Economy
SNB insists on stricter capital rules for UBS despite parliamentary pushback
Swiss National Bank vice chair rejects compromise proposal to ease CET1 capital requirements for UBS, citing financial stability risks. Parliamentary committee expected to rule next week.
Germany's Q2 GDP grows 0.3% as exports drive rebound
Germany's economy expanded 0.3% quarter-on-quarter in Q2, beating expectations, while exports surged 2.6% and manufacturing added 0.9% to growth. Annual revision adds 0.8 percentage point to 2011-2021 GDP data.
Global economic calendar: Key events for Aug 27, 2026
Earnings season continues with German, French and U.S. companies reporting quarterly figures while central bank data and labor indicators take center stage in Europe and the U.S.
UBS-CFA indicator rises but uncertainty over Swiss economy grows
Swiss economic sentiment improves for second month, yet expectations diverge sharply; U.S. outlook darkens while SNB seen holding rates at zero. Euro seen above 0.90 CHF with 79% probability.
Swiss analyst confidence rises for second straight month: UBS CFA survey
The UBS CFA Indicator climbed 2.1 points to +12.1 in August, marking the second consecutive positive reading since geopolitical tensions flared. Analysts remain split on Swiss growth, while SNB rate expectations stay anchored near zero through mid-2027.
Swiss real estate risk index falls to lowest in three years, Moneypark says
Moneypark's Real Estate Risk Index dropped to 3.5 points in Q2 2026, driven by stronger PMI, low SNB rates and a slowdown in real price growth, though unemployment and migration weakness remain risks.
Truflation forecasts July core PCE at 0.2% MoM, Fed seen on hold through 2026
U.S. core inflation expected to rise 0.2% month-over-month in July, while Truflation projects the Federal Reserve will forgo rate hikes for the remainder of the year amid mixed economic signals.
Brazil sets 2027 minimum wage at R$1,741, budget bill on track
The federal government has finalized the minimum wage for 2027 at R$1,741, with the 2027 budget bill set for submission by August 31. Adjustments comply with legal inflation and GDP-linked formulas.
Moody’s affirms Philippines’ Baa2 rating with stable outlook
Rating agency cites fiscal consolidation efforts and resilient funding access as key strengths, while warning of debt affordability pressures and climate risks.
UK growth outlook steady despite inflation uptick, Barclays says
Flash PMI data signals resilient activity in August, but inflation pressures and fiscal slippage weigh on outlook. Barclays lifts 2027 inflation forecast.
UK growth holds despite inflation pressures, Barclays says
Composite PMI rises to 52.5 in August as services lead; Barclays lifts 2027 inflation forecast to 2.5%.
UBS sees Swiss rents rising despite record-low reference rate
Swiss mortgage reference rate to stay at 1.25% through 2027, but new rental contracts remain 15% higher than five years ago as supply tightens.
Turkey’s central bank to restart one-week repo auctions
The Turkish central bank will resume weekly repo operations at its 37% policy rate, ending a suspension tied to inflation risks from regional conflict. Governor Fatih Karahan said conditions had improved.
Former UBS CEO backs Swiss regulator in dispute with bank
Oswald Grübel, ex-CEO of UBS and Credit Suisse, sides with Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter against UBS's pushback on stricter capital rules. He argues state oversight is essential to prevent systemic risk.
Germany’s manufacturing PMI hits 51-month high in August flash data
Factory activity in Germany surged to its strongest level since mid-2022, offsetting a fifth straight monthly decline in services as the economy shows uneven momentum.
Japan PM links inflation, bond yields to economic growth
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says rising prices and bond yields reflect Japan’s expanding economy, while vowing to prioritize wage growth and fiscal stability.
Euro zone wage growth slows in Q2, ECB data shows
Negotiated wages rose 2.44% in the three months to June, down from 2.56% in Q1, according to European Central Bank figures released Friday.
30-year Treasury yield tops 5.33%, outpacing dividend stocks by 2.2 points
The gap between the 30-year Treasury yield and dividend stock yields has widened to 2.2 percentage points, the widest since 2007. History suggests divergent paths ahead for bonds and equities.
U.S. economic data due Monday: Chicago Fed index, Treasury bill auctions
Chicago Fed activity gauge and $50 billion in 3- and 6-month Treasury bill sales headline Monday’s U.S. data slate. Previous readings show modest contraction and steady yields.
Eurozone consumer confidence improves unexpectedly in August
Eurozone consumer sentiment rose 0.4 points to -15.5 in August, defying forecasts for a slight decline to -16.0, as EU data shows gradual recovery from March-April lows.
SNB’s Tschudin says negative rates remain an option in Switzerland
Swiss National Bank director Petra Tschudin cites anchored inflation expectations and a stable CPI basket as key factors behind record-low inflation. The central bank retains all policy tools, including sub-zero rates, to meet its 0-2% inflation target.
U.S. national debt surpasses $40 trillion for first time
Total public debt reaches $40.047 trillion as borrowing accelerates under Trump and Biden administrations amid rising deficits and Treasury bond yields.
U.S. judge blocks visa suspension for applicants from 75 countries
Federal judge rules State Department exceeded authority in barring immigrant visas based on nationality. Policy covered Latin America, Africa and parts of Asia.
Global economic calendar for Aug 21, 2026: PMI, retail sales and business surveys
Key economic releases include S&P Global PMIs for the euro zone, U.S. and U.K., plus German retail sales and French business sentiment. Borussia Dortmund reports preliminary FY25/26 figures.
SNB’s Tschudin warns AI could fuel near-term inflation pressures
Swiss National Bank board member cites redirected investment flows and chip shortages as potential short-term drivers of price gains, though long-term impact remains uncertain.