Economy

Global House Price Declines Moderate Further in Q4 2023, BIS Reports

Global house prices continued their downward trajectory in the fourth quarter of 2023, though at a more moderate pace, falling by 1.2% year-on-year (yoy) in aggregate and in real terms, according to the latest statistics released by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). The recent decline in global house
Global House Price Declines Moderate Further in Q4 2023, BIS Reports

Eurozone Inflation Set to Slow Further, ECB's Lane Suggets Potential Rate Cuts

Eurozone inflation is expected to continue its downward trajectory, with the European Central Bank (ECB) potentially easing its restrictive monetary policy stance in the coming months, according to a speech delivered by ECB Executive Board Member Philip R. Lane earlier this week. Lane highlighted a number of factors supporting this

Outlook for Japanese Yen Remains Weak, Goldman Sachs Predicts

The Japanese yen is projected to remain weak in the coming months, according to an analysis by Goldman Sachs on Wednesday. Despite hitting a 33-year low against the US dollar in April, analysts at the firm believe the yen could stay at or above 150 to the dollar for the

Global Commercial Property Market Still Searching for a Bottom, MSCI Research Says

The global commercial property market remained stuck in a downturn in the first quarter of 2024, with deal volume plunging to its lowest level in over a decade, according to a note published by MSCI Research last week. While some signs point to a potential narrowing of the gap between

US Consumers Tightening Their Belts as Economic Headwinds Mount, Moody's Analytics Reports

American consumers, the driving force behind recent US economic growth, are adopting a more cautious approach to spending as various economic headwinds gather strength, according to a report by Moody's Analytics published last week. While consumer spending has single-handedly fueled GDP growth for the past three quarters, contributing

Mutual Funds Embrace Leverage, Pushing Treasury Futures Holdings to Record Highs

Mutual funds are increasingly turning to Treasury futures to gain exposure to rising interest rates and boost returns, according to a research note published by the Federal Reserve last week. The study reveals a surge in mutual funds’ net long positions in Treasury futures in recent months, reaching record high
Mutual Funds Embrace Leverage, Pushing Treasury Futures Holdings to Record Highs

China Turns to Ultralong Bonds to Boost Economy Amid Slowing Credit Growth

China will begin selling a series of long-term special treasury bonds this week, signaling Beijing's commitment to supporting its slowing economy, as reported by Nikkei Asia. The issuance, totaling 1 trillion yuan ($138 billion), will include 20-, 30-, and 50-year bonds, with the first batch of 30-year bonds

Delayed Fed Rate Cuts Raise Credit Risks and Spillover Concerns, S&P Global Warns

S&P Global has pushed back its forecast for the first Federal Reserve rate cut to December 2024, citing persistent inflation and unexpectedly strong economic data. This delay in easing monetary policy raises concerns about elevated credit risks in the US and potential spillover effects on other economies, particularly
Delayed Fed Rate Cuts Raise Credit Risks and Spillover Concerns, S&P Global Warns

US Consumer Borrowing Growth Slows Amidst High Interest Rates

The pace of consumer borrowing in the United States has slowed dramatically after a period of rapid growth in the wake of the pandemic, according to a report by Moody's Analytics published last week. Several factors are contributing to this trend, including high interest rates, tightening lending standards,
US Consumer Borrowing Growth Slows Amidst High Interest Rates

German Factory Orders Slump for Third Consecutive Month, Casting Shadow on Manufacturing Sector

New factory orders in Germany continued their downward trend in March, falling 0.4% month-over-month, according to a report by Moody's Analytics. This marks the third consecutive monthly decline, underscoring the persistent weakness in demand for industrial goods and raising concerns about the outlook for the German manufacturing