OPEC Oil Production Dips in April as Iran, Iraq, and Nigeria Curb Output: Reuters

OPEC oil production declined in April, driven by reduced exports from Iran, Iraq, and Nigeria, according to a Reuters survey released on Tuesday. The survey, based on shipping data and industry sources, revealed that the OPEC pumped 26.49 million barrels per day (bpd) this month, a decrease of 100,

Yen's Weakness Sparks Concerns Over Rising Import Costs and Wage Growth in Japan

The recent depreciation of the Japanese yen, which briefly fell past the 160 mark against the US dollar, has raised concerns among government officials and economists about the impact on import prices and real wage growth in Japan, Nikkei Asia reports. While the yen has since rebounded to 154, speculation

Treasury Yields Edge Higher as Investors Grapple with Mixed Economic Signals

Treasury yields edged higher last week, reflecting investor uncertainty amidst mixed economic data and anticipation of the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) upcoming policy decision, says Raymond James in its latest report. Yields on the intermediate to long end of the curve rose between 3 and 6 basis

Oil Price Outlook: Upside Risks Dominate, Says World Bank

Despite a moderate price increase projected for 2024, the World Bank's latest report on the global crude oil market warns of significant upside risks that could send prices soaring. Escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, and potential disruptions to North American oil production are identified as
Oil Price Outlook: Upside Risks Dominate, Says World Bank

Global Economic Expansion Broadens, But US Growth Slows: S&P Global

The global economic expansion is becoming increasingly broad-based, with Europe and Japan showing signs of accelerating growth, according to the latest Flash PMI data compiled by S&P Global. However, the US economy appears to be bucking this trend. It is experiencing a slowdown in growth and a decline
Global Economic Expansion Broadens, But US Growth Slows: S&P Global

US Labor Market Braces for Mid-Cycle Slowdown

The US labor market is poised to enter a slowdown in the coming months, according to an analysis published by Goldman Sachs last week. The bank cites declining temp penetration, a leading indicator of broader labor market trends, as evidence of the impending slowdown. "With increasing instances of hiring

Corporate Credit Spreads Remain Tight

Corporate credit spreads widened slightly during the last weekly period, but remained tight overall. This indicates that market participants remain confident in the creditworthiness of borrowers and view the overall economy favorably, according to a report by Moody's Analytics. Moody's Ratings long-term average corporate bond spread
Corporate Credit Spreads Remain Tight

Euro Zone Debt-to-GDP Ratio Declines, but Concerns Remain

The aggregate debt-to-GDP ratio in the Eurozone improved in 2023, declining to 88.6% from 90.8% the previous year, per data released by Eurostat. This marks a step towards pre-pandemic levels, when the ratio stood at 84% in 2019. However, the ratio remains significantly higher than its historical norm

Nomura Bullish on Fixed Income, Cautious in Near Term

Nomura is bullish on the fixed income market over the medium term, citing compelling yields and expectations of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve later this year. "Rates are ultimately in deeply restrictive territory and will need to be cut repeatedly to avoid undue pressure on economies that

China Real Estate: Multi-Year Adjustments Needed, RBC Predicts

China's housing market is grappling with significant issues that could hinder the country's economic growth for years to come, according to a memo by Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). Affordability of Chinese Real Estate A key concern highlighted by the asset management firm is affordability. Housing
China Real Estate: Multi-Year Adjustments Needed, RBC Predicts