, inflation, jobs and growth, and the policy decisions that shape the cycle.
UK Retail Sales Plunge to Record Low as Consumer Spending Falters
UK retailers reported their weakest sales reading in over 40 years, with the CBI's retail sales balance falling to -54 in June. The record l
Hungary Central Bank Sees No Inflation Threat From Ending Food Price Caps, Cuts Rate to 6%
The National Bank of Hungary says ending basic-food price controls won't meaningfully boost inflation, as it cuts its base rate to 6%. A str
Czech Central Bank Hikes Rates by Quarter Point to Tame Sticky Services Inflation and Rapid Credit Growth
The Czech National Bank raised its key interest rate by a quarter point on June 18, with minutes showing a 6-1 vote. Policymakers cited stic
German Consumer Mood Edges Up but Spending Remains Weak
Germany's consumer climate index inched up to -29.2 for July from -29.7 in June, but willingness to buy stayed deeply negative at -13.4. The
South Africa's May PPI Data Arrives Amid Global Rate Jitters and AI Rally
South Africa's May PPI data is due, with markets balancing an AI-driven chip rally in Asia against fresh US rate hike expectations. A hotter
Australia's Job Vacancies Fall for First Time Since August 2025, Signaling Cooling Labor Market
Australia's job vacancies dropped 2.1% to 329,500 in the three months to May, the first decline since August 2025. The biggest fall came in
Australia's Hot Jobs Data Revives Rate Hike Fears, ASX 200 Dips
Australia's stronger-than-expected May jobs data and RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser's hawkish comments have revived the prospect of furth
Australian Household Spending Rebounds in May Led by Services and Travel
Australian household spending rose 1.3% in May to AU$80.64 billion, led by services such as air travel and dining out. The gains were broad
Australia's Jobless Rate Dips to 4.4% But Hidden Slack Grows as Hours Fall
Australia's unemployment rate ticked down to 4.4% in May as employers added 40,300 jobs. But rising underemployment and a drop in total hour
El Niño Threatens Brazil's Inflation Outlook as Central Bank Cuts Rates
A Central Bank of Brazil survey finds El Niño could add 30-40 basis points to inflation in 2026 and 2027, with much of the impact not yet in
US Consumer Spending Holds Up as PCE Inflation Ticks Higher in May
New data due Thursday is expected to show Americans kept spending in May, even as the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, PCE, heated up. That
Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% as Energy Inflation and Trade Risks Loom
The Bank of Canada held its key rate at 2.25% on June 10, but minutes show policymakers balancing weak growth against energy-led inflation a