Economy
China youth unemployment rises to 17.9% in July, highest in 11 months
Urban youth jobless rate climbs to 17.9% amid persistent labor market pressures, while broader unemployment trends show mixed signals across age groups.
RBI signals potential rate hikes as inflation risks rise
Minutes from the August policy meeting show the Reserve Bank of India's rate panel remains watchful on inflation, with a hike possible later this year. Growth forecast lifted to 6.7%.
Iceland to vote on EU accession talks amid Montenegro parallel track
Referendum on restarting EU membership negotiations may influence bloc's enlargement strategy and Montenegro's 2028 accession prospects. Polls show deadlock among Icelandic voters.
Global economic calendar for Aug 19, 2026: earnings, inflation and oil data
Carlsberg and Analog Devices to report quarterly results alongside UK and euro zone inflation data, producer prices and the latest EIA oil inventory report.
Swiss polls show strong rejection of neutrality and food supply initiatives
Leewas survey finds 62% oppose neutrality initiative and 65% reject food supply proposal ahead of Sept. 27 vote. SVP remains sole major party backing neutrality plan.
RBA signals potential rate hike as inflation risks rise
Reserve Bank of Australia holds rates steady but warns of further tightening if upside inflation risks materialize, citing Middle East tensions and AI-driven demand.
U.S. mortgage applications fall 0.4% as rates remain elevated
Purchase activity declined while refinance applications edged higher, with the 30-year fixed rate holding near 6.77%. The MBA's latest data shows mixed trends in loan demand.
RBA’s Hauser signals possible rate hike if inflation risks materialize
Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser warns that Australia’s central bank may resume tightening if upside inflation risks, including geopolitical tensions and the AI-driven productivity gap, escalate.
Japan bond yields surge toward 3% amid fiscal and inflation concerns
Benchmark 10-year JGB yield hits 2.945%, nearing a 30-year high as debt levels and inflation pressures weigh on markets. Analysts warn of further upside risk.
Bolivia’s Congress censures economy minister, threatens reform agenda
Lower house votes to remove Jose Gabriel Espinoza after failure to appear before lawmakers; President Paz’s government calls vote unconstitutional and plans legal challenge.
UK pay awards fall to 10-month low as employers tighten budgets
Median pay rise drops to 3.2% in three months to July, with 71% of settlements between 2% and 3.99%. Brightmine data shows 35% of awards lower than last year.
U.S. Treasury yields surge to two-decade high amid rising borrowing costs
A sell-off in long-dated U.S. government bonds pushes the 30-year yield to its highest level since 2007, driven by heavy issuance, economic resilience, and inflation risks. The move raises borrowing costs for consumers, companies, and the federal government.
Euro zone bond yields surge to two-decade highs amid debt concerns
German 10-year yield hits 15-year peak as France and Italy follow; ECB tightening bets rise to 45 bps. Oil climbs above $92 a barrel on geopolitical risks.
U.S. appeals court upholds limits on immigration enforcement at houses of worship
Fourth Circuit panel rules Trump-era policy likely violates Religious Freedom Restoration Act; eight faith-based sites protected from enforcement actions.
South Africa’s June retail sales rise 1.6% y/y, slow from May
Annual retail sales growth slowed to 1.6% in June from 2.2% in May, while seasonally adjusted sales fell 0.6% month-on-month. Data released by Statistics South Africa showed sales measured at constant prices.
Germany's borrowing costs surge to 15-year high amid defense spending surge
German 10-year and 30-year bond yields hit multi-decade peaks as geopolitical tensions and fiscal pressures drive borrowing costs higher. U.S. and Japanese yields also climb to multi-year highs.
UK to auction £4bn of 2033 gilts in August 2026
The UK Debt Management Office plans to sell £4 billion of 4.125% Treasury gilts maturing in March 2033, with bidding open via the Bloomberg system next month.
US Treasury boosts liquidity support, 10-year yields fall 4.9 bps
Treasury doubles buyback operations for longer-dated bonds as benchmark yields decline. Fed minutes and 20-year auction awaited.
Boston Fed study finds productivity offset tariff inflation effects
Research from the Boston Fed indicates higher productivity reduced the inflationary impact of recent tariffs.
Fed research finds productivity gains limited tariff inflation
A Federal Reserve study examines the impact of tariffs on inflation amid productivity constraints.
Watchdog Accuses Dominican Sugar Importer of Labor Violations
A report alleges a Dominican sugar importer, previously subject to an import ban, has continued to violate labor standards despite policy changes.
U.S. and India fuel exporters profit amid wartime supply uncertainty
Fuel exporters in the U.S. and India have seen increased earnings as global supply disruptions persist.
Yardeni sees no cause for panic as U.S. yields climb toward 5%
Veteran strategist Edward Yardeni argues rising U.S. Treasury yields remain within a normal range, though he warns of potential pressure from 'Bond Vigilantes' amid fiscal concerns and oil price risks.
Eurozone inflation accelerates to 2.9% in July as ECB weighs next move
Consumer prices rose 2.9% year-on-year, up from 2.8% in June, while core inflation edged higher to 2.5%. ECB policymakers will scrutinize the data ahead of their September meeting.
Eurozone inflation rises to 2.9% in July on energy surge
Harmonized inflation accelerated from 2.8% in June as energy costs surged 10.3% year-over-year, while ECB policymaker Olli Rehn sees no second-round effects yet.