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Inflation

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

Malaysia Aims for Lower Inflation in 2025 as Subsidy Reform Takes Shape

Malaysia expects inflation to moderate towards the lower end of its target range in 2025, driven by a phased rollback of fuel subsidies, according to Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Ramli outlined a "surgical approach" to removing fuel subsidies, focusing on higher-income

Singapore's MAS May Hold Off on Easing Despite Low Inflation

Singapore's Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) may hold off on easing monetary policy at its January review, despite slowing inflation, as the central bank seeks to assess the impact of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, analysts told Reuters. This comes as data next week,

Fed Cuts Rates, But Mortgage Costs Climb Higher

Despite the Federal Reserve's efforts to lower interest rates and potentially make homes more affordable, mortgage costs continue to rise, reports the Wall Street Journal. This unexpected outcome is driven by several factors, including rising long-term Treasury yields and stubborn inflation. Average 30-year mortgage rates have climbed to