Macroeconomic data, trends, and policy developments.
Coverage of key economic indicators, central bank policy decisions, inflation trends, labor data, and growth signals. This category focuses on the macroeconomic forces that shape markets, interest rates, and long-term capital allocation.
5,904 total articles
Canada's retail sales exhibited a notable increase of 1.3% in November, fueled by gains across most retail categories, particularly food and beverage as well as discretionary goods. However, preliminary data for December indicate a 0.5% contraction, suggesting a cooling in consumer spending heading into the new year.
Brazil's central bank is anticipated to initiate reductions in its benchmark interest rate, the Selic, starting in March for the first time since May 2024. This move aims to bolster the fragile economic environment by supporting consumer spending and offsetting weak industrial output. Economists widely expect the current 15% rate to be maintained i…
The European Commission has decided to extend the suspension of a €93 billion package of trade retaliatory measures against the United States for an additional six months beyond the current expiration date in early February. This decision follows a de-escalation of tariff threats from the US, enabling both parties to focus on implementing a prior j…
The European Commission announced its intention to prolong the suspension of an extensive set of EU trade countermeasures against the United States, valued at approximately 93 billion euros ($109.19 billion). Initially planned to commence in early February, these measures will remain paused for an additional six months following the cooling of rece…
In 2025, TikTok, a ByteDance-owned short-video platform, continued to hold its position as the second-most-downloaded app in the United States, overshadowing ongoing political challenges and regulatory scrutiny related to its Chinese ownership. Other apps linked to Chinese companies, including ByteDance’s CapCut and e-commerce site Temu, also maint…
Chinese regulators are contemplating tighter regulations for mainland companies aiming to list shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This move comes amid concerns about the quality of recent listings following a surge in offshore fundraising. Among the measures discussed is the introduction of a minimum market capitalization requirement and close…
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, leading finance officials converged to debate the evolution of the global order. While some voices warned of a breach in international cooperation marked by power struggles, key figures, including the European Central Bank President and the International Monetary Fund chief, advocated viewing the developments a…
Morgan Stanley analysts foresee a notable 20% increase in U.S. individual tax refunds in the first quarter of 2026, driven by comprehensive budget legislation. These elevated refunds, amounting to approximately $350 billion by May’s end, are projected to propel personal incomes and bolster consumer expenditure, an essential component of the economy…
Martin Kocher, the president of the Austrian central bank, has urged the European Central Bank (ECB) to exercise caution before implementing policy changes in response to ongoing uncertainties. Speaking to German media, Kocher highlighted the need to avoid premature commitments that could complicate future communications, especially when inflation …
Austrian central bank governor Martin Kocher has emphasized a measured approach for the European Central Bank (ECB) when considering policy adjustments in response to heightened geopolitical tensions. Speaking in an interview with a German media outlet, Kocher highlighted the risks of premature moves absent clear inflationary direction, stressing t…
BCA Research analysts have projected that a forthcoming Supreme Court decision invalidating the Trump administration's use of tariffs under a 1977 law could decrease recession probability while increasing the chances of economic stability or growth in the U.S. They forecast impacts on labor markets, consumer finances, and equity valuations dependin…
U.S. stock futures showed declines on Friday, signaling a likely continuation of the downward trend for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq for a second straight week. Intel's stock experienced a significant drop following its forecast of lower-than-expected quarterly revenue and profit, impacted by supply challenges for its AI data center server chips. Meanwhi…
Global investors are poised for a pivotal week focused on corporate earnings—particularly in artificial intelligence sectors—and the Federal Reserve's interest rate stance. This follows recent market volatility triggered by political disputes involving U.S. Greenland acquisition attempts and trade concerns with Europe. While major indexes have reco…
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam revealed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has demanded clearer directives in a draft financial rescue law crucial for unlocking funds needed to alleviate the country's devastating six-year financial crisis. The law is designed to distribute losses from the 2019 economic collapse among Lebanon’s financia…
On January 23, Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama confirmed close observation of the currency market amid a sudden rise in the yen against the dollar. Although speculation arose regarding rate checks as a precursor to official intervention to support the weakening yen, both Katayama and Vice Finance Minister Atsushi Mimura chose not to comm…
Germany's net borrowing for 2025 was significantly below initial projections, driven by spending that came in lower than forecast and revenues surpassing expectations. This marks the first annual budget under newly reformed fiscal policies aimed at revitalizing the economy and enhancing defense capabilities. The core budget borrowing totaled 66.9 b…
As markets brace for a volatile week ahead, investors and analysts are closely monitoring a diverse range of factors including geopolitical tensions surrounding Greenland, the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting, tech sector earnings from major corporations, political developments in Japan, and a series of central bank decisions across emerging market…
The eurozone's overall business activity grew less than expected in January, driven by subdued growth in the services sector that outweighed a moderate easing in manufacturing contraction. Despite ongoing expansion, increased inflationary pressures and cautious new order inflows indicate persistent economic fragility within the bloc.
U.S. stock futures showed slight declines amid an active week of corporate disclosures, including Intel's fourth-quarter loss and TikTok’s new joint venture arrangement. The Bank of Japan held interest rates steady but signaled potential future hikes, while gold surged to unprecedented levels due to geopolitical tensions. These developments highlig…
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) opted to keep its benchmark interest rate steady at 0.75% following a December hike, while simultaneously upgrading its economic growth forecast and reiterating inflation expectations. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda highlighted that while financial conditions remain accommodative and lending demand grows moderately, the central ban…
As geopolitical tensions mount globally, from the U.S. tariffs linked to Greenland to ongoing conflicts such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine, asset managers and corporate investors are intensifying their focus on geopolitical analysis. This shift reflects a marked evolution in investment approaches, with firms enhancing internal capabilities and se…
A recent Reuters poll reveals that economists have largely maintained their expectations for the euro zone's economic growth, inflation rates, and interest rate policy throughout 2026. Despite political tensions, including U.S. tariff threats and their swift retraction, experts anticipate that inflation will stay close to the European Central Bank'…
Asia-Pacific markets experienced modest shifts as the Bank of Japan acted to stabilize the yen while U.S. dollar sentiment softened amid geopolitical developments involving Greenland. President Trump's statements on Arctic access rights and trade relations have affected investor confidence, impacting currency valuations and prompting caution headin…
India's private sector demonstrated robust growth at the start of 2026, as a PMI survey reflected stronger new orders and increased business confidence. Both manufacturing and services industries expanded, fueled by rising domestic and export demand. Employment levels resumed growth despite prior stagnation, though input price inflation reached a f…
Singapore's core inflation rate stood at 1.2% in December year-over-year, aligning with economists' forecasts. Headline inflation matched this rate, with both expected to rise in 2026 following a projected dip in 2025. The Monetary Authority of Singapore and Ministry for Trade and Industry highlight potential drivers including rising unit labour co…
