Macro
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.
UK statistics office raises 2023 and 2024 growth estimates
The UK's official statistics body has upwardly revised its estimates for economic growth in 2023 and 2024.
Nigeria’s reforms averted economic collapse, finance minister says
Subsidy cuts and currency devaluation generated $11.7bn in savings while shrinking the official-parallel FX gap to under 5%.
ECB's Lagarde warns Europe's post-war growth model is eroding
ECB President Christine Lagarde highlights the weakening of Europe's three historical growth pillars—global trade, mid-tech manufacturing, and a stable rules-based order—while outlining domestic resilience and policy responses.
Swiss industrial output rises 5.5% in Q2, reversing Q1 slump
Switzerland’s manufacturing sector rebounds with a 5.5% year-on-year increase in Q2, while industrial sales fall 0.3%. Construction excluded from data.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
U.S. pending home sales fall 2.3% in July, missing expectations
Contract signings dropped for a second straight month as higher mortgage rates and limited inventory weighed on buyer activity, data from the National Association of Realtors showed.
U.S. industrial output growth slows to 0.2% in August, below forecast
Factory, mining and utility output rose 0.2% last month, missing expectations for 0.3% and matching July's pace. Analysts cite persistent supply chain pressures and uneven demand.
U.S. single-family home starts fall 9.9% in July as rates weigh
Single-family housing starts dropped to 808,000 units amid high mortgage rates, while permits for future construction rose 2.5%. Total residential starts declined 12.4% as affordability pressures persist.
U.S. building permits rise 5% in latest data, reversing prior slump
Permits for new residential construction jumped to a 5% gain, sharply rebounding from a 2.6% decline and signaling stronger momentum in the housing sector.
U.S. private payrolls rise by 9,500 weekly in early August: ADP
Weekly private-sector hiring rebounded to 9,500 jobs in the four weeks to Aug. 1, reversing seven straight weeks of declines, ADP data shows.
UK Sells £4 Billion of 10-Year Gilts at 5.156% Yield
The United Kingdom has issued £4 billion in 10-year government bonds, achieving a yield of 5.156%.