Economy
Central banks, inflation, jobs and growth, and the policy decisions that shape the cycle.
US shoppers kept spending in August even as mortgage rates climbed
US retail sales rose 1.2% in August, beating forecasts, even as higher mortgage rates cooled housing demand. The strong spending data sugges
Canada's factory revival plan hits a weak manufacturing base
Canada wants to rebuild its manufacturing sector, but National Bank of Canada warns the starting point is weak. Manufacturing is only 8% of
College degree payoff shrinks as AI reshapes demand for skills
The financial return on a college degree is slipping. US wage premium for graduates has fallen for four straight years, and Britain shows si
US retail sales jump 1.2% in August as shoppers defy forecasts
US retail sales climbed 1.2% in August, topping forecasts and reversing July's decline. The solid gain suggests consumers remain resilient,
Eurozone factory output slips again in July as consumer goods drag
Eurozone factory output slipped 0.1% in July, matching June's decline, as a sharp drop in non-durable consumer goods offset gains in energy
South Africa's inflation outlook steadies after oil shock, survey shows
South Africa's inflation expectations have settled after an oil-price jolt, with a central bank survey seeing 2026 inflation at 4.4%. Foreca
UK inflation hits 3.1% in August, testing Bank of England's patience
UK headline inflation accelerated to 3.1% in August, above the Bank of England's own projection. Core inflation held at 2.6%, and markets st
BOJ Expected to Raise Rates to 1.25%, Highest in 31 Years
The Bank of Japan is widely expected to raise its policy rate to 1.25% this week, a level not seen in 31 years. Investors are watching Gover
New Zealand's current account gap narrows as trade deficit widens
New Zealand's current account deficit narrowed to NZ$3.8 billion in the June quarter, but a jump in goods imports widened the trade gap. The
New Zealand consumer confidence improves but stays below optimism line
New Zealanders are feeling less downbeat, with Westpac's consumer confidence index jumping 9.1 points to 89.5 in the September quarter. But
UK grocery inflation set to climb again by 2027, IGD warns
UK shoppers may see supermarket prices rise again after a period of cooling. Industry researcher IGD expects grocery inflation of 2.9%-3.9%
Fed's rate decision takes back seat to new dot plot forecasts
The Fed is widely expected to raise rates by 25 basis points this week. But traders will focus on the updated Summary of Economic Projection