Economy

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.

Articles

364 total articles

Germany Reports Lower-Than-Expected Net Borrowing for 2025 Amid Fiscal Discipline

Germany Reports Lower-Than-Expected Net Borrowing for 2025 Amid Fiscal Discipline

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…

Navigating Market Currents: Key Economic and Geopolitical Developments to Watch

Navigating Market Currents: Key Economic and Geopolitical Developments to Watch

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…

Bank of Japan Holds Rates, Signals Future Increases Amid Economic Optimism

Bank of Japan Holds Rates, Signals Future Increases Amid Economic Optimism

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…

Euro Zone Economic Outlook for 2026 Remains Stable Despite Early-Year Volatility

Euro Zone Economic Outlook for 2026 Remains Stable Despite Early-Year Volatility

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'…

Global Markets React to U.S. Arctic Policy and Economic Signals

Global Markets React to U.S. Arctic Policy and Economic Signals

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…

Singapore Reports 1.2% Core Inflation in December, Forecasts Rise in 2026

Singapore Reports 1.2% Core Inflation in December, Forecasts Rise in 2026

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…

Bank of Japan Maintains Interest Rates, Revises Up Growth and Inflation Forecasts Amid Fiscal Stimulus Expectations

Bank of Japan Maintains Interest Rates, Revises Up Growth and Inflation Forecasts Amid Fiscal Stimulus Expectations

The Bank of Japan opted to hold its benchmark interest rate steady at 0.75%, while upgrading its forecasts for economic growth and core inflation for the fiscal years 2025 and 2026. The decision reflects anticipation of increased government fiscal support and fiscal reforms aimed at stimulating consumption and energy cost relief. Despite a recent p…

Asia-Pacific Equities Gain Mildly Ahead of Bank of Japan's policy announcement

Asia-Pacific Equities Gain Mildly Ahead of Bank of Japan's policy announcement

Asia-Pacific stock markets saw modest increases on Friday during early trading as investors awaited the Bank of Japan's upcoming policy meeting, where rates are broadly expected to remain unchanged. The rally came amid a backdrop of diminishing US trade tensions following softer rhetoric from President Trump, alongside steady inflation data from Ja…

Trump Expresses Reservations Over Using 401(k) Funds for Home Purchases

Trump Expresses Reservations Over Using 401(k) Funds for Home Purchases

President Donald Trump voiced skepticism about a proposal from his chief economic adviser to permit individuals to withdraw money from their 401(k) retirement accounts to finance home down payments. Despite the administration's interest in expanding homeownership and making housing more affordable, Trump emphasized his preference for maintaining th…

UK Consumer Confidence Shows Slight Improvement Amid Lingering Economic Concerns

UK Consumer Confidence Shows Slight Improvement Amid Lingering Economic Concerns

In January, British consumer confidence modestly strengthened to a level not seen since August 2024, as individuals expressed more optimism regarding their personal financial situations. Nonetheless, unease about the UK's overall economy remains pronounced, according to a recent GfK survey. The mixed sentiment reflects a focus on controllable perso…

President Trump Withdraws Proposal to Use 401(k) Funds for Housing Down Payments

President Trump Withdraws Proposal to Use 401(k) Funds for Housing Down Payments

President Donald Trump has reversed course on a prominent housing policy that would permit Americans to utilize their 401(k) retirement savings to cover home down payments. Initially promoted by senior economic advisors as a key second-term initiative to enhance housing affordability, the plan was unexpectedly scrapped during the president's return…

New Zealand Inflation Surpasses Central Bank Target as Prices Rise in Q4 2024

New Zealand Inflation Surpasses Central Bank Target as Prices Rise in Q4 2024

New Zealand's annual inflation rate rose to 3.1% in the final quarter of 2024, slightly exceeding the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's upper target limit. Key contributors to the inflationary pressure included elevated electricity prices, local government taxes, and housing rents. The inflation acceleration supports the central bank's recent decision …

Trump Completes Selection Process for Next Federal Reserve Chair

Trump Completes Selection Process for Next Federal Reserve Chair

President Donald Trump has finalized his evaluation of candidates for the role of Federal Reserve chair, confirming that a decision on the next head of the central bank is imminent. The final list includes a diverse group from both government economic advisors and private sector experts. Market observers are closely monitoring the development due t…

Bank of Japan Maintains Interest Rates Amid Political and Market Volatility

Bank of Japan Maintains Interest Rates Amid Political and Market Volatility

The Bank of Japan is anticipated to keep interest rates unchanged while projecting steady economic growth despite uncertainties stemming from a sudden election announcement and rising bond yields. Governor Kazuo Ueda is expected to provide limited guidance on future rate hikes as the central bank navigates the conflicting pressures of maintaining y…

U.S. Republicans Propose Task Force to Explore Year-Round E15 Gasoline Usage

U.S. Republicans Propose Task Force to Explore Year-Round E15 Gasoline Usage

Following the failure of legislation to allow continuous sales of E15 gasoline, Republican lawmakers have proposed a task force to analyze the implications of year-round E15 availability. The group, tentatively named the E-15 Rural Domestic Energy Council, will review concerns including refining capacity, biofuel credits, and fuel sales, targeting …