Denmark Retail Sales Rise 1.3%
Tuesday, August 25,2026,08:46
Danish retail sales increased for the third straight month in July. Retail sales rose 1.3 percent month-on-month in July, faster than the 0.2 percent increase in June. Further, this was the strongest increase since March. Sales at pharmacies and trade in personal care products grew the most by 4.1 percent. .. read more..
Finland Jobless Rate Falls To 7-month Low
Tuesday, August 25,2026,08:14
Finland's unemployment rate decreased slightly in July to the lowest level in seven months. The jobless rate among the 15-74 age groups dropped to 9.9 percent in July from 10.0 percent in June. The number of unemployed people declined to 289,000 in July from 297,000 in the previous month. .. read more..
German GDP Growth Beats Estimate
Tuesday, August 25,2026,07:50
Germany's economy expanded more than estimated in the second quarter as exports remained strong despite geopolitical tensions, official data revealed on Tuesday. Gross domestic product posted a quarterly growth of 0.3 percent, which was revised up from 0.2 percent estimated initially, revised data showed. This followed an expansion of 0.4 percent in the first quarter. .. read more..
Japan Leading Index Revised Higher In June
Tuesday, August 25,2026,07:11
Japan's leading index remained stable in June, slightly higher than seen in the flash estimate. The leading index, which measures future economic activity, came in at 116.5 in June, the same as in May, which was revised up from 116.4. The flash score for June was also 116.4. The coincident index that measures the current economic situation also strengthened to an 85-month high of 118.5. .. read more..
RBA minutes reveal live debate over a pre-emptive August hike
Tuesday, August 25,2026,01:36
The minutes confirm the hold was a genuine deliberation rather than a formality, with the board explicitly weighing a pre-emptive 25 basis point hike against the case that policy already sits at the top of neutral rate estimates and is working as intended. The staff's own risk assessment, that risks to the inflation forecast are skewed to the upside, keeps a live tightening bias in play even with rates on hold, meaning upcoming data, particularly on the labour market, housing and Middle East-driven cost pass-through, carries outsized weight for the next decision. The currency implications look modest for now given the RBA noted the trade-weighted index sits close to its long-run equilibri... .. read more..
China leans hardest against yuan gains in six months, AUD softens
Tuesday, August 25,2026,01:30
The scale of this deviation stands out because it comes against a backdrop of broad dollar softness, with the index still hovering near three-month lows on fiscal and debt sustainability concerns. Under normal conditions a weak dollar would be expected to pull USD/CNY lower more freely, so the unusually wide gap suggests the PBOC is working harder than usual to offset that external pull rather than reacting to any fresh domestic weakness. This fits a pattern seen repeatedly since February, where similarly large deviations have consistently been read by analysts as an attempt to slow the pace of appreciation rather than reverse its direction, given the yuan's broader multi-year highs and t... .. read more..
PBOC sets USD/ CNY central rate at 6.7852 (vs. estimate at 6.7219)
Tuesday, August 25,2026,01:16
The PBOC allows the yuan to fluctuate within a +/- 2% range, around this reference rate. More here on this. injects 386bn yuan via 7-day reverse repos at 1.4% (unchanged rate) ADDED: Check this out on today's setting: China leans hardest against yuan gains in six months, AUD softens This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at investinglive.com. .. read more..
Bank of Korea rate call a coin toss as economists split on August hike
Tuesday, August 25,2026,00:41
The near-even split among economists underlines how finely balanced this decision is, with the case for a hike resting on above-target inflation, strong semiconductor exports and housing market pressure, while the case for a pause rests on how sharply Korean bond yields have already tightened this year relative to the US. Given nearly all economists still expect the policy rate to reach 3.00% or higher by year-end regardless of what happens on August 27, the immediate market reaction may hinge more on the BOK's forward guidance than on the decision itself. A hold would likely be read as an acknowledgment of tightening financial conditions rather than a dovish pivot, while a hike would con... .. read more..
PBOC is expected to set the USD/CNY reference rate at 6.7219 – Reuters estimate
Tuesday, August 25,2026,00:17
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... .. read more..
MUFG sees yen risk skewed weaker despite 80% BOJ hike odds
Monday, August 24,2026,23:09
The disconnect MUFG highlights, hike odds near 80% without corresponding yen buying, points to a market that has priced in tightening ahead of any clear signal from the BOJ itself, leaving the currency vulnerable if the central bank either delivers less than expected or pushes back on the pricing. A hawkish surprise would likely be needed just to hold the yen steady, while any attempt by the BOJ to talk down the probability risks reigniting weakness at a moment when USD/JPY is already sitting just below the intervention-sensitive 160 level. Longer-dated JGB yields staying elevated on fiscal policy and Cabinet reshuffle speculation adds another layer of pressure on Japanese assets, while t... .. read more..
RBA Meeting Minutes Due On Tuesday
Monday, August 24,2026,22:03
The Reserve Bank of Australia will on Tuesday release the minutes from its August 11 monetary policy meeting, highlighting a busy day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. .. read more..
BOJ likely to hike next month and again in January, says ex-board member
Monday, August 24,2026,21:40
A September hike is now close to fully priced by markets, meaning the bigger risk for the yen sits with any surprise hold rather than with the move itself. Bessent's public nudge toward higher Japanese rates adds a political dimension, effectively narrowing the space for Tokyo's pro stimulus government to resist BOJ action. If Adachi's view proves right and the tightening cycle extends toward 2% or higher through next year, that would mark a materially steeper path than the median economist forecast, with implications for JGB yields, carry trades and yen positioning well beyond the immediate September decision. Soft consumption data complicates the picture, leaving open the question of ho... .. read more..
Truflation sees July core PCE at 0.2% MoM, says Fed won’t hike this year
Monday, August 24,2026,21:00
Underlying U.S. inflation pressures are set to persist when the Bureau of Economic Analysis releases the July Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index on Wednesday, but not enough to force the Federal Reserve into a rate hike this year, according to Truflation. Investing.com’s early look at the independent inflation data provider’s forecasts reveals that headline PCE ... .. read more..
China says Middle East at critical point, urges talks
Monday, August 24,2026,21:00
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for immediate dialogue on Monday as tensions in the Middle East and Gulf region reached what he described as a critical point. Wang made the comments during a meeting with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in Beijing, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement. The Chinese ... .. read more..
Chicago Fed Activity Index Falls in July
Monday, August 24,2026,21:00
The Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI) edged down to -0.08 in July 2026 from 0.06 in June, signaling a slight deterioration in US economic activity. Three of the four broad categories of indicators used to construct the index decreased from June, and two categories made negative contributions in July. Production-related indicators contributed 0.01 points, ... .. read more..
Fed’s Kashkari says rising Treasury yields not a concern
Monday, August 24,2026,21:00
Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari said Sunday that rising U.S. Treasury yields do not pose a concern and are unlikely to influence monetary policy decisions. Kashkari told CBS’s Face the Nation that the U.S. Treasury market is functioning properly with adequate liquidity and trades taking place as expected. This allows the Fed ... .. read more..
Singapore inflation surprises lower, but upside risks keep MAS on tightening ...
Monday, August 24,2026,21:00
Inflation picks up, but remains driven by energy-related costs Singapore’s CPI inflation edged up to 2.2% YoY in July from 1.9% in June but came in below market expectations of 2.4%. Core inflation accelerated more sharply, rising to 2.0% YoY from 1.6%, though it also undershot the consensus forecast of 2.2%. Despite the firmer year-on-year ... .. read more..
Barclays sees UK growth holding firm despite inflation pressure
Monday, August 24,2026,21:00
British business activity accelerated more than expected in August, with the flash composite Purchasing Managers’ Index rising to 52.5 and beating the 51.5 consensus forecast, as robust services growth offset a slowdown in manufacturing output. The services PMI climbed to 52.8, up 1 point from July, helped by improved domestic demand conditions. Manufacturing output slowed ... .. read more..
U.S. to unveil ‘greatest financial offensive’ against Iran as Tehran threaten...
Monday, August 24,2026,21:00
The U.S will unveil “the single greatest financial offensive ever” against Iran on Monday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, while Tehran threatened to seize vessels that violate transit rules in the Strait of Hormuz. The looming escalation comes as both sides missed a 60-day ceasefire window to reach a deal, closing off the formal truce ... .. read more..
Nearly half favour improving the economy nationally over regional development...
Monday, August 24,2026,21:00
Broad consensus on economic growth, but divide over green priorities While economic growth has strong public support in principle, introducing trade offs around the environment and immigration softens support: • 59% of Britons agree that economic growth does more good than harm, while only 13% argue that growth does more harm than good. • When ... .. read more..
U.S. racks up 40 trillion dollars in debt, raising concerns over economic crisis
Monday, August 24,2026,21:00
The U.S. government has racked up 40 trillion dollars in debt, raising concerns that the mounting burden could trigger a major economic crisis if left unaddressed. U.S. government debt has surged from 19.4 trillion dollars a decade ago, nearly doubling after massive COVID-era spending and years of deficits. In July, the most recent month for ... .. read more..
China: Meeting signals stronger H2 policy push
Monday, August 24,2026,21:00
The symposium chaired by Premier Li Qiang with experts and entrepreneurs in July came at a critical juncture in mid-year. Against the backdrop of the current economic situation and with an eye to China’s long-term development, the meeting laid out systematic arrangements for economic work in the second half. The meeting highlighted three major priorities ... .. read more..
Labour accused of killing the Great British Pub with 'sucker punch'
Monday, August 24,2026,17:32
Changes to business rates paid by pubs won't come into force until 2029 .. read more..
EU industrial production rebounds in 2025
Monday, August 24,2026,17:00
In 2025, the EU’s value of sold production in constant prices increased by 2.9% compared with 2024. This is the first time since 2022 and comes after 2 successive declines in 2023 (-1.5% compared with 2022) and 2024 (-1.9% compared with 2023). Constant prices are adjusted for inflation by using the prices of a fixed ... .. read more..
Taiwan Jobless Rate Remains Stable At 3.33%
Monday, August 24,2026,10:54
Taiwan's hseasonally adjusted unemployment rate came in at 3.33 percent in July, the same as in the previous month. On an unadjusted basis, the jobless rate rose to a 1-year high of 3.39 percent in July from 3.34 percent in the previous month. Unemployment increased by 9,000 from the previous month to 409,000. .. read more..
Bessent vows ‘economic D-Day’ for Iran as Tehran warns of more oil pain
Monday, August 24,2026,10:00
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday warned of dire economic consequences for Iran as Washington prepares to announce what he touted as its strictest ever sanctions against a country. Bessent said in an opinion piece in the Financial Times the U.S. was entering the endgame against Iran, repeating claims that Washington had decimated Iran’s ... .. read more..
Poland Retail Sales Growth Eases To 3.9%
Monday, August 24,2026,09:37
Poland's retail sales growth moderated more than expected in July. At constant prices, retail sales advanced 3.9 percent annually in July, much slower than the 6.2 percent rise in June, which was the fastest growth in three months. The slower growth in July was mainly due to a 1.7 percent fall in sales of textiles, clothing, and footwear, followed by .. read more..
Czech Economic Sentiment Falls In August
Monday, August 24,2026,08:59
The Czech economy's confidence remained slightly less positive in August, and consumers also showed a less optimistic attitude. The economic sentiment index dropped to 100.5 in August from 101.1 in July. Nonetheless, a score above 100 indicates an optimistic outlook. The consumer confidence index declined to a 13-month low of 102.3 from 105.6 in July. .. read more..
Finland Producer Price Inflation Rises To 6.9%
Monday, August 24,2026,08:19
Finland's producer price inflation accelerated somewhat in July after easing in the previous month. The producer price index climbed 6.9 percent year-on-year in July, faster than the 6.7 percent rise in June. Prices have been rising since January. The rise in the producer prices was particularly caused by higher prices of refined petroleum products and basic metals. .. read more..
ECB policymaker Cipollone says inflation is far from the ECB adverse and seve...
Monday, August 24,2026,07:19
ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone said that the risk of a stagflationary environment remains low despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. He added that monetary policy needs to remain "well calibrated" as policymakers continue to assess incoming economic data. He also noted that inflation remains far from the ECB adverse and severe scenarios. Cipollone stressed that there are currently no signs pointing to a stagflation scenario. He added that the risk of stagnation accompanied by a sharp rise in prices is "rather remote". The comments suggest that he's broadly comfortable with the current inflation outlook and doesn't see a material threat of a renewed inflation shock undermi... .. read more..
Singapore Inflation Climbs To 2.2%, Highest In Nearly 2 Years
Monday, August 24,2026,06:50
Singapore's consumer price inflation increased for the second straight month in July to the highest level in nearly two years. The consumer price index, or CPI, climbed 2.2 percent year-over-year in July, faster than the 1.9 percent rise in June. MAS core inflation also accelerated to 2.0 percent in July from 1.6 percent in June, led by higher costs for utilities and food. .. read more..
RBA minutes due Tuesday to detail hike-versus-hold debate after August pause
Monday, August 24,2026,03:56
AUD/USD and rate-sensitive Australian bonds are likely to react most to any signal in the minutes about how close the Board came to hiking in August, given Governor Bullock has already confirmed both options were actively discussed. Hauser's comments last week , explicitly flagging upside inflation risks and warning further hikes remain possible, have already primed the market for a hawkish read, meaning the minutes carry asymmetric risk: a genuinely hawkish tone confirms positioning already built, while anything perceived as dovish could trigger a sharper unwind in AUD longs. Elevated oil prices tied to the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruption represent a distinct upside inflati... .. read more..
PBOC sets USD/ CNY reference rate for today at 6.7841 (vs. estimate at 6.7248)
Monday, August 24,2026,01:15
The PBOC allows the yuan to fluctuate within a +/- 2% range, around this reference rate. More here on this . injects 340bn yuan via 7-day reverse repos at 1.4% (unchanged rate) This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at investinglive.com. .. read more..
NZ main opposition party pledges to restore RBNZ dual mandate on employment i...
Monday, August 24,2026,00:44
Westpac's analysis suggests markets should not assume an automatic policy shift from a reinstated employment mandate, since its practical effect depends heavily on the nature of the shocks the economy faces rather than the mandate wording itself. In a typical demand-driven cycle, inflation and employment move together, meaning the dual mandate would change little about how the RBNZ sets rates. The more relevant scenario for current conditions is a supply shock, such as an oil price spike, where inflation and the labour market diverge, and an employment mandate could give the MPC room to tolerate above-target inflation for longer provided it retains confidence inflation will eventually ret... .. read more..
PBOC is expected to set the USD/CNY reference rate at 6.7248 – Reuters estimate
Monday, August 24,2026,00:26
Earlier: Goldman flags China stimulus risk as growth slips further below target --- 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 b... .. read more..
New Zealand Retail Sales Sink 0.5% In Q2
Sunday, August 23,2026,22:56
The volume of retail sales in New Zealand was down a seasonally adjusted 0.5 percent on quarter in the second quarter of 2026, Statistics New Zealand reported on Monday - coming in at NZ$26 billion. .. read more..
New Zealand Retail Sales Data Due On Monday
Sunday, August 23,2026,22:03
New Zealand will on Monday release Q2 figures for retail sales, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. .. read more..
Goldman flags China stimulus risk as growth slips further below target
Sunday, August 23,2026,21:29
A confirmed slowdown toward the 4% handle keeps pressure on Chinese equities and the yuan, particularly if incoming August and September data fail to show stabilisation. The gap between bank estimates, Goldman at the softer end near 4%, Macquarie near 4.2%, BNP Paribas at 4.1%, points to genuine uncertainty over how much fiscal and monetary support Beijing will ultimately deploy, which should keep policy-sensitive Asian equities and industrial commodities reactive to each fresh data point. Markets are likely to treat a reserve requirement ratio cut in the fourth quarter as the base case rather than a policy rate cut, given the PBOC's reluctance to touch benchmark rates amid lingering trad... .. read more..
Weekend - Fed's Kashkari says bond market functioning well despite yield rise
Sunday, August 23,2026,21:10
Kashkari's comments push back against any narrative that surging long-end yields reflect market dysfunction, which should ease some of the term premium anxiety that has crept into rates trading in recent sessions. With the 10-year sitting near 4.73% and the 30-year close to its highest level since 2007, the message that liquidity remains intact is likely to matter more to fixed income desks than the yield level itself. His continued inflation concerns, without a firm commitment to push for a September hike, leave the meeting outcome genuinely live rather than pre-signalled, keeping rate-sensitive assets exposed to incoming data prints between now and then. Attention is also shifting towar... .. read more..
China doubles down on economic vitality messaging as July data disappoints
Sunday, August 23,2026,21:00
As China’s economic indicators such as industrial production and domestic demand fell short of market forecasts, authorities published back-to-back commentaries in state media emphasizing “economic vitality.” Some interpreted the move as an effort to soothe sentiment, mindful of concerns over a slump in domestic demand triggered by negative data. On the 23rd, a commentary titled ... .. read more..
U.S. tariffs on Canada take effect after trade talks collapse
Sunday, August 23,2026,21:00
New 50% U.S. tariffs on about $20 billion of Canadian goods took effect Saturday after last-minute trade negotiations collapsed, prompting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to pledge matching retaliation, Bloomberg reported. The duties apply to hundreds of Canadian products, including plywood, alcoholic beverages, electrical equipment and hockey gear. Carney said Canada would respond “dollar for ... .. read more..
Eurozone PMI in line with continued steady growth despite global unrest
Sunday, August 23,2026,21:00
The composite PMI remained firm in August, increasing from 52 to 52.1. While downside risks seem to be all around us, the economy remains stubbornly decent for the moment. The turmoil in the Middle East continues, and so do concerns about the eurozone economy. So far, the impact has been far from devastating, with continued ... .. read more..
U.S. services sector activity accelerates sharply in August, S&P Global says
Sunday, August 23,2026,21:00
Activity in the U.S. services sector accelerated in August, as growth momentum in the world’s largest economy shifted into the key sector and away from manufacturing, according to a preliminary estimate from S&P Global on Friday. The flash U.S. services purchasing managers’ index rose to a 56.8 this month, the highest level in 20 months ... .. read more..
US Manufacturing PMI Falls Short of Expectations, Signals Slower Growth
Sunday, August 23,2026,21:00
The latest Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) figures reveal a slowdown in the manufacturing sector, as the actual index fell short of both the forecasted and previous readings. The PMI, a vital indicator of manufacturing activity, registered an actual reading of 53.2. This figure is below the anticipated forecast of 54.0 and also marks a ... .. read more..
Eurozone Services Activity Remains Strong in August
Sunday, August 23,2026,21:00
The S&P Global Eurozone Services PMI was unchanged at 51.7 in August 2026, slightly above market expectations of 51.5, according to flash estimates. The reading remained at its highest level since February, with rising tourism spending helping to support economic growth, particularly outside France and Germany, where the region recorded its fastest pace of services ... .. read more..
UK Services Activity Unexpectedly Strengthens
Sunday, August 23,2026,21:00
The S&P Global UK Services PMI rose to 52.8 in August 2026 from 52.1 in July, contrasting with market forecasts of 51.8, flash estimates showed. The data showed the services sector expanded for a second successive month, with the pace of growth accelerating to its steepest since February, amid an improvement in demand conditions. Employment ... .. read more..
Large European Banks Narrow Profitability Gap to US and APAC Peers
Sunday, August 23,2026,21:00
Large European banks’ average return on equity (ROE) has moved closer to that of their US and APAC peers in recent years, says Fitch Ratings. However, we believe differences between regional ROE ratios are likely to broadly stabilise in 2026-2027, even as bank profitability in most developed markets benefits from higher-for-longer interest rates in the ... .. read more..
UK Private Sector Activity Unexpectedly Accelerates
Sunday, August 23,2026,21:00
The S&P Global UK Composite PMI rose to 52.5 in August from 52.5 in the previous month, firmly above market expectations that it would ease to 51.6, according to a flash estimate. The growth was bolstered by fresh traction for the services providing sector (52.8 vs 52.1 in July), which offset a slowdown in the ... .. read more..
Mexico expects trade deal similar to US-Canada USMCA outcomes
Sunday, August 23,2026,21:00
Mexico’s Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said Friday that the country anticipates achieving trade results with the United States comparable to those taking shape in US-Canada discussions related to the USMCA review. Ebrard stated Mexico does not see Canada’s advancement in negotiations as a competitive matter and is following its own separate negotiating path. Source: Investing.com .. read more..
UK Retail Sales Fall in July
Sunday, August 23,2026,21:00
UK retail sales volumes fell 0.5% month-on-month in July 2026, in line with market expectations and following a downwardly revised 0.7% rise in June. This marked the first decline since April, as non-food stores and non-store retailers pulled back after early promotions brought demand forward into June. Non-food store sales volumes dropped 1.3%, led by ... .. read more..