Economy
Central banks, inflation, jobs and growth, and the policy decisions that shape the cycle.
Australia's industry gauge stays deep in contraction in July
Australia's broad industry gauge remained deeply negative in July, with the Ai Group index at -29.9. Demand stayed soft and hiring cooled, b
Japan's services growth cools as price hikes hit decade high
Japan's services sector expanded for another month in July, but at a slower pace as new orders softened and overseas demand fell. Meanwhile,
Australia's services sector hits six-month high as new orders return
Australia's services sector expanded at its fastest pace in six months in July, with S&P Global's PMI rising to 53.6. New orders returned an
US consumer gloom persists as trade deficit narrows in June
Consumer sentiment dipped to 45.1 in early August, reflecting worries about the next six months. Meanwhile, the June trade deficit narrowed
Europe's record-low rivers threaten industry and energy output
Europe's major rivers are at record lows, disrupting shipping, energy production, and car manufacturing. The economic damage is mounting, wi
Consumer confidence slips in August but outlook for personal finances improves
Consumer confidence slipped in August, but Americans' view of their own finances improved. The six-month outlook fell, while financial stres
US factory orders slip 0.3% in June, missing forecasts despite durable goods strength
New orders for US factory goods dropped 0.3% in June, missing expectations for a 0.2% gain. Durable goods were revised higher, but broader w
Canada's factory growth hits four-year high in July, PMI shows
Canada's factories expanded at the fastest pace in over four years in July, according to the S&P Global manufacturing PMI. But tariffs and h
RBC sees Canada's job market steadying as July report nears
RBC Economics expects Canada's July jobs report to show modest gains and steady unemployment, suggesting the labor market is stabilizing. Th
Saudi non-oil growth slows but stays solid as exports slip
Saudi Arabia's non-oil private sector kept expanding in July, though at a slightly slower pace. The PMI fell to 53.1 from 53.3, with domesti
Bank of Korea signals more rate hikes after July move
The Bank of Korea's July meeting minutes reveal officials see the first rate hike in 3-1/2 years as the start of a tightening cycle, not a o
Italy's July budget surplus narrows to €13.4B as earnings season unfolds
Italy's Treasury reported a €13.4 billion surplus for July, down from €14.1 billion a year earlier. Meanwhile, Stellantis and Salvatore Ferr