Inflation Data
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.
Swiss housing prices set to rise further; buyers face affordability squeeze
Rising real estate values and low mortgage costs are supporting Swiss home prices, but structural supply constraints and tax changes are reshaping affordability and investment decisions.
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.
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.
U.S. jobless claims drop to 206,000, beating forecasts
Initial unemployment filings fell below expectations for a second straight week, signaling steady labor market conditions despite recent volatility.
Swiss gasoline prices rise above 2 francs per liter for first time since 2022
Average price for 95-octane gasoline reaches 2.02 francs per liter, driven by Middle East tensions, reduced refinery capacity and Rhine transport disruptions. Diesel climbs to 2.27 francs.
U.S. national debt tops $40 trillion as servicing costs near $1.4 trillion
Crossing the $40 trillion mark, the U.S. faces rising debt servicing expenses and elevated Treasury yields, with projections pointing to $50 trillion by 2029. Market intervention has done little to curb structural pressures.
Bank of America warns of market fallout if U.S. bond plan fails
BofA strategist Hartnett sees dollar weakness and increased short bets on risk assets if 30-year Treasury yields stay above 5%. S&P 500 drops 1.9% amid bond-market volatility.
U.S. Treasury's Bessent to outline Iran sanctions plan on Monday
Secretary Scott Bessent will detail planned measures against Iran and Treasury bond buybacks at a press conference. Bond yields surged before partially reversing after Wednesday's support announcement.
U.S. debt tops $40 trillion as Fed minutes, Iran tensions lift markets
Fed minutes show dissent on rates as U.S. debt surpasses $40 trillion; Brent crude rises on geopolitical risks while Walmart's ad unit growth supports retail shares.
U.S. Manufacturing PMI drops to 53.2, undershooting forecasts
Factory activity expansion slows as ISM reading falls short of 54.0 estimate, signaling softer industrial momentum. Dollar sentiment turns cautious.
Global economic calendar: August 20, 2026 — earnings, inflation and central bank updates
AEGON, Alibaba and Walmart among companies reporting quarterly results; Germany releases producer prices and trade data alongside Sweden’s Riksbank rate decision.
Germany’s August PMI shows manufacturing rebound, services slowdown
Flash PMI data points to a two-month low for the composite index at 51.0, with manufacturing output surging to a 51-month high of 54.1, while services activity contracted for a fifth straight month.
Japan's core inflation steady at 1.8% in July, BOJ rate hike odds rise
Consumer prices rose 1.8% year-on-year, matching forecasts, while service inflation edged up.
Global bond yields surge to multi-decade highs on US turmoil
US long-term borrowing costs hit 2007 highs, dragging G7 yields higher amid Iran war, inflation fears and political uncertainty. Central bank responses remain uncertain.
Mexico’s central bank holds rates at 6.5% amid inflation concerns
Banxico signals prolonged pause as services inflation remains sticky, while peso gains 6% in 2026.
U.S. Treasury doubles long-dated bond buybacks after yield surge
Long-dated U.S. Treasury yields fell 10 bps after the government doubled planned bond buybacks. Stocks rose, gold and bitcoin gained, while the dollar weakened sharply against the Swiss franc.
Fed minutes show growing inflation worries at July meeting
Minutes from the July 28-29 Federal Reserve meeting reveal increased concerns over broad-based price pressures, with three policymakers dissenting in favor of a rate hike. The benchmark rate remained at 3.50%-3.75%.
U.S. Treasury yields surge in 2026 as bond ETFs face steep losses
Long-dated Treasury yields hit multi-year highs in August 2026 amid fiscal deterioration and inflation persistence, pressuring bond ETFs like TLT and AGG into deep oversold territory.
Latin America growth seen slowing to 2.2% in 2026: UN agency
ECLAC revises down 2026 GDP forecast to 2.2% from 2.3%, citing a more challenging global backdrop. Region expected to log five straight years of ~2.3% average expansion by 2027.