Economy
Central banks, inflation, jobs and growth, and the policy decisions that shape the cycle.
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
Warsh's Fed Holds Rates Steady as Inflation Pressures Mount from Oil and Tariffs
The Federal Reserve is set to hold rates at 3.50%-3.75% next week, but Chair Kevin Warsh's no-guidance stance is frustrating officials as oi
French Business Confidence Hits Four-Month High in July, Manufacturing Rebounds
French business confidence improved in July, with INSEE's index reaching 97, the highest since March. Manufacturing climbed above 100, while
Westpac Data Shows Big Firms Driving Australia's June Quarter Growth
Westpac's business performance and cashflow gauges edged up in the June quarter, but the gains were driven by large companies. Small and med