View:

February 18, 2025

...
UK: Mixed Labor Market Signals – Yet Again
Paying Article

February 18, 2025 7:56 AM UTC

There is little in the latest UK labor market numbers that will ease any concerns of the BoE policy hawks.  Admittedly, inactivity and vacancies fell, both suggesting some easing in the labor market, although the former is as suspect as the (still apparently rising) ONS employment numbers due to qu

RBA Review: It has begun
Freemium Article

February 18, 2025 4:47 AM UTC

The RBA meeting on February 18th cut rates on by 25bps to 4.1% and suggest data dependency going forward

February 17, 2025

...
Reciprocal Tariffs and Reducing Bilateral Trade Imbalances
Paying Article

February 17, 2025 10:28 AM UTC

·       President Trump’s executive order on reciprocal tariffs has not produced much market reaction, both as the proposals will not be delivered to the president until April 1 and the process of Commerce/U.S. Treasury and Homeland Security input is seen reducing the odds of penal tariffs.

...
Stubborn Inflation Continues to Stay Elevated in the First Month of 2025
Paying Article

February 17, 2025 9:33 AM UTC

Bottom Line: According to Russian Federal Statistics Service (Rosstat) data, inflation ticked up to 9.9% YoY in January after hitting 9.5% in December, remaining well above the Central Bank of Russia’s (CBR) midterm target of 4%, due to surges in services and food prices, huge military spending,

RBA Preview: Signaling Earlier Cut
Freemium Article

February 17, 2025 2:53 AM UTC

The RBA meeting on February 18th will keep rates on hold at 4.35% and signal a cut in April

February 14, 2025

U.S. Fed's Logan - Wants caution on rates
Paying Article

February 14, 2025 8:06 PM UTC

Fed's Logan continues to sound quite hawkish, particularly after the strong CPI.

...
Argentina CPI Review: January Relief but Inflation Fight Continues
Paying Article

February 14, 2025 7:05 PM UTC

Argentina’s CPI rose 2.2% in January, slightly below forecasts, with Y/Y inflation dropping to 84% from 116%. Core CPI increased by 2.4%, accumulating 75% annual inflation. Inflation is expected to decline as devaluation effects fade, though inertia may keep it above 2% in the first half. Services

...
U.S. January Retail Sales - Slippage likely to be weather-induced
Paying Article

February 14, 2025 1:57 PM UTC

January retail sales at -0.9% saw a significant downside surprise, though we believe the main reason for weakness was bad weather, with a correction from strength in Q4 also likely to be a factor. The core rates were also weak, ex auto at -0.4%, ex auto and gas at -0.5%, and the control group that c

...
CBR Held Key Rate Constant at 21% on February 14
Paying Article

February 14, 2025 12:24 PM UTC

Bottom Line: As we predicted, Central Bank of Russia (CBR) kept the policy rate constant on February 14 for the second consecutive time supported by the recent RUB strengthening while the inflation remains elevated. CBR said in its statement on February 14 that current inflationary pressures remain

...
China: Private Sector Balance Sheet Recession?
Paying Article

February 14, 2025 10:45 AM UTC

  Overall, we maintain the view that parts of China’s household sector are showing signs of a balance sheet debt consolidation, due to the excess buildup of debt in the past 20 years relative to disposable income.  The non-financial corporate sector is more difficult to interpret, due to strengt

...
BJP Ends 27-Year Drought in Delhi with Decisive Win
Freemium Article

February 14, 2025 7:06 AM UTC

The BJP ended its 27-year drought in Delhi, winning 47 seats and breaking AAP’s dominance. The victory was driven by a united party front, strong RSS ground support, success in key voter blocs, including Sikh, Punjabi, and Dalit communities and the promise of freebies. AAP’s vote share fell to 4

February 13, 2025

...
Negotiations to End Ukraine War to Start Soon
Paying Article

February 13, 2025 3:03 PM UTC

Bottom Line: As we envisaged, U.S. president Trump and Russian president Putin talked over the phone on February 12 to discuss the war in Ukraine. According to sources, Trump and Putin agreed to have their teams start negotiations immediately. Under current circumstances, we foresee a Russia-friendl

...
Preview: Due February 14 - U.S. January Retail Sales - Weather to bring correction from Q4 strength
Paying Article

February 13, 2025 2:33 PM UTC

We expect US retail sales to fall by 1.0% in January with declines of 0.2% both ex autos and ex autos and gasoline. The monthly weakness is likely to be largely due to bad weather with potential for a correction from Q4 strength adding to downside risk.

...
Revised FOMC view: One 25 bps easing in late 2025, two 25bps easings in 2026
Paying Article

February 13, 2025 12:46 PM UTC

Strength in January CPI does in part reflect residual seasonality, but continued stalling of progress in yr/yr growth is of concern. This revives concerns that the economy may need to slow to return inflation to the 2.0% target, something tariffs are likely to make more difficult. Uncertainty is exc

...
Europe’s Ukraine Political Fallout and Market Hopes
Freemium Article

February 13, 2025 12:33 PM UTC

European politicians are surprised and angry at the U.S. stance on a peace deal for Ukraine and less military support for Europe, but eventually they will have to accept the new reality.  Europe is too divided to provide security guarantees to Ukraine on its own. A further increase and acceleration

...
UK GDP Review: Surprise Resilience
Paying Article

February 13, 2025 7:58 AM UTC

GDP data for the end of 2024 very much surprised on the upside albeit still failing to convey an impression of UK’s economy displaying solidity, if not strength.  Admittedly GDP rose by 0.4% m/m in December, the largest such gain in 11 months (Figure 1) and enough to have allowed Q4 see growth of

...
Bank Indonesia Policy Preview: Rate Pause Likely as Rupiah Stability Takes Priority
Paying Article

February 13, 2025 4:55 AM UTC

Bank Indonesia is expected to keep rates steady at 5.75% in its February 18-19 meeting after last month’s surprise cut. While inflation remains low and growth is steady, the weakening rupiah and external uncertainties may delay further easing. The central bank is likely to assess the impact of its

...
India CPI Review:Rate Cuts in Sight as Prices Cool
Paying Article

February 13, 2025 4:12 AM UTC

India’s inflation cooled to 4.31% in January, clearing the way for more rate cuts as food prices dipped. The RBI is shifting focus to growth. But risks remain—rupee weakness and global commodity prices could still stir inflationary trouble.

February 12, 2025

...
Bank of Canada Minutes Back 25bps Easing, Less Clear on Potential Tariff Implications
Paying Article

February 12, 2025 7:09 PM UTC

The Bank of Canada has released minutes from its January 29 meeting, which show no signs that the decision to ease by 25bps saw much debate. Uncertainty due to tariff risks was seen as supporting the decision. However, should a trade war with the US be seen, the minutes show a more balanced view, co

...
India’s FY26 Budget: Balancing Growth, Fiscal Prudence, and Political Realities
Paying Article

February 12, 2025 4:56 PM UTC

India's FY26 budget is a strategic attempt to sustain economic expansion while maintaining fiscal consolidation, with the government targeting a nominal GDP growth of 10.1% and a real GDP expansion of 6.3%-6.8%. The budget continues its capex-led growth approach, increasing infrastructure investment

U.S. Fed's Powell - Cautious response to strong CPI
Paying Article

February 12, 2025 4:22 PM UTC

Fed Chairman Powell's response to the strong CPI is not overly alarmist, though it backs caution over policy.

...
U.S. January CPI - A clear disappointment
Paying Article

February 12, 2025 2:05 PM UTC

January CPI is a clear disappointment rising by 0.5% overall and 0.4% ex food and energy (0.446% before rounding). While there is a problem of residual seasonality bringing strength in Q1 data, that yr/yr rates accelerated, overall to 3.0% from 2.9%, and ex food and energy to 3.3% from 3.2%, will be

...
UK CPI Preview (Feb 19): Inflation Drop to Target Deferred
Freemium Article

February 12, 2025 10:27 AM UTC

After the surprisingly soft December data, we think January’s CPI numbers will show some bounce back up, albeit the 0.2 ppt rise we envisage to 2.7% being notch below BoE thinking.  This will largely reflect more ‘noise’ in volatile services and higher energy inflation both due to fuel price

Japan With/Against Trump?
Paying Article

February 12, 2025 6:11 AM UTC

As Donald Trump pressure other countries with his tariff tactics, every country, even U.S. allies, are trying to figure out whether they should retaliate or comply. Japan, as a long term U.S. ally, is of no exception but they seem to have taken a different path than Canada when dealing with Trump. I

Brazil CPI Review: Mixed Signs from January Inflation
Paying Article

February 12, 2025 12:33 AM UTC

Brazil’s CPI rose 0.16% in January, lowering Y/Y inflation to 4.5% from 4.8%. A temporary electricity discount drove the decline, while Food (+1%) and Transport (+1.3%) showed worrying increases. Core inflation rose 0.7%, with Services CPI jumping to 5.4%, partly due to seasonal healthcare costs.

February 11, 2025

U.S. Fed's Williams - Sees inflation returning to target, but not this year
Paying Article

February 11, 2025 8:40 PM UTC

Fed's Williams' tone is moderate but his economic views suggests limited easing this year.

U.S. Fed's Powell - Cautious answers in Q+A
Paying Article

February 11, 2025 5:20 PM UTC

Fed Chairman Powell's Q+A provided few fireworks, with his answers particularly cautious on trade policy.

U.S. Fed's Powell - No hurry to change policy, but not hawkish
Paying Article

February 11, 2025 3:10 PM UTC

Fed Chairman Powell's testimony offers little new. We await the Q+A for questions on Trump's policies, tariffs in particular. 

U.S. Fed's Hammack - Hold rates for some time
Paying Article

February 11, 2025 1:46 PM UTC

Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack is sounding hawkish, consistent with her dissent against December's easing.

...
Trump’s Tariffs: Steel Then Reciprocal and Then Cars
Paying Article

February 11, 2025 1:23 PM UTC

 The 25% Steel and Aluminum tariff could have small to modest adverse inflation and GDP growth impacts on the U.S., but the prospect of reciprocal and more product and country tariffs create trade policy uncertainty/supply chain disruption and paperwork problems.  This could amplify the impact of

...
Preview: Due February 12 - U.S. January CPI - Core rate to pick up on the month but slow yr/yr
Paying Article

February 11, 2025 1:19 PM UTC

We expect January’s CPI to increase by 0.3% both overall and ex food and energy, with the overall figure close to 0.3% even before rounding, but the core rate rising by 0.33%, which would be the strongest monthly gain since the three months of Q1 2024 each showed monthly core rates of 0.4% (each a

...
Europe’s Gas Problem Again?
Freemium Article

February 11, 2025 8:30 AM UTC

The ECB staff forecasts on March 6 will be revised upwards for 2025 and 2026, due to the surge in wholesale gas prices.  However, the ECB will likely take the view that 2 round effects from higher gas prices on balance are unlikely to boost core inflation (especially given wage tracker softness) an

February 10, 2025

...
Mexico CPI Review: Inflation Falls as Demand Eases
Paying Article

February 10, 2025 7:14 PM UTC

Mexico’s CPI rose 0.3% in January, below its 0.6% historical average but in line with expectations. Y/Y inflation fell to 3.6%, the lowest since Jan/2021. Core CPI rose 0.4%, with core goods up 0.7% and services up 0.2%. Non-core CPI fell 0.13%, led by a 1.5% drop in agricultural goods. The econom

...
CBRT Increased Its End-Year Inflation Forecast from 21% to 24%
Freemium Article

February 10, 2025 3:08 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) released its first quarterly inflation report of the year on February 7, and revised its inflation forecast for 2025. CBRT now projects that inflation will stand at 24% at the end of 2025, 12% next year and 8% in 2027. CBRT governor Karahan said the revisi

...
Markets and Trump’s Early Days
Paying Article

February 10, 2025 7:55 AM UTC

  The early days of the new Trump administration has seen lots of volatility around the on-off tariffs with Canada and Mexico, but the more stable U.S. Treasury market has helped provide an anchor.  U.S. Treasuries have shift towards the view that the 10yr budget bill will be delayed until H2 and

February 08, 2025

...
Banxico Review: 50 bps Cut as Expected
Freemium Article

February 8, 2025 9:39 PM UTC

Banxico cut the policy rate by 50bps to 10.5%, with a cautious stance and a split vote. Inflation has fallen but remains above target, expected to converge to 3.0% by Q3 2026. Global risks, including Trump’s tariff threats, add uncertainty. Despite economic weakness, some monetary tightening may s

February 07, 2025

...
Russian Economy Grew by 4.1% YoY in 2024
Paying Article

February 7, 2025 7:22 PM UTC

Bottom Line: According to the figures announced by the Russian State Statistics Service (Rosstat) on February 7, Russia's GDP expanded by 4.1% YoY in 2024 driven by strong military spending, higher wages and fiscal stimulus. We envisage growth to hit 1.6% in 2025, which is significantly less than

...
Monetary Policy Reset: RBI’s Balancing Act Begins
Paying Article

February 7, 2025 4:57 PM UTC

The RBI has cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%, marking its first reduction in five years. While aimed at supporting growth, the central bank maintains a neutral stance, signaling caution amid global uncertainties. Inflation is projected to ease, but risks from trade disruptions and finan

...
U.S. January Employment - Trend still strong despite a weather-restrained January
Paying Article

February 7, 2025 2:09 PM UTC

January’s non-farm payroll with a 143k increase is on the low side of expectations, though we suspect January data was restrained by bad weather. A dip in the workweek is also probably weather-induced and may be behind an above trend 0.5% rise in earnings per hour. Unemployment slipped to 4.0% fro

...
Eurozone: The Neutral Rate – Probably Little Changed Recently Unlike Central Banks
Freemium Article

February 7, 2025 1:14 PM UTC

A well-advertised research paper from the ECB suggests that the real neutral rate of interest for the EZ has not changed very much in the last few years but with a likely range of between -0.5% and +0.5%, but still well below estimates for what is so-called r* prior to the pandemic (Figure 1).  The

February 06, 2025

...
Argentina: Lower Rates, Conditions to Lift the Controls
Freemium Article

February 6, 2025 6:16 PM UTC

The Argentine Central Bank cut rates to 29%, citing improved inflation expectations. Rather than using a contractionary policy, it aims to curb monetary base growth through fiscal consolidation. Inflation is below 3%, with a 2% target feasible by mid-year. However, the 1% crawling peg risks eroding

...
Preview: Due February 7 - U.S. January Employment (Non-Farm Payrolls) - A slower month given bad weather
Paying Article

February 6, 2025 2:47 PM UTC

We expect a below trend 125k increase in January’s non-farm payroll, with a 95k rise in the private sector. The data is likely to be restrained by bad weather and a possible correction from an above trend December. The workweek is likely to fall on bad weather but we expect unemployment to be unch

...
Fixing The U.S. Trade Deficit
Paying Article

February 6, 2025 2:30 PM UTC

  New U.S. trade deals will likely make slow progress in reducing bilateral trade deficits as the underlying drivers behind the U.S. trade deficit are macro forces.  While the U.S. economy outperforms other major trading partners; the value of the USD remains overvalued and as long as tariffs are

...
BoE Review: Uncertain MPC Signals It Needs to be Careful
Freemium Article

February 6, 2025 1:57 PM UTC

The latest set of BoE forecasts are notable for one major thing – an assumption that underlying growth has fallen, possible to under 1%.  This does not explain all of the higher inflation profile (Figure 1) which now only delivers a below target outcome into 2028 – the higher rates projected th

...
CBR Will Likely Hold Key Rate Constant at 21% on February 14
Paying Article

February 6, 2025 10:05 AM UTC

Bottom Line: After Central Bank of Russia (CBR) held the key rate stable at 21% on December 20 despite expectations were centered around a rate hike, we now foresee that the rate will be kept constant on February 14 taking into account that January will likely bring a little inflation relief support

...
RBI Monetary Policy Preview: MPC to Deliver a Rate Cut
Paying Article

February 6, 2025 7:50 AM UTC

With the RBI’s policy review around the corner, all eyes are on how the central bank will tackle India’s slowing growth momentum and the increased currency volatility. The RBI is likely to cut rate by 25bps to 6.25% on February 8. Imported inflation will remain a key concern. 

February 05, 2025

...
Congress Struggles Over Budget Bill
Paying Article

February 5, 2025 2:48 PM UTC

The House is struggling to reach consensus on the beautiful huge 10yr budget bill, as GOP budget hawks want to see multi trillion expenditure cuts, though eventually the 10yr expenditure cuts will likely compromise around USD 0.5-1.0trn.  Tax cuts are also unlikely to match President Trump campaign

...
Eurozone: Trump Taking Aim at the EU?
Freemium Article

February 5, 2025 9:06 AM UTC

President Trump has made it clear that the EU is going to face US tariffs in the not too distant future.  Admittedly, tariff threats have been used as the basis for negotiation elsewhere, this may be the case for the EU too – as was the case during Trump’s first term.  As for the EU, it does h

February 04, 2025

U.S. Fed's Daly - Can take our time on policy changes
Paying Article

February 4, 2025 8:12 PM UTC

Fed's Daly's tone is consistent with most recent Fed speakers.

...
BCB Minutes: Detailing the Deterioration
Paying Article

February 4, 2025 6:29 PM UTC

The BCB raised rates by 100bps to 13.25%, signaling another hike in March. External uncertainty remains, but domestic risks worsened, with inflation expectations rising. The BCB stressed fiscal-monetary coordination and warned about policy distortions. Despite markets pricing a 15% rate, we expect s