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Today: March 19, 2025
Today: March 19, 2025

inflation

Economy|Europe|Finance|Political

Trade, defence shocks risk amplifying euro zone inflation, Lagarde warns

The euro zone economy is facing exceptional shocks from trade, defence and climate issues, possibly amplifying inflation volatility and raising the risk that price growth becomes

Trade, defence shocks risk amplifying euro zone inflation, Lagarde warns
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Political

Pakistan pauses rate cuts, but likely not for long

With inflation cooling, Pakistan's central bank hit pause on its multiple rounds of monetary easing that might have risked destabilising its currency or worsening

Pakistan pauses rate cuts, but likely not for long
Economy|Environment|Europe|Finance|Political

ECB to tackle fundamental questions in strategy assessment

The European Central Bank is launching a fresh strategy assessment seen covering some big questions on the way it works - from whether massive bond buys remain a good policy tool

ECB to tackle fundamental questions in strategy assessment
Asia|Business|Economy

Major Japan firms agree to big wage hikes, impact on BOJ policy in focus

Many of Japan's biggest companies from tech conglomerates to Toyota have met union demands for substantial wage hikes for a third consecutive year, seeking to help

Major Japan firms agree to big wage hikes, impact on BOJ policy in focus
Business|Economy|Europe|Food|Political

Hungary's leader orders price controls on basic foods as inflation spikes

Hungary’s government is limiting the profit margin for grocers on a number of basic food items in response to growing inflation hitting consumers in the Central European country

Hungary's leader orders price controls on basic foods as inflation spikes
Business|Economy|Political|US

US small business confidence extends decline in February

U.S. small-business confidence dropped for a third straight month in February, wiping away much of the gains notched in the aftermath of President Donald Trump's election

US small business confidence extends decline in February
Economy|Europe|Finance|Political

Swedish Riksbank's Thedeen says higher inflation outcomes call for vigilance

Recent inflation outcomes in Sweden have been slightly higher than expected but it remains to be seen how much is due to temporary factors, Riksbank Governor Erik Thedeen said on

Swedish Riksbank's Thedeen says higher inflation outcomes call for vigilance
Asia|Business|Economy|Political

Japan government to work with BOJ on rising living costs, economy minister says

Japan's Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa said on Tuesday the government will work closely with the Bank of Japan (BOJ) in reaching its 2% inflation target as rising

Japan government to work with BOJ on rising living costs, economy minister says
Asia|Economy|World

Indonesia's central bank uses Ramadan sermons to preach on inflation

Waiting to break their fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, clerics in the Indonesian town of Majalengka gathered for an unusual

Indonesia's central bank uses Ramadan sermons to preach on inflation
Australia|Business|Economy

Australian consumer confidence hits 3-year high in March, survey says

Australian consumer sentiment hit a three-year high in March as slowing inflation and the first interest rate cut in over four years helped lift the gloomy mood for consumers, a

Australian consumer confidence hits 3-year high in March, survey says
Americas|Economy|Finance|Political

Argentina analysts see 2025 inflation at 23.3%

Argentine analysts held their forecasts for this year's inflation nearly steady, according to the central bank's market expectations survey published on Monday, predicting year-end

Argentina analysts see 2025 inflation at 23.3%
Business|Economy|Political|US

BlackRock CEO Fink says nationalistic US policies to stoke inflation

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said on Monday that inflation in the United States will be elevated by nationalistic policies, including the

BlackRock CEO Fink says nationalistic US policies to stoke inflation
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|Stock Markets|US

Fed to deliver rapid-fire rate cuts if economic downturn happens, traders bet

The Federal Reserve won't lower interest rates at its policy meeting next week, but could deliver the first of a set of rapid-fire reductions in borrowing costs in June if rising fears of

Fed to deliver rapid-fire rate cuts if economic downturn happens, traders bet
Economy|Finance|MidEast|Political|World

Bank of Israel stays cautiously optimistic on inflation, rates outlook

Bank of Israel policymakers are cautiously optimistic that inflation will ease later in 2025 in the wake of uncertainty stemming from the effects of Israel's war

Bank of Israel stays cautiously optimistic on inflation, rates outlook
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|US

NY Fed: Worry over outlook increases amid stable inflation expectations

By Michael S.

NY Fed: Worry over outlook increases amid stable inflation expectations
Business|Economy|Europe|Finance

ECB must remain open-minded on whether to keep cutting rates or pause, Kazimir says

There are still plenty of upside risks to euro zone inflation, so the European Central Bank must remain open-minded on whether to press ahead with interest rate cuts or pause

ECB must remain open-minded on whether to keep cutting rates or pause, Kazimir says
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|MidEast

Pakistan unexpectedly halts easing cycle, keeping key interest rate at 12%

Pakistan's central bank unexpectedly halted its easing cycle on Monday, keeping its key policy rate at 12%, saying there could still be price risks including from an

Pakistan unexpectedly halts easing cycle, keeping key interest rate at 12%
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance

India inflation likely eased below 4% in February for the first time in six months

India's February consumer inflation likely eased below the Reserve Bank of India's medium-term target of 4.0% for the first time in six months on moderating food

India inflation likely eased below 4% in February for the first time in six months
Asia|Business|Economy

Japan's real wages drop in January, spring wage talks in focus

Japan's real wages fell in January after two months of slight gains, data showed on Monday, days before the annual rounds of pay negotiations held each spring

Japan's real wages drop in January, spring wage talks in focus
Business|Economy|Political|US

Fed's Kugler warns on uncertainty and tariff risks to economy

Federal Reserve Governor Adriana Kugler said Friday it still remains challenging getting a handle on the impact of the Trump tariff regime, in a climate where these sorts of policies could

Fed's Kugler warns on uncertainty and tariff risks to economy
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|US

Powell says tariffs could feed inflation, Fed must wait to determine the impact

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said it remains to be seen if the Trump administration's tariff plans will prove to be inflationary, mapping

Powell says tariffs could feed inflation, Fed must wait to determine the impact
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|US

Morgan Stanley cuts US growth forecast for 2025 on tariff concerns

Morgan Stanley lowered its 2025 economic growth forecast for the United States on Friday, citing greater impact from tariffs and a still-tight labor market resulting in higher inflation.

Morgan Stanley cuts US growth forecast for 2025 on tariff concerns
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|US

Fed's Kugler says rate policy likely on hold for some time

U.S. Federal Reserve Governor Adriana Kugler said on Friday that rising inflation risks argue for an extended period of steady central bank interest rate policy.

Fed's Kugler says rate policy likely on hold for some time
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|Stock Markets|US

Fed Chair Powell says he’s not worried about the economy amid Trump’s tariff chaos

Fed Chair Powell says he’s not worried about the economy amid Trump’s tariff chaos

Fed Chair Powell says he’s not worried about the economy amid Trump’s tariff chaos
Business|Economy|Europe|Finance

ECB's Centeno says euro zone inflation 'almost out of the woods'

European Central Bank policymaker Mario Centeno said on Friday he expects inflation to fall to its medium-term target of 2% in a sustainable manner since euro zone inflation is "

ECB's Centeno says euro zone inflation 'almost out of the woods'
Economy|Political|US

Why should America worry about Trump? Try the price of eggs, say some Democrats

Democrats are hopeful their party's road to recovery lies in the price of eggs

Why should America worry about Trump? Try the price of eggs, say some Democrats
Business|Economy|Europe|Finance

Both upside and downside risks for Swedish inflation, Riksbank's Breman says

There are upside and downside risks for inflation in Sweden and the central bank has to be watchful and ready to act if needed, Riksbank First Deputy Governor Anna Breman said on

Both upside and downside risks for Swedish inflation, Riksbank's Breman says
Asia|Economy|Europe|Finance|Political|Stock Markets|US|World

Change is in the air

Fast-moving developments on Ukraine and Europe will no doubt continue to dominate financial markets this week, while U.S. data includes key inflation numbers and China looks determined to

Change is in the air
Asia|Economy|Finance|Political

Japan ready to declare end to deflation, economy minister says

Japan has cleared the key threshold for the government to officially declare an end to long-term price deflation, economy minister Ryosei Akazawa said on Friday.

Japan ready to declare end to deflation, economy minister says
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance

Inflation risks may stir BOJ discussion of rate hike in May, sources say

Inflationary pressure from wage gains and prolonged rises in food costs could prompt Bank of Japan board members to discuss another interest rate

Inflation risks may stir BOJ discussion of rate hike in May, sources say
Business|Economy|Finance|US

Fed's Waller, leaning against March cut, sees easings later in year

By Michael S.

Fed's Waller, leaning against March cut, sees easings later in year
Americas|Business|Economy|Political|US

Trump's trade war draws swift retaliation with new tariffs from Mexico, Canada and China

President Donald Trump’s trade war against America’s three biggest trading partners drew immediate retaliation from Mexico, Canada and China

Trump's trade war draws swift retaliation with new tariffs from Mexico, Canada and China
Business|Economy|Finance|US

Mortgage rates have declined but could stay at a level that makes it tough to afford a home

Mortgage rates eased this week for the seventh week in a row, a trend that gives prospective home shoppers more financial flexibility just as the spring homebuying season gets going

Mortgage rates have declined but could stay at a level that makes it tough to afford a home
Business|Economy|Europe

John Lewis and Currys latest UK retailers to give inflation-busting pay rises

The John Lewis Partnership and Currys on Thursday became the latest major British retailers to give their staff inflation-beating pay rises which only partly reflect a hike in the

John Lewis and Currys latest UK retailers to give inflation-busting pay rises
Business|Economy|Europe|Finance|Political

UK inflation hump unlikely to lead to long-term price pressures, BoE's Mann says

Bank of England policymaker Catherine Mann said on Thursday a pick up in inflation was unlikely to lead to longer-term price problems in Britain's economy, and that

UK inflation hump unlikely to lead to long-term price pressures, BoE's Mann says
Business|Economy|Europe|Finance|Political

Lagarde's statement after ECB policy meeting

Following is the text of European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde's statement after the bank's policy meeting on Thursday: Link to statement on ECB website: Good afternoon, the

Lagarde's statement after ECB policy meeting
Business|Economy|Finance|US

US fourth-quarter worker productivity revised higher

U.S. worker productivity grew a bit faster than initially thought in the fourth quarter, helping to curb labor costs and providing a boost in the fight against inflation. 

US fourth-quarter worker productivity revised higher
Economy|Finance|Political|US

Fed's Harker says warning signs emerging for US economy

By Michael S.

Fed's Harker says warning signs emerging for US economy
Business|Economy|Europe|Finance|Political

ECB cuts rates again but risk of April pause growing

The European Central Bank cut interest rates again on Thursday but warned of "phenomenal uncertainty" including the risk that trade wars and

ECB cuts rates again but risk of April pause growing
Business|Economy|Europe|Finance

ECB cuts rates for sixth time in face of economic upheaval

The European Central Bank cut interest rates for the sixth time in nine months on Thursday, sticking to its easing plan in the face of economic upheaval from an unfolding trade

ECB cuts rates for sixth time in face of economic upheaval
Business|Economy|Europe|Finance|Political|Stock Markets

ECB cuts rates again, euro rallies

The European Central Bank cut interest rates as expected on Thursday and kept the door ajar to more, even as a looming trade war with the U.S. and plans to boost military spending

ECB cuts rates again, euro rallies
Economy|Finance|MidEast|Political|World

Turkey's central bank lowers key interest rate as inflation slows

Turkey’s central bank has lowered its key interest rate by a further 2.5 percentage points days after official figures indicated a slowdown in inflation that has eroded households’ purchasing power

Turkey's central bank lowers key interest rate as inflation slows
Business|Economy|Europe|Finance

UK firms see faster price rises and smaller pay increases, BoE survey shows

British companies expect to raise prices faster in the coming 12 months, and their expectations for staffing numbers eased due to a rise in employment costs in April, a Bank of

UK firms see faster price rises and smaller pay increases, BoE survey shows
Business|Economy|Political|US

Will you pay more for gas under the new Canada tariffs? Depends on where you live

Will you pay more for gas under the new Canada tariffs? Depends on where you live

Will you pay more for gas under the new Canada tariffs? Depends on where you live
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|US

US service sector expands in February; price growth accelerates

U.S. services sector growth unexpectedly picked up in February and prices for inputs increased, which combined with a recent surge in the cost of raw materials

US service sector expands in February; price growth accelerates
Economy|Europe|Finance

Swiss inflation falls to lowest in nearly four years

Swiss inflation fell to its lowest level in nearly four years in February, government data showed on Wednesday, increasing the likelihood the Swiss central bank will cut rates later

Swiss inflation falls to lowest in nearly four years
Economy|Environment|Political|US

Fact-checking Trump’s address to Congress

Fact-checking Trump’s address to Congress

Fact-checking Trump’s address to Congress
Business|Economy|Election|Food|Political

Trump visited their local grocery store during the campaign. They’re holding on to hope that prices fall

Trump visited their local grocery store during the campaign. They’re holding on to hope that prices fall

Trump visited their local grocery store during the campaign. They’re holding on to hope that prices fall
Business|Economy|Europe|Finance

Rate cuts in Poland may start in the second half of 2025, says IMF representative

Monetary policy easing in Poland may begin in the second half of 2025, International Monetary Found (IMF) representative in Poland Geoff Gottlieb said on Wednesday during the

Rate cuts in Poland may start in the second half of 2025, says IMF representative
Business|Economy|Europe|Finance

Euro zone economy treads water again in February, PMI shows

The euro zone economy trod water again last month as a weak expansion in the bloc's dominant services industry was overshadowed by a long-running downturn in manufacturing, a survey

Euro zone economy treads water again in February, PMI shows
Business|Economy|Europe

UK services job cuts intensify before employment tax hike, PMI survey shows

British services firms in February cut staff at the fastest pace since 2020 ahead of tax and minimum-wage hikes that come into effect next month, an industry survey

UK services job cuts intensify before employment tax hike, PMI survey shows
Business|Economy|Europe|Finance|Political

Italy looks to foreigners as retail bond market loses steam

Italy's campaign to put more of its huge public debt in the hands of small domestic savers will grow increasingly difficult, analysts say, but foreign investors lured

Italy looks to foreigners as retail bond market loses steam
Asia|Business|Economy

Robust demand propels India's services sector growth in February, PMI shows

Growth in India's services sector accelerated in February, supported by robust demand and a firm business outlook that led to a substantial increase in

Robust demand propels India's services sector growth in February, PMI shows
Economy|Political|US

Trump gets poor marks on how he is handling the cost of living, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

Just one in three Americans approve of President Donald Trump's handling of the cost of living in the U.S., a sign of unease as he enacts steep tariffs on imports

Trump gets poor marks on how he is handling the cost of living, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds
Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|US

Ross Stores forecasts annual sales, profit below estimates on weaker demand

Discount retailer Ross Stores forecast annual sales and profit below estimates on Tuesday, joining its larger peers in indicating a dip in consumer demand due to rising inflationary

Ross Stores forecasts annual sales, profit below estimates on weaker demand
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|US

Fed's Williams: Tariffs are inflation risk, rate policy in good place

By Michael S.

Fed's Williams: Tariffs are inflation risk, rate policy in good place
Business|Economy|Political|Stock Markets|US

Storm clouds gather over US economy as Trump kicks off trade war

A U.S. economy praised for its surprising resilience to a pandemic, high inflation, and rapid interest rate hikes faces a new challenge from President Donald

Storm clouds gather over US economy as Trump kicks off trade war
Business|Economy|US

Target braces for first-quarter profit pressure due to tariffs, low demand

Target warned on Tuesday that uncertainty around tariffs would weigh on the retailer's profit in the first quarter and doubled down on sourcing more

Target braces for first-quarter profit pressure due to tariffs, low demand
Economy|Finance|Political|Stock Markets|US

The state of the US economy, in 9 charts

The state of the US economy, in 9 charts

The state of the US economy, in 9 charts
Australia|Business|Economy

Australia's January retail sales post small gain on food-related spending

Australian retail sales posted a small gain in January after a strong showing in the last quarter as consumer spending continued to pick up amid a slowdown in

Australia's January retail sales post small gain on food-related spending
Australia|Business|Economy|Finance

Australia's biggest bank CBA says more rate cuts are not on the horizon

The CEO of Australia's biggest bank said on Tuesday the country’s easing cycle would be “slower and shallower” than what people had been expecting, predicting that further rate cuts

Australia's biggest bank CBA says more rate cuts are not on the horizon
Business|Economy|Europe|Food

UK prices to rise as retailers pass on higher employment costs, BRC says

British retailers will likely push up their prices in the coming months in response to higher employment costs in April, according to a survey on Tuesday which

UK prices to rise as retailers pass on higher employment costs, BRC says
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|Stock Markets|US

Wall St closes lower as Trump sets 25% tariffs, manufacturing data dips

Wall Street's main stock indexes closed sharply lower on Monday after President Donald Trump announced the start of 25% tariffs

Wall St closes lower as Trump sets 25% tariffs, manufacturing data dips
Business|Economy|Europe|Finance

Euro zone inflation ticks lower in boost to ECB rate cut bets

Euro zone inflation dipped a bit less than expected last month but its most closely watched component also dropped, sealing the case for another ECB interest

Euro zone inflation ticks lower in boost to ECB rate cut bets
Asia|Business|Economy

Japan's top currency diplomat cautious about how FX could impact wage growth

Japan's top currency diplomat, Atsushi Mimura, on Monday cautioned about foreign exchange moves and their negative impact on the country's goal of achieving real wage growth.

Japan's top currency diplomat cautious about how FX could impact wage growth
Business|Economy|Europe|Finance|MidEast

Turkish inflation slows to 39.05% in February, below forecasts

Turkish annual consumer price inflation slowed to 39.05% in February, official data showed on Monday, lower than a Reuters poll forecast and sustaining a downtrend since it peaked

Turkish inflation slows to 39.05% in February, below forecasts
Americas|Economy|Political

In address to congress, Argentine President Milei promises IMF deal and lauds economic wins

Argentina’s libertarian president Javier Milei has signaled that a new and much-anticipated deal with the International Monetary Fund is imminent

In address to congress, Argentine President Milei promises IMF deal and lauds economic wins
Americas|Business|Economy|Political

Brazil mulls cutting ethanol import tax in nod to Trump, report says

Brazil's government is considering cutting import taxes on ethanol in a bid to appease U.S.

Brazil mulls cutting ethanol import tax in nod to Trump, report says
Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|US

Inflation, growth may be in conflict but Fed seen restarting cuts in June

New data may point to emerging tension between the U.S.

Inflation, growth may be in conflict but Fed seen restarting cuts in June
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|US

Tariff threats and uncertainty could weigh on consumers, drag down US economy, gov't report suggests

Ongoing tariff threats from Washington and potentially sweeping government job cuts have darkened consumers’ mood and may be weighing on an otherwise mostly healthy economy

Tariff threats and uncertainty could weigh on consumers, drag down US economy, gov't report suggests
Africa|Business|Economy|Political|World

Malawi lowers 2025 growth forecast as inflation spurs protests

Malawi's government trimmed its economic growth forecast for this year in its annual budget on Friday as disgruntled citizens protested in major cities over rising

Malawi lowers 2025 growth forecast as inflation spurs protests
Business|Economy|Political|US

US consumer spending posts first drop in almost two years

U.S. consumer spending fell for the first time in nearly two years in January and the goods trade deficit widened to a record high as businesses front-loaded

US consumer spending posts first drop in almost two years
Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|US

Instant View: January PCE inflation no surprise, cools year on year

The U.S. Commerce Department's Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index increased 0.3% in January after advancing by an unrevised 0.3% in December, data showed on Friday.

Instant View: January PCE inflation no surprise, cools year on year
Business|Economy|Finance|US

Inflation is easing, but another alarm bell is ringing about the US economy

Inflation is easing, but another alarm bell is ringing about the US economy

Inflation is easing, but another alarm bell is ringing about the US economy

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