Japan core CPI slows to 1.6% as BOJ weighs rate hikes
The BOJ plans a new summer indicator to strip out one-off policy effects as it weighs hikes amid weak yen, higher oil prices and subsidy-driven CPI swings.
2 min read
Economy
Macro indicators, policy shifts, and economic forces shaping growth and inflation.
Premier Li Qiang vows balanced trade after China logs $1.2 trillion surplus
Beijing promised more balanced trade and stronger protections for multinationals as FDI fell 5.7% in January and scrutiny grew in Washington and Brussels.
3 min read
China pledges balanced trade amid $1.2 trillion surplus
China pledged stepped-up measures to ease trade imbalances while exports surge and foreign investment lags.
3 min read
Premier Li pitches China as steadier partner at China Development Forum
China told multinational executives it will promote balanced trade and address surplus concerns during a tariff truce with the US.
2 min read
Middle East conflict hits March PMI forecasts worldwide
March PMIs are expected to slip as the Middle East conflict lifts energy costs and weakens business sentiment.
2 min read
Strait of Hormuz closure sends oil to post‑Ukraine highs
The U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran choked Persian Gulf shipments and closed the Strait of Hormuz. Global oil prices jumped to levels not seen since 2022.
1 min read
Iran conflict pushes oil prices to highest since mid-2022
Iraq cut output by more than two-thirds. U.S. average gasoline rose to about $3.54 per gallon, up 21% from a month ago.
1 min read
Q4 GDP hits 1.4% as federal shutdown drags growth
Trump said the shutdown cost “at least two points” off GDP and urged lower interest rates.
1 min read
The Next Commodity Supercycle: What drives it and who wins
Top miners cut capex from $145.7B in 2013 to $109.2B in 2023.
34 min read
PM Sanae Takaichi vows two-year suspension of 8% food sales tax
The BOJ raised its policy rate to 0.75% and the IMF said moving toward neutral by 2027 would help anchor expectations.
2 min read
Soft-landing odds rise amid easing US inflation
Core CPI eased to 2.5% and employers added 130,000 jobs in January. UK unemployment rose to 5.2% while wages grew 4.2%.
2 min read
US Assets Sold Amid Tariff Fears as Precious Metals Rally
Investors are offloading US stocks and bonds while gold and silver hit record highs amid trade tensions.
2 min read