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Inflation

China's Inflation Nears Zero Despite Stimulus Efforts

China's consumer inflation weakened further in December, ending the year near zero and extending a four-month deceleration, Bloomberg reports. This setback dampens the impact of government stimulus aimed at combating deflation and boosting demand. The consumer price index (CPI) rose just 0.1% year-on-year, matching the median forecast

Thai Inflation Hits Target for First Time in Seven Months: Bloomberg

Thailand's inflation rate has returned to the central bank's target range for the first time in seven months, offering the monetary authority some leeway to resist government calls for further rate cuts amid mounting global economic uncertainty. Consumer prices rose 1.23% year-on-year in December, according

Fed Governor Cautious Despite Recent Inflation "Bump"

Federal Reserve Governor Adriana Kugler expressed cautious optimism about the US economy while acknowledging recent inflationary pressures in an interview on Friday, Bloomberg reports. While acknowledging that the economy is in a good place overall, Kugler stressed the need for further observation to ensure inflation is truly on a downward

Japan's Inflation Accelerates, But Factory Output Dips, Complicating Rate Hike Outlook

Inflation in Tokyo, Japan's capital, accelerated in December, bolstering expectations for an interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ), as reported by Reuters. However, a decline in factory output for November suggests that softening overseas demand could be weighing on the export-reliant Japanese economy. The Tokyo

Soaring Food Prices Dampen Festive Cheer in Russia

Soaring food prices are casting a shadow over holiday celebrations in Russia, forcing many to tighten their belts, reports Reuters. Despite rising wages in some sectors, stubborn inflation has driven up the cost of staples like butter, potatoes, and chicken, significantly eroding purchasing power for many Russians. Reuters spoke with

ECB President Signals End to Inflation Surge, But Cautions on Services and Wages

European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde has indicated that the Eurozone is nearing the point where it can declare victory over the recent surge in inflation, but cautioned that vigilance is still needed, particularly regarding services and wage growth. In an interview with the Financial Times’ Martin Wolf on

Dollar Steady as US Inflation Cools Rate Hike Worries, Yen Remains Vulnerable

The dollar held steady on Monday following the release of US inflation data for November, which showed a modest price increase and eased some concerns about aggressive Federal Reserve rate hikes in the coming year, as reported by Reuters. This development comes as the Fed shifts towards a more measured

Canada Retail Sales Stalled in October, Likely Flat in November: Reuters

Canada's retail sales grew by a modest 0.6% in October, with a surge in new car purchases offsetting weaker consumer spending in key sectors like groceries and beverages, as reported by Reuters. However, preliminary data for November suggests retail sales likely remained flat, indicating a potential slowdown

US Consumer Spending Remains Strong as Inflation Moderates

US consumer spending increased in November, signaling continued strength in the economy despite rising interest rates, reports Reuters. This resilience comes as the Federal Reserve this week projected fewer interest rate cuts in 2025 than previously anticipated. The Commerce Department reported Friday that consumer spending rose 0.4% last month,

Bank of Russia Holds Key Rate Steady Despite Rising Inflation

The Bank of Russia surprised economists by keeping its key interest rate at a record high of 21%, defying expectations of another significant hike to combat persistent inflation, reports Bloomberg. The central bank's decision, announced Friday, comes despite inflation accelerating to 8.9% in November, more than double