Singapore Non-oil Domestic Exports Rise 4.0%
Tuesday, March 17,2026,06:41
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 17,2026,06:19
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 17,2026,05:51
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 17,2026,05:39
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..
RBA governor Bullock: If we have to change tack on policy, we will do so
Tuesday, March 17,2026,04:50
The world economy actually did okay despite tariffs threat last year It is still possible that if Middle East conflict resolves, everything turns out okay But we are alert to the risks and if circumstances change If the world economy is going to be in big trouble, that will have different implications for inflation And if we have to change tack on policy, we will do so "No comment" on whether herself or Hauser looked to be pushing for a rate hike ahead of today Hauser laid out arguments for hiking and for holding, did not express a view one way or the other Markets perhaps misinterpreted comments by Hauser Not going to divulge what the cash rate recommendation was for today Reaffirms that... .. read more..
RBA governor Bullock: Cash rate was not high enough to bring inflation back t...
Tuesday, March 17,2026,04:33
Inflation was already too high, reflecting the fact that demand was outstripping supply The cash rate was not high enough to bring inflation back to the target Higher petrol prices will add to inflation but they were not the reason for today's decision The risks to inflation have tilted to the upside We must also make sure that higher inflation does not lead to inflation expectations moving higher Will continue to be guided by incoming data And now remarks from the Q&A session: All members agreed that inflation was too high Members voting to hold was voting to do so in a hawkish sense The discussion was about timing, not direction of policy setting Middle East uncertainty is what led ... .. read more..
Australia Raises Key Rate By 25 Bps
Tuesday, March 17,2026,04:23
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..
Reserve Bank of Australia raise its cash rate by 25bps, as widely expected
Tuesday, March 17,2026,03:30
Reserve Bank of Australia vote was (almost) evenly split at 5-4. Summary: The Reserve Bank of Australia raised its cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.1%, delivering a surprise tightening in a narrow 5–4 board vote. Policymakers said inflation had picked up materially in the second half of 2025, reflecting stronger capacity pressures in the economy. The board warned there is a material risk inflation will remain above the 2–3% target range for longer than previously expected. Rising fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict were cited as a key risk that could add further inflation pressure. Short-term inflation expectations have already begun to increase, raising concern about entrench... .. read more..
BOJ’s Ueda says inflation rising toward 2% ahead of policy meeting - recap
Tuesday, March 17,2026,02:58
BOJ Governor Ueda reiterates inflation progress and wage growth focus ahead of policy meeting. Summary: Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda reiterated that underlying inflation is gradually accelerating toward the 2% target. He stressed that sustainable inflation must be supported by wage growth, reinforcing the BOJ’s long-standing policy condition. The comments came ahead of the BOJ’s two-day policy meeting ending Thursday, where rates are widely expected to remain unchanged at 0.75%. Ueda said wages and prices are rising moderately together, as companies become more willing to pass on higher input and labour costs. The BOJ expects underlying inflation to converge toward the 2% target betw... .. read more..
Australian confidence hits pandemic low as inflation expectations surge befor...
Tuesday, March 17,2026,02:31
Australian consumer confidence hits pandemic-era lows while inflation expectations surge ahead of an expected RBA rate hike: Australian dollar supported as markets bet on RBA rate hikes - preview of today's decision Economic & event calendar Asia 17 March 2026, Reserve Bank of Australia rate hike expected Summary: ANZ–Roy Morgan Australian Consumer Confidence fell to 68.5, the lowest level since March 2020 when pandemic lockdowns began. Households are becoming increasingly pessimistic about both the one-year and five-year outlook for the economy. The deterioration in sentiment appears linked to geopolitical uncertainty and shifting expectations around inflation and interest rates. Inf... .. read more..
Interest Rate Decision. Australia, 05:30 (GMT+2)
Tuesday, March 17,2026,02:30
At 05:30 (GMT+2), the Reserve Bank of Australia will announce its interest rate decision: the indicator is likely to be raised to 3.85%. The accompanying statement may contain the financial authorities’ assessment of the current state of the economy against global geopolitical tensions and the White House’s trade policy. Read more .. read more..
Fed faces new inflation shock as Middle East war cuts rate-cut odds this year...
Tuesday, March 17,2026,01:52
Earlier: Morgan Stanley sees Fed cuts starting June, warns oil at $125–$150 raises recession risk --- A new energy shock linked to the Middle East conflict is complicating the Federal Reserve’s path toward rate cuts. This via Nick Timiraos, Wall Street Journal (gated). In brief .... Summary: The Federal Reserve is confronting new inflation risks linked to the Middle East conflict, complicating expectations for rate cuts. The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, core PCE, accelerated to 3.1% in January from 2.6% last April, signalling stalled progress toward the 2% target. Markets have sharply repriced policy expectations, with probability of a rate cut by December falling to 47% from 74% befo... .. read more..
Japan officials signal vigilance on yields, fiscal policy and FX as yen weakn...
Tuesday, March 17,2026,01:19
Japanese officials deliver coordinated policy remarks as markets watch for signs of support amid yen weakness. Summary: Japan’s Finance Minister Katayama and BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda issued a series of remarks within minutes of each other, addressing fiscal policy, bond markets and currency dynamics. Katayama stressed that monetary policy tools, including BOJ bond purchases, remain the central bank’s responsibility, reinforcing institutional independence. He also rejected suggestions Japan is effectively monetising government debt, warning such perceptions could trigger higher interest rates and inflation. Ueda said long-term interest rates should reflect market views on economic condition... .. read more..
PBOC sets USD/ CNY central rate at 6.8961 (vs. estimate at 6.8874)
Tuesday, March 17,2026,01:15
The PBOC allows the yuan to fluctuate within a +/- 2% range, around this reference rate. PBOC injects 51bn yuan in 7-day reverse repos at 1.4% (unchanged) in open market operations This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at investinglive.com. .. read more..
Morgan Stanley sees Fed cuts starting June, warns oil at $125–$150 raises rec...
Tuesday, March 17,2026,00:48
Morgan Stanley expects the Fed to begin cutting rates in June but warns a surge in oil prices could lift U.S. recession risk. The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meet March 17 and 18. Summary: Morgan Stanley maintains its forecast that the Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates in June, with another reduction expected in September. The bank believes easing will begin even as inflation risks remain elevated due to energy prices. Chief economist Michael Gapen warns that a sharp rise in oil prices could materially alter the economic outlook. Oil trading in the $125–$150 per barrel range could weigh on U.S. economic growth, increasing downside risks to activi... .. read more..
BOJ’s Ueda says inflation rising toward 2% target ahead of March 18 &19 meeting
Tuesday, March 17,2026,00:39
BOJ Governor Ueda says inflation is gradually moving toward target ahead of the March 19 policy meeting. Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda told parliament that underlying inflation is gradually accelerating toward the BOJ’s 2% target. He reiterated the central bank will adjust policy as needed to achieve stable and durable inflation at the target level. Ueda said underlying inflation is expected to converge toward the 2% target between the second half of fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2027. The remarks come just days before the BOJ’s policy decision on Wednesday, March 19, 2026, where the bank is widely expected to hold its policy rate at 0.75%. Markets are closely watching for signals on the tim... .. read more..
PBOC is expected to set the USD/CNY reference rate at 6.8874 – Reuters estimate
Tuesday, March 17,2026,00:21
The People’s Bank of China is due to set the daily USD/CNY reference rate at around 0115 GMT (2115 US Eastern time), a fixing that remains one of the most closely watched signals in Asian foreign exchange markets. China operates a managed floating exchange rate system, under which the renminbi (yuan) is allowed to trade within a prescribed band around a central reference rate, or midpoint, set each trading day by the PBOC. The current trading band permits the currency to move plus or minus 2% from the official midpoint during onshore trading hours. Each morning, the PBOC determines the midpoint based on a range of inputs. These include the previous day’s closing price, movements in major ... .. read more..
Heads for Bank of Japan Governor Ueda to speak today at 0020 GMT / 2020 US Ea...
Tuesday, March 17,2026,00:14
The BOJ is expected to hold rates at 0.75% at its March 18/19 meeting as markets watch for signals on future tightening and bond purchases. Earlier: CBA says rising oil prices from Iran war could weaken yen via trade balance Summary: The Bank of Japan is widely expected to keep its policy rate at 0.75% at the upcoming meeting on Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday March 19, 2026. The current rate level follows the December 2025 hike, which lifted borrowing costs to their highest level in roughly three decades. Policymakers are balancing persistent inflation pressures with still-moderate wage growth as they continue a gradual policy normalization process. Investors will closely watch the upda... .. read more..
Australian dollar supported as markets bet on RBA rate hikes - preview of tod...
Monday, March 16,2026,23:06
An Reserve Bank of Australia rate hike today is widely expected, but its not unanimous by any means. I've seen good arguments from those forecasting a 'hawkish hold'. I expect the Bank will hike though: Australian bank analysts are piling on to forecast an RBA rate hike next week Westpac lifts RBA peak rate forecast to 4.35%, sees RBA hiking rates in March and May ANZ joins banks expecting March 17 RBA rate hike as oil shock lifts inflation risks CBA expects RBA to hike rates in March and May as inflation risks rise Reuters poll: RBA seen raising cash rate to 4.10% on March 17, then 4.35% by end-2026 RBA preview: a rate hike is widely expected; policymakers to take a cautious approach nex... .. read more..
Rachel Reeves slammed as big update expected on Tuesday on 'plot to reverse B...
Monday, March 16,2026,22:30
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will give a financial speech to the City on Tuesday where she will advocate for 'deeper' UK-EU ties to boost economic growth. .. read more..
BIS urges central banks to look through oil spike unless Iran conflict persists
Monday, March 16,2026,22:13
BIS warns central banks not to overreact to Iran-driven energy price spike unless the shock proves prolonged. Summary: The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has urged central banks not to rush policy responses to the recent surge in energy prices driven by the Iran crisis. Officials say a temporary supply shock, such as a short-lived oil spike, is a textbook case where policymakers should “look through” inflation pressure. Oil prices have jumped roughly 40% this month, while wholesale gas prices have surged nearly 60%, reviving memories of the inflation shock following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Financial markets have already scaled back expectations for rate cuts and begun... .. read more..
Australia Rate Decision On Tap For Tuesday
Monday, March 16,2026,22:01
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 16,2026,22:00
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 16,2026,22:00
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 16,2026,22:00
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 16,2026,22:00
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 16,2026,22:00
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 16,2026,22:00
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 16,2026,22:00
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 16,2026,22:00
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 16,2026,22:00
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 16,2026,22:00
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 16,2026,22:00
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 16,2026,22:00
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..
South Korea Export Prices +10.7% On Year In February
Monday, March 16,2026,21:19
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..
Economic & event calendar Asia 17 March 2026, Reserve Bank of Australia rate ...
Monday, March 16,2026,20:37
Expectations for a rate hike today from the Reserve Bank of Australia kicked into high gear on the back of comments last week from Deputy Governor Hauser: ICYMI: RBA’s Hauser warns oil price risks could intensify rate rise debate (March 17 live) The cavalcade of rate hike forecasts followed soon after: Australian bank analysts are piling on to forecast an RBA rate hike next week Westpac lifts RBA peak rate forecast to 4.35%, sees RBA hiking rates in March and May ANZ joins banks expecting March 17 RBA rate hike as oil shock lifts inflation risks CBA expects RBA to hike rates in March and May as inflation risks rise Reuters poll: RBA seen raising cash rate to 4.10% on March 17, then 4.35% ... .. read more..
Chinese economy demonstrates resilience in face of external volatility
Monday, March 16,2026,18:00
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 16,2026,18:00
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 16,2026,18:00
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 16,2026,18:00
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..
U.S. Homebuilder Confidence Improves Modestly In March
Monday, March 16,2026,14:51
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 16,2026,14:43
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 16,2026,14:03
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..
U.S. Industrial Production Rises Slightly More Than Expected In February
Monday, March 16,2026,13:19
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. .. read more..
New York Manufacturing Index Decreases More Than Expected In March
Monday, March 16,2026,12:38
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. .. read more..
ECB Policy to Ultimately Be Determined by the Fallout from the Iran War
Monday, March 16,2026,12:35
The consequences of the war on Iran will drive ECB policy decisions near term although no rate change is expected this week, says economist Dennis Shen. .. read more..
Industrial Production. USA, 15:15 (GMT+2)
Monday, March 16,2026,12:15
At 15:15 (GMT+2), the US will release February data on industrial production, which reflects changes in the volume of goods and utilities output and takes into account the manufacturing and mining industries, as well as the electric power industry. If the value increases by 0.7% MoM and 2.28% YoY, respectively, this will support the position of the US dollar. Read more .. read more..
Consumer Price Index. Canada, 14:30 (GMT+2)
Monday, March 16,2026,11:30
At 14:30 (GMT+2), Canada will publish January data on the consumer price index, which is the main indicator of the country's inflation rate and determines the change in the level of retail prices for a certain “basket” of goods and services: food, transport, utilities, health care and others, and also has a significant impact on the decisions on monetary policy. If the indicator increases from 0.0% on a monthly basis, from 2.3% on an annual basis, and the base indicator from 0.2% and 2.6%, respectively, this will certainly affect the rhetoric of the monetary authorities at the next meeting of... Read more .. read more..
Construction Output. Canada, 14:15 (GMT+2)
Monday, March 16,2026,11:15
At 14:15 (GMT+2), Canada will release February data on the number of new homes that began construction in the reporting month, a key indicator of the national housing market. If the upward trend continues from 238.0K, this will positively affect the position of the national currency. Read more .. read more..
Chinese industrial production, retail sales rise more than expected in Jan-Feb
Monday, March 16,2026,11:00
Chinese industrial production and retail sales grew more than expected in the first two months of 2026 as domestic manufacturing remained upbeat, while local consumer demand was boosted by the Lunar New Year holiday. Industrial production grew 6.3% year-on-year in the Jan-Feb period, government data showed on Monday. The print was above expectations of 5.3%, ... .. read more..