Central Banks

China set to hold loan prime rates steady in August amid weak economy
All 25 surveyed banks expect the one-year and five-year loan prime rates to remain at 3.00% and 3.50%, respectively, as policymakers prioritize fiscal measures over monetary easing.

Why the Swiss Franc Is Poised to Re‑Emerge as the Go‑To Funding Currency
After a rare yen intervention, traders are eyeing the franc’s zero‑rate environment as the next cheap carry, a shift that could reshape EUR/CHF and USD/CHF dynamics.

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.

Chile’s GDP flat in Q2, copper drags as mining sector weighs
Chile’s economy stagnated in the second quarter, missing forecasts for a 0.3% rebound as copper output fell. Annual GDP contracted 0.2%, reversing expectations for modest growth.

Canadian dollar strengthens after inflation beats forecasts
Headline inflation in Canada rose 3.4% year-on-year in December, exceeding economist expectations and supporting the loonie's advance.

Swiss National Bank names Ulrich Bindseil to lead Gerzensee center
Martin Brown steps down as director of the SNB's Gerzensee study center after five years, with Ulrich Bindseil set to take over in January 2027.

ECB's Lane Discusses Defence Spending and Euro Area Economy
European Central Bank official Philip R. Lane addresses the economic implications of rising defence spending in the euro area.

Slovakia’s industry faces de-industrialization risk, central bank warns
National Bank of Slovakia highlights structural challenges threatening the country’s manufacturing sector amid global competition and energy costs.

ECB survey finds minimal crypto adoption by euro area merchants
Less than 0.2% of euro area online merchants accept cryptocurrency payments, with physical POS adoption below 1%, according to an ECB survey. Mobile payments continue to gain share.

U.S. 30-year bond yields hit 25-year high as inflation concerns weigh
Long-term borrowing costs surge to levels last seen in 2001 amid persistent inflation uncertainty and elevated government debt supply. Treasury auctions remain well-covered despite rising yields.

Fitch affirms U.S. sovereign credit rating at AA+ with stable outlook
Rating agency Fitch maintains the U.S. government's top-tier credit rating, citing fiscal resilience despite elevated debt levels and political uncertainty.

Peru’s central bank holds rates steady, sees no need for hikes
The Peruvian central bank maintained its benchmark rate at 6.25% as inflation remains within target and growth outlook stabilizes.

Uganda’s central bank keeps benchmark rate at 9.75% for eighth straight meeting
The Bank of Uganda maintained its key lending rate unchanged as inflation pressures eased slightly but remained above target, citing risks from global and domestic factors.

ECB: Cash still dominates payments in euro area
Survey finds physical currency remains the most widely used payment method despite digital shift, with 59% of transactions in 2025.

Euro zone bond yields fall as U.S. inflation cools in July
German 10-year Bund yield drops to two-week low as softer U.S. CPI data fuels bets on global rate cuts.

Euro zone bond yields dip after softer U.S. inflation data
German 10-year Bund yields fell below 2.5% as cooler-than-expected U.S. CPI reading boosted demand for core euro zone debt.

China’s central bank reaffirms loose monetary policy stance
PBOC signals continued support for growth amid economic headwinds, with no immediate shift in policy direction.

Citi expects Bank of Korea to raise rates amid inflation pressures
Analysts at Citi project a rate hike by the Bank of Korea as consumer prices remain elevated, with risks tilted toward tighter policy.

Swiss National Bank holds rates steady after September review
The SNB left its key policy rate unchanged at 1.25% as inflation remains within target range, citing stable economic conditions.

Brazil’s central bank says inflation still driven by demand despite rate hikes
Monetary tightening has yet to fully curb price pressures, central bank survey shows demand remains primary inflation driver.

U.S. 10-year yield hits 2024 high as long bond demand weakens
Benchmark Treasury yield rises above 4.5% as investors reassess demand for long-duration debt amid shifting rate expectations.

German yields rise to Aug. 3 high on energy-driven inflation fears
Benchmark 10-year Bund yields hit their highest level since early August as surging energy prices fuel concerns over persistent inflation in Europe.

ECB Appoints Boris Kisselevsky as Director General Secretariat
The European Central Bank has named Boris Kisselevsky to the position of Director General Secretariat.

Why Bearish Sentiment Persists Around the Japanese Yen
Market participants continue to maintain a bearish outlook on the Japanese yen amid ongoing economic and monetary policy factors.

