Interest Rates
Australia jobless rate climbs to 4.5% as hiring declines in July
Unemployment unexpectedly rose to 4.5% last month, with employment falling by 15,800 jobs, reversing most of June’s gains. Markets trim rate-hike bets ahead of September RBA meeting.
USD/CHF bears regain control as Swiss franc draws haven flows
U.S. Treasury’s expanded long-end buybacks and shifting correlations fuel safe-haven demand for the franc, pushing USD/CHF below key support. Technicals and fundamentals suggest further downside if resistance holds.
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.
China holds benchmark lending rates steady for 15th month in August
The People's Bank of China kept the one-year and five-year loan prime rates unchanged at 3.00% and 3.50%, respectively, as policymakers prioritize fiscal support over further monetary easing amid weak July economic data.
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.
China holds loan prime rates steady for 15th month in August
The People's Bank of China kept the one-year and five-year loan prime rates at 3.00% and 3.50%, respectively, as weak domestic demand and banking sector constraints limited policy options.
U.S. 30-year Treasury yield jumps 5.4 bps after debt buyback plan
Long-dated U.S. bond yields rose after the Treasury announced a larger debt buyback program, while global stocks edged higher following four straight sessions of declines.
U.S. Treasury may expand bond buyback program beyond $4 bln per issue
Secretary Bessent signals potential increase in Treasury bond repurchases to stabilize markets and address yield distortions. Update follows surprise doubling of buyback size announced Wednesday.
Swiss borrowers overpay by CHF 18,000/year on long-term mortgages
Households refinancing into decade-long fixed-rate loans during 2023’s brief high-rate window now face annual overpayments of up to CHF 18,000 versus Saron-linked or short-term options, data shows.
U.S. debt surpasses $40 trillion for first time
Total public debt hits $40.047 trillion as Treasury ramps up long-dated bond buybacks to ease yields amid rising term premiums.
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%.
Carry traders target Swiss franc as yen loses appeal
Hedge funds boosted net short positions in the Swiss franc to a two-month high as yen carry trades face volatility after recent interventions. Analysts cite low Swiss rates and SNB intervention risks as key drivers.
U.S. accused of interest-rate manipulation after doubling bond buybacks
Criticism of the Swiss National Bank’s currency interventions highlights parallels with Washington’s bond-market interventions, which similarly distort market pricing. Analysis of policy overlap and unintended consequences.
G7 government debt pressures mount as borrowing costs surge
U.S. debt tops $40 trillion while Japanese and German yields hit multi-decade highs. OECD interest payments overtake defense spending.
German DAX slips 0.14% as rate jitters persist, chip stocks weigh
The German benchmark index closed modestly lower as rising bond yields and Middle East tensions kept investors cautious. Chip stocks led declines, with Infineon down 4%, while SAP and Merck advanced on positive sector news.
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.
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.
EUR/USD breakout tests dollar’s yield-driven support amid Treasury buybacks
Dollar weakens after U.S. Treasury doubles long-end bond buybacks to $4bn, narrowing yield spreads with Germany. EUR/USD eyes 1.1785 after breaking above 200-day average.
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.
Swiss franc gains appeal for carry trades after yen intervention
Investors shift focus to the franc as a funding currency for carry trades following rare yen intervention. Swiss franc strengthens against the euro and dollar while rates remain at zero.
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.
USD/JPY consolidates near 159.50 after July intervention gains fade
The yen has retraced roughly half of its late-July rally as rate differentials and fiscal risks weigh. Technical levels suggest a near-term pullback toward 159.00, with a break opening room to 158.54.