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.
5,525 total articles
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government will act against speculative or abnormal market moves following a sharp rebound in the yen and recent volatility in Japan government bonds. The yen suddenly jumped after rate checks by the New York Federal Reserve, a move that some traders linked to an increased chance of coordinated U.S.-Japan inte…
Global markets began the year focused on geopolitical disruptions but are poised to pivot toward corporate profit trajectories and central bank policy this week. A heavy slate of S&P 500 earnings, including several megacap names, will test lofty valuations and the promise that AI investments will translate into margins. At the same time, the Federa…
The U.S. Supreme Court, after hearing emergency arguments over President Donald Trump’s attempt to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, seems reluctant to provide a broad decision. Legal observers say the likely outcome is a limited order that preserves the lower court’s injunction and sends the case back for additional factual development, l…
UBS has rebalanced its consumer sector weighting by trimming exposure to U.S. consumers and increasing exposure to European consumers. The move reflects contrasting macro trends: weakening wage and savings dynamics in the U.S. that curb near-term consumption growth, versus healthier balance sheets, residual excess savings and easing energy pressure…
The U.S. administration has imposed a 25% tariff on certain artificial intelligence processors after a nine-month semiconductor probe, drawing attention to efforts to boost domestic chip production and reduce reliance on foreign sources. White House clarifications limit the levy’s scope for data-center imports and give Commerce Secretary Howard Lut…
Morgan Stanley analysts say momentum for equities tied to the United Arab Emirates is likely to continue into 2026, but after a strong 2025 the threshold for beating expectations has risen. The bank upgraded Dubai Taxi and raised outlooks on ADNOC Distribution and Empower, while lowering expectations for tolls operator Salik as some one-off drivers…
The New York Federal Reserve carried out rate checks on the dollar/yen pair around midday on Friday, prompting a swift drop in the dollar against the yen. The checks - conducted by the NY Fed acting as fiscal agent for the U.S. Treasury - coincided with market caution about potential intervention as the yen neared 160 per dollar. The Bank of Japan …
Silver has reached a historic peak above $100 per ounce, while gold is approaching the $5,000 mark as investors increasingly seek refuge in safe-haven assets. This surge is fueled by geopolitical unrest, concerns over tariffs, and potential U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Concurrently, platinum and palladium prices have also recorded signi…
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…
