Economy
German consumer confidence rises to -26.6 in September: GfK
Index climbs for fourth straight month as income and economic expectations improve, though outlook remains subdued amid persistent uncertainties.
Brazil's 2027 budget projects primary surplus of 0.1% of GDP
Draft budget targets a 0.1% primary surplus next year, below the 0.5% target but within the allowed tolerance range. Minister Moretti confirmed the projection in an interview.
White House restricts large-scale foreign electrical equipment imports
Order targets equipment above 69kV, barring imports from entities linked to covered foreign jurisdictions. Citi sees moderate upside for Siemens Energy.
Swiss mortgage reference rate held at 1.25% in September
The Swiss Federal Office for Housing left the key mortgage reference rate unchanged at 1.25% as widely anticipated, with no near-term decline expected under current conditions.
UBS warns Swiss bank capital rules could add $13 bln in costs
Swiss bank regulator proposals would increase Tier-1 capital requirements by $13 billion, on top of existing burdens, UBS says. Industry and authorities criticize the plan as excessive and impractical.
UBS warns Swiss AT1 capital demands could rise $13 bln under WAK-S proposal
Bank estimates 13 billion USD in additional Tier-1 capital if WAK-S commission’s draft rules are enacted, atop 30 billion USD already required post-Credit Suisse takeover.
Bundesbank chief flags possible ECB rate hike, warns on Germany’s AAA rating
Joachim Nagel signals markets may be right on an ECB rate increase next week, citing persistent inflation, while urging Berlin to preserve Germany’s top credit rating amid a widening fiscal deficit.
U.S. ISM manufacturing index falls to 54.6 in August as new orders weaken
U.S. factory activity slowed more than expected last month, with the ISM index dropping to 54.6 from 55.6 in July. New orders and employment both declined, while prices paid remained steady.
Israel’s central bank cuts rates for third time as global tightening trend persists
The Bank of Israel reduced its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 3.25%, the lowest since 2022, citing easing inflation and a strong shekel. Analysts had expected no change.
Fed's Barr signals readiness to hike rates if inflation fails to ease
Federal Reserve Director Michael Barr states the central bank remains prepared to raise interest rates by 25 basis points at its September meeting if inflation does not show sufficient moderation. Markets price in a 0.25% increase.
U.S. job openings fall short of forecasts in July JOLTS report
U.S. job openings declined to 7.27 million in July, below the 7.33 million expected and down from a revised 7.18 million in June, signaling a cooling labor market.
Brazil keeps 2026 GDP growth forecast at 2.3% after Q2 slowdown
Ministry of Finance maintains 2026 growth outlook despite 0.5% quarterly expansion in Q2, citing policy effects fading and credit cost reductions. First-quarter growth revised to 1.1%.
U.S. factory activity slows in August as input costs remain elevated
ISM Manufacturing PMI fell to 54.6 from 55.6 in July, while input prices held at 71.1, signaling persistent inflation pressures despite easing demand.
Brazil Q2 GDP growth beats forecasts as consumption weakens
Second-quarter expansion of 0.5% exceeds expectations, but household consumption falls 0.4% as policymakers eye gradual Selic cuts.
U.S. job openings rise in July as June data revised lower
Openings increased by 89,000 to 7.27 million, while June figures were cut to 7.18 million. Manufacturing sector saw a 79,000 rise in unfilled positions.
Brazil Q2 GDP growth beats forecasts, but outlook trimmed on credit risks
Second-quarter expansion of 0.5% exceeded expectations, but economists downgrade growth projections for H2 2026 and 2027 citing tight credit conditions and policy uncertainty ahead of October elections.
G20 backs measures to curb trade surplus distortions, excluding China
Ministers agree to eliminate non-market policies worsening imbalances, while China opposes key clauses. Meeting held in Asheville, North Carolina.
South Korea inflation rises 3.1% in August, below forecasts
Consumer prices accelerated from July but missed expectations as energy and telecom costs remained elevated. Core inflation climbed to 3.4%.
Global bond rout deepens as U.S. 2-year yield hits 2025 high
Treasury yields surge to multi-year peaks as Middle East tensions and inflation concerns drive a broad sell-off. European and Japanese yields also climb to decade-plus highs.
Global bond selloff deepens as 2-year Treasury yield hits highest since 2025
Treasury yields surge to multi-year peaks amid Middle East tensions and inflation concerns, while European and Japanese debt markets follow. Upcoming U.S. jobs data and ECB meeting add to market focus.
Norway's mainland GDP grows 0.3% in Q2, misses forecasts
Mainland economy expands below expected 0.4% pace as Statistics Norway reports modest expansion for April-June 2026.
BIS chief says stablecoins lack credibility as mass-payment tool
Bank for International Settlements' Pablo Hernandez de Cos argues tokenized deposits are a more viable path for blockchain-based payments than stablecoins, citing risks to monetary sovereignty and banking stability.
Euro zone lending growth accelerates in July, ECB data shows
Corporate loan growth rose to 4.4% annually while household lending increased to 3.1%, signaling modest expansion in credit demand after the ECB's June rate hike.
UK rate hike expectations pushed to early 2027 as bond yields ease
Market pricing shows no full quarter-point increase expected until February 2027, with 10-year gilt yields falling to a two-week low before reversing gains. BoE Governor cites geopolitical risks as a key driver.
Sweden producer prices rise 0.1% in July, annual gain slows to 6.4%
Swedish producer prices increased 0.1% month-on-month in July, following June's identical rise, while the annual rate eased to 6.4% from 7.4%.