Inflation
SNB holds policy rate at 0% as inflation eases and GDP growth stays strong
The Swiss National Bank left its key rate unchanged, citing modest inflation pressure and robust Q2 GDP, while signalling readiness to intervene in foreign‑exchange markets.
SNB Leaves Rates at 0% Amid Rising Swiss Inflation
Swiss central bank maintains benchmark rate at zero percent despite inflation pressures, citing energy price spikes as key driver.
Switzerland's SNB Keeps Rates at 0% Amid Global Tightening
Switzerland's central bank defies global rate hikes, but markets expect a move by early 2027. The Swiss franc's strength and unique economic factors help keep inflation low.
Austria Plans 12-Cent Fuel Price Cut for Oct-Nov
Vienna will slash mineral oil taxes and trim refiner margins to lower pump prices by more than 12 cents per liter, citing inflation as a top priority.
FTSE 100 Rises 0.3% as Mining Stocks Rally on Base-Metal Gains
Barratt Redrow led UK gains after beating profit estimates, while miners rallied on higher base-metal prices. UK inflation ticked up to 3.1% in August.
German equities fall after ECB raises interest rates
The DAX lost 0.7% to 25,407 points, marking its lowest point of the day, as markets reacted to the ECB's second rate hike of the year and revised inflation forecasts.
SMI in Red, 8 of 20 Blue Chips Gain; Nestlé Loses After Russia Report; Gold Rises
Swiss stock market closes lower after a positive week; gold prices increase amid rising interest rates; Nestlé shares fall after Russia business report.
SMI closes with biggest daily loss since March; Nestlé, Richemont hit three-month lows
Swiss Market Index (SMI) suffered a significant decline, with Nestlé and Richemont reaching three-month lows amid rising oil prices and inflation concerns. DocMorris surged on new bond issuance plans.
Switzerland Raises 2026 GDP Growth Forecast to 1.7% as Franc Weakness Helps
SECO lifts 2026 growth projection to 1.7% from 0.9%, citing stronger-than-expected Q2 data and a weaker franc boosting exports.
UBS's Kunkel sees broadening rally, warns of three key risks
The UBS global family and institutional wealth CIO anticipates widening equity gains driven by earnings, while flagging oil shocks, AI monetisation doubts and fiscal pressures as top threats.
Swiss SMI falls below 14,000 as Brent oil hits $100
Switzerland's benchmark index slipped to its lowest level since mid-June amid oil-driven inflation worries, while luxury, construction and pharma stocks diverged.
Dax slips as Brent crude nears $100 and oil prices pressure German stocks
The Dax fell to 25,975 in early afternoon trade as Brent crude approached $100 and WTI and European gas prices rose, while stock-specific ratings drove moves in Dax and MDax names.
EuroStoxx 50 slides 0.8% as oil price rise fuels inflation fears
The Euro Stoxx 50 fell to 6,368.98, its lowest since early August, as higher oil prices and heightened Iran tensions revived inflation concerns and expectations of an ECB rate hike. Swiss and UK indices also moved modestly.
German inflation rises to 2.9% in August, nearing 3% mark
Consumer prices in Germany accelerated for a second straight month in August, driven by energy costs amid Middle East supply risks. Economists expect further upward pressure on core inflation.
German inflation rises to 2.9% on energy, low Rhine water
Consumer prices in Germany accelerated in August, driven by surging energy costs and disruptions to shipping on the Rhine due to drought. Core inflation held steady at 2.4%.
U.S. core PCE inflation holds at 3.3% in July, matching forecasts
Analysts see sticky services inflation as a key risk, with Fed policy focus shifting to Jackson Hole and September FOMC meeting. Consumer spending growth adjusted for inflation flat.
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.
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.
Iran warns U.S. of economic retaliation amid escalating sanctions
Tehran cautions Washington over potential blowback from stricter trade restrictions, as Trump administration prepares to unveil sweeping measures. Iranian officials vow reciprocal measures against regional oil exporters.
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.
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.
Extreme weather costs Europe billions as droughts and heatwaves strain economies
Record temperatures and low water levels disrupt shipping, power generation and agriculture, with Allianz estimating a 0.3 percentage point hit to euro zone GDP this year. Southern Europe faces prolonged growth losses and fiscal strain.