Economy
Central banks, inflation, jobs and growth, and the policy decisions that shape the cycle.
NZ consumer arrears hit lowest since 2021, but hardship cases rise
New Zealanders are falling behind on fewer bills, with consumer arrears at their lowest since 2021. But hardship cases are rising for person
Japan's economy minister pushes back on BOJ inflation warnings
Minoru Kiuchi pointed to June's 1.7% CPI rise, arguing inflation is still moderate. His comments contrast with the Bank of Japan's stronger
Australia's job ads rise 0.8% in July, signalling steady hiring demand
Australia's job ads rose 0.8% in July, with the ANZ-Indeed index climbing to 117.1. The increase suggests hiring demand remains resilient ev
Australian spending beats forecasts as EVs and travel lead the way
Australian household spending rose 0.8% in June, well above the 0.2% forecast, led by new car purchases and travel. The resilience comes eve
Ireland's factory growth accelerates as hiring hits two-year high
Ireland's factories expanded for a 19th straight month in July, with AIB's PMI rising to 55.1. Hiring hit its fastest pace since May 2022, t
Treasury raises Q3 borrowing forecast to $739B, keeps cash buffer
The US Treasury raised its Q3 borrowing estimate to $739 billion from $671 billion, citing weaker net cash flows. It still plans to end the
Banxico survey: inflation forecast dips to 4%, rate seen steady at 6.50%
Private-sector analysts polled by Banxico now see slightly cooler inflation and a touch stronger growth. They still expect the benchmark rat
US factory activity hits four-year high as orders and hiring surge
US factory activity hit a four-year high in July, with the ISM manufacturing index rising to 55.6. New orders and hiring picked up, but inpu
UK factory growth slows to four-month low as hiring cools
UK factories extended their growth streak to nine months in July, but the pace slowed to a four-month low. Hiring eased and firms ran down i
ECB links eurozone spending slowdown to Middle East war uncertainty
The European Central Bank says Middle East war uncertainty is weighing on eurozone consumption, with higher-income households delaying discr
BOJ Says AI Investment Wave Could Keep Japan's Inflation Sticky
Japan's central bank says an AI-led investment boom could keep inflation elevated in the short term, even as productivity gains eventually e
Asia's data week: PMIs, India rate decision, China trade and inflation
Asia's data-packed week kicks off with PMI readings showing cooling but still-expanding activity. Next up: India's rate decision and China's