How rising energy prices will impact European sectors
Tuesday, March 17,2026,07:00
Last week, we argued that Europe should be better able to deal with higher energy prices than during the 2022 energy crisis. While the exposure is not evenly distributed across sectors, we argue that even the most energy-intensive sectors are in a better position today than they were in 2022. Energy price exposure remains highly ... .. read more..
Will Europe fiscalise the latest energy price shock?
Tuesday, March 17,2026,07:00
European governments are expected to cut taxes on transport fuels as their first line of defence against a sharp rise in energy prices, though broader fiscal support could follow if prices remain elevated, Citi Research said in a recent note. Crude oil and short-dated gas prices have risen around 45% and 65% respectively since the ... .. read more..
Barclays cuts euro area 2026 growth to 1.1%, sees ECB on hold amid Middle East
Tuesday, March 17,2026,07:00
Euro area growth faces mounting pressure from the Middle East conflict and tighter financial conditions, with the European Central Bank expected to hold its benchmark deposit rate at 2% at its March 19 meeting, Barclays Research said in a recent note. The brokerage projected euro area real GDP growth slowing to 1.1% in 2026 from ... .. read more..
ECB preview: Time for a panic room in the ECB’s ‘good place’
Tuesday, March 17,2026,07:00
We don’t know if ECB President Christine Lagarde has a favourite actor, but if the run‑up to next week’s meeting was turned into a Hollywood film, Jodie Foster would be our pick – not as Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs, but as the mother hiding from burglars in a panic room. For ... .. read more..
German Economic Confidence Plunges Amid Escalating Middle East Tension
Tuesday, March 17,2026,06:59
German investor confidence declined significantly in March as the escalating Middle East tension challenges economic recovery and poses risk to inflation. The investor sentiment index declined to -0.5 from +58.3 in February. The score hit the lowest since April 2025 and remained well below the expected score of +38.7. .. read more..
Croatia Inflation Confirmed At 3.8%
Tuesday, March 17,2026,06:43
Consumer price inflation in Croatia increased as initially estimated in February to the highest level in three months. The consumer price index climbed 3.8 percent year-on-year in February, following a 3.4 percent rise in January, in line with the flash data published on March 3. The annual price growth in food and non-alcoholic beverages accelerated to 2.9 percent from 2.1 percent. .. read more..
Italy Inflation Rises Less Than Estimated
Tuesday, March 17,2026,06:19
Consumer price inflation in Italy increased less than initially estimated in February to the highest level in five months. Consumer price inflation accelerated to 1.5 percent in February from January's 1.0 percent. In the flash estimate, the increase was 1.6 percent. The acceleration in inflation was primarily driven by the trend in prices for transport-related services. .. read more..
Indonesia Keeps Key Rates Unchanged
Tuesday, March 17,2026,05:40
Indonesia's central bank left its benchmark interest rates unchanged on Tuesday as policymakers focus on stabilizing the rupiah exchange rate amid worsening global conditions due to the war in the Middle East. .. read more..
Swiss Producer And Import Prices Fall 0.3%
Tuesday, March 17,2026,04:03
Switzerland's producer and import prices continued to decline in February, largely due to falls in prices for pharmaceutical and chemical products. The producer and import price index posted a monthly fall of 0.3 percent in February, following a 0.2 decline in January. Prices have been falling since May 2025. .. read more..
Singapore Non-oil Domestic Exports Rise 4.0%
Tuesday, March 17,2026,02:41
The growth in Singapore's non-oil domestic exports moderated in February amid a fall in outflows of non-electronics. Non-oil domestic exports climbed 4.0 percent year-over-year in February, slower than the 9.2 percent surge in the previous month. Moreover, this was the weakest growth in the current six-month rising streak. The expected expansion was 4.9 percent. .. read more..
Japan Tertiary Activity Index Climbs 1.7%
Tuesday, March 17,2026,02:19
Japan's tertiary activity index rose for the first time in three months in January. The seasonally adjusted tertiary activity index climbed 1.7 percent on a monthly basis, reversing a 0.8 percent decline in December. All sectors expanded except living and amusement-related services and real estate activities. .. read more..
European Economic News Preview: German ZEW Economic Confidence Due
Tuesday, March 17,2026,01:51
Economic confidence from Germany and final inflation from Italy are the top economic news due on Tuesday. At 3.30 am ET, the Federal Statistical Office publishes Swiss producer prices for February. At 5.00 am ET, Italy's statistical office ISTAT is scheduled to release flash inflation data for February. The preliminary estimate showed that consumer price inflation rose to 1.6 percent from 1.0 pe .. read more..
Australia Raises Key Interest Rate For Second Straight Time
Tuesday, March 17,2026,01:39
The Reserve Bank of Australia lifted its benchmark rate for the second straight time as the conflict in the Middle East poses material risk to inflation. In a close call, the policy board, governed by Michele Bullock, decided to hike the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 4.10 percent. The decision was made by a majority vote, with five members voting to raise the rate. .. read more..
India bonds under pressure as state debt supply swells, oil stays elevated
Tuesday, March 17,2026,01:23
Indian government bonds saw a decline early Tuesday due to substantial state debt supply nearing the financial year's end and oil prices remaining above $100 a barrel. States are set to raise a record 584.20 trillion rupees, while Brent crude hovers near $103 amid supply concerns. Traders are also monitoring the Reserve Bank of India's liquidity operations. .. read more..
Australia Raises Key Rate By 25 Bps
Tuesday, March 17,2026,00:23
The Reserve Bank of Australia raised its benchmark rate for the second straight time, citing material risk that inflation will remain above target for longer than anticipated. .. read more..
investingLive Asia-Pacific FX news wrap: RBA raised its cash rate by 25bp
Monday, March 16,2026,23:54
Reserve Bank of Australia raise its cash rate by 25bps, as widely expected BOJ’s Ueda says inflation rising toward 2% ahead of policy meeting - recap Tanker struck near Strait of Hormuz as UK maritime agency warns ships Australian confidence hits pandemic low as inflation expectations surge before RBA hike Fed faces new inflation shock as Middle East war cuts rate-cut odds this year to 47% Japan officials signal vigilance on yields, fiscal policy and FX as yen weakness persists PBOC sets USD/ CNY central rate at 6.8961 (vs. estimate at 6.8874) Morgan Stanley sees Fed cuts starting June, warns oil at $125–$150 raises recession risk BOJ’s Ueda says inflation rising toward 2% target ahead of... .. read more..
Singapore February exports rise 4.0% y/y, missing forecasts of 5.5%
Monday, March 16,2026,20:35
Singapore’s February exports rose 4.0% y/y, missing expectations as electronics gains were partly offset by weaker non-electronics shipments. Summary: Singapore’s non-oil domestic exports (NODX) rose 4.0% year-on-year in February, below expectations for a 5.5% increase in a Reuters poll. Export growth was driven by electronics shipments, particularly integrated circuits and disk media products. Non-electronics exports declined, limiting the overall expansion in shipments. Exports to South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong increased, while shipments to Indonesia and the United States fell. The data comes as U.S. authorities launch trade investigations into several partners, including Singapore, ... .. read more..
Union Bank to raise Rs 20,000 crore
Monday, March 16,2026,20:27
Union Bank of India plans to raise ₹20,000 crore, potentially including ₹7,500 crore with a 10-year tenor before March 31. The bank will also issue green bonds up to ₹5,000 crore, following a trend among public sector banks after Bank of Baroda's successful green bond issuance. .. read more..
Cruise lines face fuel cost surge as oil prices jump on Iran tensions
Monday, March 16,2026,18:16
Cruise lines face rising fuel costs as oil prices surge 35% during the Iran conflict, threatening profits during peak booking season for summer trips. .. read more..
Australia Rate Decision On Tap For Tuesday
Monday, March 16,2026,18:01
The Reserve Bank of Australia will wrap up its monetary policy on Tuesday and then announce its decision on interest rates, highlighting a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. The RBA is expected to hike its benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points, to 4.10 percent from 3.85 percent. .. read more..
India Wholesale Inflation Rises to 1-Year High
Monday, March 16,2026,18:00
India’s wholesale prices rose 2.13% year-on-year in February 2026, accelerating from a 1.81% increase in January and exceeding expectations of a 2% gain. This marked the fastest rise since February last year, driven by a pickup in inflation for primary articles (3.27% vs 2.21% in January), mainly due to higher costs of food articles (2.19% ... .. read more..
Fed to hold rates as inflation stays hot, first cut seen in September: Barclays
Monday, March 16,2026,18:00
U.S. economic data are sending mixed signals, with softer demand at the end of last year but signs of resilience early in 2026, while persistent inflation is likely to keep the Federal Reserve cautious about easing policy, according to Barclays. The bank said incoming figures suggest growth slowed at the turn of the year, even ... .. read more..
Morgan Stanley says Fed risks are skewed towards later and more cuts
Monday, March 16,2026,18:00
Morgan Stanley said risks around the Federal Reserve’s policy path are skewed toward rate cuts arriving later than expected and potentially being larger than currently forecast, as inflation dynamics remain uncertain. The bank noted that core PCE inflation, the Fed’s preferred gauge, is likely to show strong readings in the first quarter, with the three-month ... .. read more..
China Data Points to Firm Start to 2026 Despite External Risks
Monday, March 16,2026,18:00
China posted a solid start to 2026, with key activity indicators exceeding expectations in the combined January–February period, according to the statistics agency. Industrial output and retail sales both grew faster than forecast, highlighting momentum in manufacturing and consumer spending. Fixed-asset investment also surprised on the upside, rising 1.8% against market calls for a 0.4% ... .. read more..
China beats dreary expectations, but more work needed to support growth
Monday, March 16,2026,18:00
Property prices continued to decline, albeit at a slower pace One of the core drivers of China’s soft domestic demand has been the protracted downturn in the property cycle, which has been a notable drag on household confidence and investment. The price decline continued in February. New home prices fell by -0.28% month-on-month, while used ... .. read more..
US Homebuilder Sentiment Edges Up
Monday, March 16,2026,18:00
The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index in the US edged up to 38 in March 2026 from 37 in each of the previous two months, compared to forecasts of 37. Current sales conditions increased one point to 42. Sales expectations in the next six months gained two points to 49 and traffic of prospective buyers ... .. read more..
Goldman Sachs cuts Europe 2026 growth forecast to 1% as energy prices surge
Monday, March 16,2026,18:00
Goldman Sachs cut its European growth outlook and reshuffled sector recommendations after its commodities strategists revised oil forecasts to $77 per barrel on average in 2026 and gas prices to 46 EUR/MWh on average, the brokerage said in a recent report. The economists now see Q4/Q4 Euro area growth of 1% this year, with headline ... .. read more..
Markets may be underestimating how the Iran war could hit the global economy
Monday, March 16,2026,18:00
Beyond the battlefield, the Iran war is exposing fragile economic chokepoints from energy routes to fertilisers and industrial gases, raising concerns among economists that supply disruptions could shape global prices and trade long after the conflict ends. Markets may be underestimating how damaging the Iran war could become for the global economy if the conflict ... .. read more..
China Industrial Output Growth Beats Estimates
Monday, March 16,2026,18:00
China’s industrial production rose 6.3% yoy in the combined January–February period of 2026, accelerating from a 5.2% growth in December and exceeding market expectations of 5.1%. Activity strengthened across major sectors, including mining (6.1% vs 5.4% in December), manufacturing (6.6% vs 5.7%), and utilities—electricity, heat, gas, and water—(4.7% vs 0.8%). Within manufacturing, 35 of 41 ... .. read more..
China Retail Sales Grow More than Expected
Monday, March 16,2026,18:00
China’s retail sales rose 2.8% year-on-year in the first two months of 2026, accelerating from a 0.9% gain in December and exceeding market expectations of a 2.5% rise. It was the strongest retail trade growth since last October, as holiday spending provided an early boost. Sales increased sharply for grains, oil, and food products (10.2% ... .. read more..
Bessent says China trade meetings stable, tariff regime discussed
Monday, March 16,2026,18:00
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described trade meetings with China as very good on Monday, characterizing the relationship as stable. Bessent told CNBC that discussions covered a new tariff regime during the China trade meetings. He added that the U.S. does not want to decouple from China but is pursuing strategic change. Regarding a potential ... .. read more..
China Jobless Rate at 6-Month High
Monday, March 16,2026,18:00
China’s surveyed urban unemployment rate rose to 5.3% in February 2026 from 5.2% in the previous month and above market expectations of 5.1%. Among the locally registered labor force, the unemployment rate edged higher to 5.4% from 5.3% in the previous five months, while the rate for the migrant labor force grew 5% from 4.8% ... .. read more..
New Zealand Food Price Index +0.1% m/m in February (prior +2.5%)
Monday, March 16,2026,17:52
New Zealand food prices -0.1 percent in February prior +2.5% For the y/y, +4.5% Data from Statistics New Zealand. Food prices make up nearly 19 percent of the consumer price index. This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at investinglive.com. .. read more..
Electric school bus mandates bring new costs for taxpayers, districts
Monday, March 16,2026,17:49
A new report citing school officials says that electric school buses demand significantly higher operating costs than their traditional diesel counterparts. .. read more..
South Korea Export Prices +10.7% On Year In February
Monday, March 16,2026,17:19
Export prices in South Korea were up 10.7 percent on year in February, the Bank of Korea said on Tuesday - accelerating from 7.8 percent in January. .. read more..
Trump has asked China to delay the meeting with Xi for a month
Monday, March 16,2026,16:57
Trump on his visit to China to see Xi: "I'd love to go, but I have to be here because of the war." "We asked to delay it a month." Was scheduled for March 31-April 2. This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at investinglive.com. .. read more..
investingLive Americas FX news wrap 16 Mar:Risk-On Monday: Stocks up, USD dow...
Monday, March 16,2026,16:21
US and Iran have been in direct contact in recent days - report NVDA stock chops: Huang sees "at least $1 trillion" in revenue visibility through 2027 Oil settles near the lows of the day, falling $5 One of the greatest oil traders of all-time thinks the Treasury got involved in the market Trump: Not happy with the UK. European indices off to a positive start for the week Trump: Continued in full force over the past few days What are the TACO trades? US March NAHB housing market index 38 vs 37 expected US February industrial production vs +0.2% expected March Empire Fed manufacturing survey index -0.20 versus 3.90 estimate Canada February CPI +1.8% vs +1.9% expected investingLive European... .. read more..
US and Iran have been in direct contact in recent days - report
Monday, March 16,2026,15:38
Axios reports : A direct communications channel between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been reactivated in recent days, according to a U.S. official and a source with knowledge. Trump today said they weren't talking about a deal but it would make sense that both sides would at least want to establish some channels. The Axios report says it's not clear how substantive the messages passed were but they're the first known communication. The foreign min has repeatedly tweeted throughout the war. Yesterday he wrote: Iran has neither sought a truce nor talks. Such claims are delusional. Our Powerful Armed Forces will keep firing until POTUS realizes tha... .. read more..
'Empty refrigerators and eviction notices': TSA union leaders demand end to D...
Monday, March 16,2026,14:55
TSA workers in Atlanta face a mounting financial crisis as the Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues, with agents dealing with evictions and hardships. .. read more..
Chinese economy demonstrates resilience in face of external volatility
Monday, March 16,2026,14:00
China’s economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The country is proactively addressing geopolitical challenges, with a strategic pivot toward bolstering domestic stability and certainty as a bulwark against external volatility, Yao Jingyuan, special researcher at the Counsellors’ Office of the State Council, said at a forum hosted by the All-China Journalists Association on Friday. “Geopolitical complexities ... .. read more..
Asia-Pacific allies sign $57 billion in deals with U.S. firms, Burgum says
Monday, March 16,2026,14:00
Asia-Pacific allies agreed to $57 billion worth of deals with U.S. companies during the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Forum held in Tokyo this weekend, U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said on Sunday. Speaking in an interview on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Burgum said the agreements span 22 separate deals involving American energy companies. He added ... .. read more..
US Economy: $100 oil triggers a dual-edged sword for domestic growth
Monday, March 16,2026,14:00
As persistently tests the $100-per-barrel mark amid the escalating U.S.-Israel-Iran war, the traditional calculus of “oil shocks” is undergoing a structural reassessment. Surging energy costs have historically acted as a primary drag on American consumer spending. But the United States’ evolution into the world’s largest crude producer has fundamentally altered the transmission mechanism between global ... .. read more..
US Manufacturing Output Rises More Than Expected
Monday, March 16,2026,14:00
Manufacturing output in the United States rose 0.2% month-over-month in February 2026, more than market expectations of 0.1% and after moving up 0.8% in January. Durable manufacturing output edged up 0.1%, with mixed results across categories; the index for motor vehicles and parts posted the largest gain, and the index for machinery posted the largest ... .. read more..
Trump: Not happy with the UK.
Monday, March 16,2026,13:02
On the Strait of Hormuz, potential coalition, Rubio will announce a countries. Spoke to Macron on Sunday. Rates France effort an 8 on a scale of 10. Very surprised with the UK Was not happy with the UK. I think they will be involved. Iran wants to make a deal. On Iran, I don't know if they are ready yet. Ship owners don't want to take a chance driving through the Strait We are pounding the coast hard We don't know if the Supreme Leader is dead or not We don't know if they've set any mines We don't know their leaders I don't know if they're ready yet They're negotiating I think we're going to get Strait going very soon We do have other nations coming in They weren't supposed to go after al... .. read more..
Iran war unlikely to trigger global supply chain crisis, Goldman Sachs says
Monday, March 16,2026,12:37
Goldman Sachs analysis finds the Iran war will boost oil prices, increase inflation and reduce global GDP growth, but is unlikely to lead to a pandemic-style supply chain crisis. .. read more..
Trump: Continued in full force over the past few days
Monday, March 16,2026,12:25
Continued in full force of the past few days USS struck more than 7000 targets Have hit mostly commercial and military targets. Have 3 missile and drone manufacturing sites today. Have destroyed 30 mine laying ships Not sure if any mines have been dropped in. Encourage other nations to come and help the US Numerous countries have told me they are on the way. Some nations enthusiastic, some aren't. Expect very few shots retaken, Iran has very few shots left We are double the output by 2 times of any country. Not sure countries want me to say if they are helping FYI Top Producers (barrels/day) United States — ~13–14M bbl/day (record highs driven by Permian Basin shale) Saudi Arabia — ~9.6M ... .. read more..
What are the TACO trades?
Monday, March 16,2026,10:56
Trading is 90% preparation and 10% execution so let's spend some time preparing for an end to war. The market is clearly optimistic today but that could just be an unwind of fears of weekend escalation. There are so many moving parts here and iterations of how it could end but let's make one simple assumption: The free flow of oil through Hormuz is re-established. Whether that's a Trump TACO or Iran capitulation is largely irrelevant in terms of most market moves. So let's say the oil gets moving again and the headline hits. What are the trades you want to think about? 1) Short oil This is the obvious one and it's the big one. It's the torque on any kind of post-war trade and the clearest... .. read more..
U.S. Homebuilder Confidence Improves Modestly In March
Monday, March 16,2026,10:51
The National Association of Home Builders released a report on Monday showing a modest improvement in U.S. homebuilder confidence in the month of March. The report said the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index inched up to 38 in March from an upwardly revised 37 in February. .. read more..
U.S. Industrial Production Rises 0.2% In February, Slightly More Than Expected
Monday, March 16,2026,10:43
A report released by the Federal Reserve on Monday showed industrial production in the U.S. increased by slightly more than expected in the month of February. The Fed said industrial production rose by 0.2 percent in February after climbing by 0.7 percent in January. Economists had expected industrial production to inch up by 0.1 percent. .. read more..
New York Manufacturing Index Unexpectedly Dips Into Negative Territory In March
Monday, March 16,2026,10:03
New York manufacturing activity was little changed in the month of March, according to a report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on Monday. The New York Fed said its general business conditions index fell to a negative 0.2 in March from a positive 7.1 in February, with a negative reading indicating contraction. Economists had expected the index to drop to 3.2. .. read more..