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.
2,592 total articles
On Friday, the Central Bank of Paraguay implemented a surprise reduction in its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 5.75%. This marks the first rate cut since April 2024 and comes against expectations of a rate hold at 6%. The decision was driven by firm inflation expectations and a deceleration in consumer price increas…
As silver surpasses the historic price of $100 per ounce amidst geopolitical tensions and anticipated U.S. interest rate reductions, it becomes crucial to understand the various mechanisms through which this precious metal is traded. This article dissects the key markets and methods of trading silver, including over-the-counter deals, futures contr…
Investors are increasingly rotating their portfolios towards Chinese technology stocks as a strategy to hedge against a strong U.S. dollar and capitalize on government support and relatively lower valuations. UBS's fund managers in Davos cite China's rapid technological advancement and cyclical fiscal stimulus as central to this trend, while U.S. m…
Since the 2003 invasion, Iraq’s oil export proceeds have been held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York through structures set up by U.S. authorities. That custody remains in place today as an account of the Central Bank of Iraq, shaping Iraq’s access to dollars, underpinning exchange-rate management and exposing the country to U.S. policy tools…
Global equity markets edged higher with the MSCI world index posting modest gains, while U.S. Treasury yields declined slightly and the Japanese yen strengthened against the dollar amid speculation of imminent intervention by Japanese authorities to support their currency. Investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of a packed week featuring the Fed…
The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned nine vessels and their associated owners or management companies involved in the movement of Iranian oil and petroleum products to international markets. This move coincides with intensified Iranian government suppression of peaceful demonstrations and restriction…
Tensions between the United States and Canada intensified significantly after President Donald Trump rescinded Canada's invitation to participate in the 'Board of Peace,' following contentious exchanges at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The disagreement centers on divergent views regarding Arctic territorial claims and competing visions of econ…
Spain's rail system, known for its extensive high-speed network, has experienced several severe accidents in a short span, including one of the deadliest railway crashes in Europe. The surge in passenger numbers has heightened network strain, prompting debate about prioritizing maintenance spending versus expansion. While government investment in r…
Investor appetite for global equity funds weakened significantly in the week ending January 21, largely influenced by geopolitical strains including U.S. President Donald Trump's rhetoric on trade and territorial issues with Europe. Despite a notable retreat from some tariff warnings later in the week, fund inflows stayed subdued, with particular a…
In January, US business activity maintained a steady pace, as gains in new orders balanced out challenges posed by a sluggish labor market and ongoing concerns over escalating costs linked to tariffs. Data from a recent survey indicated stable performance across manufacturing and services sectors, while price pressures persisted, suggesting inflati…
A recent Reuters survey indicates that economists overwhelmingly expect the Bank of Canada to hold its overnight interest rate steady at 2.25% throughout 2026. Despite mixed economic data—including stagnant job growth in December and inflation slightly above forecasts—policymakers appear cautious, particularly as potential trade tensions with the U…
The Trump administration has issued stern warnings to Iraqi politicians against incorporating Iran-backed armed factions into the upcoming government, citing potential sanctions that could jeopardize Iraq’s vital oil revenues handled through the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. These steps reflect intensified efforts by the U.S. to curtail Iran's …
Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency throughout New York State in anticipation of a significant winter storm forecast to bring heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and frigid temperatures starting Friday and lasting through Monday. Authorities strongly advise residents to stock up on essential supplies to minimize exposure to hazard…
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…
