Turkish Economy Remains under Pressure after Mayor of Istanbul Arrest

March 28, 2025 11:06 AM UTC

Bottom Line: After mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, arrested on March 23 due to fraud allegations, nationwide protests continue in Turkiye and Turkish economy remains under pressure despite a recent recovery after Treasury and Finance Minister Simsek vowed to restore stability, and Central Bank of

March Outlook: Navigating the Turbulence

March 27, 2025 10:30 AM UTC

All chapters of the March Outlook are now available and simply click the link below. 

Norges Review (Mar 27): Policy Easing Delayed but Far From Abandoned?

March 27, 2025 10:01 AM UTC

As was perhaps just the more likely case, the Norges Bank did not deliver on the rate cut it had been flagging very clearly until recently.  Instead, it kept the policy rate at 4.5% on the back of inflation having been markedly higher than expected and where wage growth in 2024 turned out higher th

Outlook Overview: Navigating the Turbulence

March 26, 2025 9:30 AM UTC

·       More tariffs will arrive from the U.S. from April with product (car, pharma, semiconductors and lumber) and reciprocal tariffs. President Trump has a 3-part approach to tariffs to raise (tax) revenue; bring production back to the U.S. and get fairer trade deals.  This means some of t

Equities Outlook: Turbulence Ahead

March 26, 2025 9:05 AM UTC

·       U.S. trade wars will likely hurt U.S. growth and raise inflation, with only small to modest Fed easing and a 10yr budget bill that will likely be neutral to negative for the economy.  With valuations still very high (Figure 1), we see scope for a correction to extend into mid-year th

DM Rates Outlook: Policy Divergence

March 25, 2025 9:30 AM UTC

 •    2yr U.S. Treasury yields can step down with cautious  Fed easing on a modest/moderate growth slowdown and also if the Fed keeps an easing bias. 10yr U.S. Treasury yields can be helped by this easing and see a move down through 2025.  However, the budget deficit will likely be 6.5-7.0%

EMEA Outlook: Mixed Prospects Due to Global Uncertainties and Domestic Dynamics

March 25, 2025 7:00 AM UTC

·     In South Africa, we foresee average headline inflation will stand at 4.1% and 4.5% in 2025 and 2026, respectively, despite there are upside risks to inflation such as remaining power cuts (loadshedding), tariff hikes by Eskom, spike in food and housing prices, and global uncertainties. We

Commodities Outlook: Shifting Dynamics

March 24, 2025 11:00 AM UTC

The oil market faces mixed forces, including geopolitical pressures, demand concerns, and supply shifts. OPEC+ plans production hikes, driven by stricter U.S. sanctions on Iran and Russia and President Trump’s push for more supply. However, global demand prospects, especially in the U.S. and China

As Expected, CBR Kept Key Rate Constant at 21% on March 21

March 21, 2025 3:40 PM UTC

Bottom Line: As we predicted, Central Bank of Russia (CBR) kept the policy rate constant on March 21 for the third consecutive time to combat price pressures. CBR signaled that it is unlikely that further tightening is needed for disinflation, and stated that current inflationary pressures have decr

Norges Bank Preview (Mar 27): No Change but a Close Call?

March 20, 2025 3:56 PM UTC

Norway sees the widely awaited Norges Bank decision later this month where recent inflation data have questioned whether the well flagged rate cut will now be delivered – we think the decision may be more finely balances that many are suggesting not least as economic activity signs are mixed even

SARB Kept Key Rate Steady at 7.5% Due to Global and Domestic Uncertainties

March 20, 2025 2:01 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Despite we thought it was likely that South African Reserve Bank (SARB) will cut the key rate from 7.5% to 7.25% during the MPC scheduled on March 20 as inflation remained below SARB’s target of 4.5% and core inflation continued to decelerate in February, SARB decided to keep the poli

SNB: 25 bp Cut Likely To Last

March 20, 2025 9:26 AM UTC

Bottom Line: With inflation forecasts stable, and given a reasonable economic outlook, it would be a good time to pause or stop the SNB easing cycle. However, if the U.S. trade tariffs have a bigger adverse effect than expected or the CHF surges, then the SNB may want the option to ease again later

Sweden Riksbank Review: Everything Unchanged?

March 20, 2025 9:16 AM UTC

Having delivered in January, the widely-expected sixth successive rate cut, the Riksbank adhered to the assessment made in December that the easing cycle has drawn to an end with the policy rate (down to 2.25%) having dropped 1.75 ppt in eight months.  Especially given the recent upside CPI surpris

South Africa’s Inflation Held Steady at 3.2% in February

March 19, 2025 3:40 PM UTC

Bottom Line: StatsSA announced on March 19 that annual South Africa’s inflation remained unchanged at 3.2% YoY in February while the main contributors were housing and utilities, food and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as services related to restaurants and accommodation. Taking into account that t

SA MPC Preview: 25 bps Rate Cut on March 20 is Likely, But a Very Close Call Due to Uncertainties

March 14, 2025 8:29 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Taking into account that annual inflation in January stood at 3.2% in January, which is below midpoint of target band of 3% - 6%, we think it is likely that South African Reserve Bank (SARB) will cut the key rate from 7.5% to 7.25% during the MPC scheduled on March 20 as inflation remai

Inflation in Russia Hits Two-Year High in February: 10.1% YoY

March 13, 2025 10:10 AM UTC

Bottom Line: According to Russian Federal Statistics Service (Rosstat) data, inflation ticked up to 10.1% YoY in February after hitting 9.9% in January, 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,

SNB Preview (Mar 20): A Final Cut?

March 11, 2025 11:45 AM UTC

Having very much delivered relatively rapid easing worth some 125 bp in the last year, we see a further SNB rate cut of 25 bp at this month’s quarterly assessment taking the policy rate to 0.25%, the lowest since Sep 2022, ie when the Board moved away from negative rates.  A return to negative ra

Sweden Riksbank Preview (Mar 20): Time to Pause?

March 11, 2025 10:33 AM UTC

Having delivered in January, the widely-expected sixth successive rate cut, the Riksbank adhered to the assessment made in December that the easing cycle has drawn to an end with the policy rate (down to 2.25%) having dropped 1.75 ppt in eight months.  Especially given the recent upside CPI surpris

Third Straight Cut: CBRT Reduced the Key Rate to 42.5%

March 6, 2025 12:08 PM UTC

Bottom Line: After inflation softened more-than-expectations to 39.1% in February, the lowest in 20 months, the easing cycle continued on March 6 as Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) reduced the policy rate by 250 bps to 42.5%. The decision was supported by domestic demand remaining at disinflationary

South Africa’s Economy Expanded by a Moderate 0.6% in Q4

March 4, 2025 12:02 PM UTC

Bottom line: South African economy grew modestly by 0.6% YoY in Q4 2024 driven by strong performances by agricultural sector and finance. According to Department of Statistics of South Africa (Stats SA) announcement on March 4, demand side of the economy was lifted by household consumption expenditu

Turkiye’s Inflation Decelerated More Than Expectations in February, Now Below 40% YoY

March 3, 2025 11:14 AM UTC

Bottom line: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) announced on March 3 that the inflation softened to 39.1% y/y in February from 42.1% y/y in January. We think lagged impacts of previous tightening, relative Turkish lira (TRY) stability, and less-than-expected hike in minimum wage in January contin

As Predicted, Turkiye's 2024 GDP Growth Hit 3.2% YoY

February 28, 2025 12:03 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) announced on February 28 that Turkish economy expanded by 3.0% in Q4 2024, and 3.2% YoY in full-year 2024, backed by accelerated private consumption and robust investments, despite the weight of high interest rates.

South Africa's Inflation Slightly Rose to 3.2% in January

February 26, 2025 12:09 PM UTC

Bottom Line: StatsSA announced on February 26 annual South Africa’s inflation slightly accelerated to 3.2% YoY in January from 3.0% YoY in December and the main contributors were housing and utilities, food and non-alcoholic drinks, fuel and restaurant. We feel unpredictable outlook of the global

Negotiations to End Ukraine War Started: What is Next?

February 25, 2025 2:33 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Russia and the U.S. have started negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. We continue to foresee a Russia-friendly peace deal in Ukraine sealed in 6-12 months following a cease-fire. We envisage Russia will continue to annex areas in and around four Ukrainian oblasts that it occupied,

Bunds and ECB Easing/Trump Tariffs

February 20, 2025 8:03 AM UTC

          It is highly likely in April that the U.S. will announce a 25% tariff on EU cars and pharmaceuticals (here) and also reciprocal tariffs against the EU. The majority could be implemented given Trump’s desire to raise revenue/dislike of the EU as well as negotiate trade deals. This

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

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,

CBR Held Key Rate Constant at 21% on February 14

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

Negotiations to End Ukraine War to Start Soon

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

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

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

Russian Economy Grew by 4.1% YoY in 2024

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

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

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

Turkish Inflation Continued to Decelerate in January

February 3, 2025 8:19 AM UTC

Bottom line: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) announced on February 3 that consumer price index (CPI) softened to 42.1% y/y in January with education, health, and housing prices leading the rise in the index. We think lagged impacts of previous tightening, relative Turkish lira (TRY) stability,

As Expected, SARB Cut the Key Rate to 7.5% on January 30

January 30, 2025 4:54 PM UTC

Bottom Line: After StatsSA announced on January 22 that annual inflation stood at 3.0% in December, which is below midpoint of target band of 3% - 6%, South African Reserve Bank (SARB) decided to cut the key rate from 7.75% to 7.5% on January 30 as inflation remains moderate, power cuts (loadsheddin

Turkiye Inflation Preview: CPI is Expected to Continue Decelerating in January

January 29, 2025 1:24 PM UTC

Bottom line: After easing to 44.4% annually in December, we expect consumer price index (CPI) to cool further down to 41-42% y/y in January, which will be announced on February 3. We think lagged impacts of monetary tightening, relative Turkish lira (TRY) stability, and less-than expected hike in

Sweden Riksbank Review: Shifts to Easing Bias?

January 29, 2025 9:33 AM UTC

Having delivered the widely-expected sixth successive rate cut this month, the Riksbank adhered to the assessment made in December that the easing cycle has drawn to an end with the policy rate (now at 2.25%) having dropped 1.75% in eight months.  But the Board remains open to further easing; while

Trump-Putin Meeting in Horizon, Date Still Unknown

January 27, 2025 7:01 PM UTC

Bottom Line: After Trump took the office as of January 20, we feel Ukraine war is not a priority in Trump’s agenda since he is most focused on his priorities of immigration and tariffs. We think Trump and Putin will likely meet in spring to discuss tha war in Ukraine and energy prices, and Ukraine

SA MPC Preview: SARB will Likely Cut the Key Rate to 7.5% on January 30

January 24, 2025 1:19 PM UTC

Bottom Line: After StatsSA announced on January 22 that annual inflation stood at 3.0% in December, which is below midpoint of target band of 3% - 6%, we now think it is likely that South African Reserve Bank (SARB) will cut the key rate from 7.75% to 7.5% on January 30 as inflation remains moderate

As Expected, CBRT Continued its Easing Cycle on January 23

January 23, 2025 12:06 PM UTC

Bottom Line: After Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) lowered its key policy rate to 47.5% on December 26, the easing cycle continued on January 23 as CBRT reduced the policy rate by 250 bps to 45% backed by the deceleration trend in inflation continued in December, monthly inflation stood below expecta

Norges Bank Review: Nothing New as Head Stays in the Sand

January 23, 2025 9:48 AM UTC

In its first meeting of the year, the Norges Bank kept rates on hold in what was both an expected and unanimous Board decision.  But calling this a decision is possibly a misnomer as nothing was actually decided over and beyond waiting for new information and updated forecasts by the time of the ne

SA Inflation Review: Inflation Slightly Rose to 3.0% in December

January 22, 2025 3:24 PM UTC

Bottom Line: StatsSA announced on January 22 annual South Africa’s inflation slightly accelerated to 3.0% in December from 2.9% YoY in November due to housing costs and miscellaneous goods and services, which ticked up 4.4% and 6.6%, respectively. We feel unpredictable outlook for the global econo

Sweden Riksbank Preview (Jan 29): Not Yet the End?

January 21, 2025 2:30 PM UTC

Having delivered the widely-expected fifth successive rate cut at the December Riksbank meeting, the Riksbank hinted that the easing cycle is drawing to an end.  Indeed, this assertion was supported by a smaller move in December – ie a 25 bp move (to 2.5%) rather than the 50 bp cut seen previousl

SA Inflation Preview: Inflation Will Likely Slightly Rise in December

January 17, 2025 2:39 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Despite inflation stood at 2.9% YoY in November, we now foresee annual inflation will slightly accelerate to 3.1% - 3.2% in December due to rising fuel pieces, which will be announced on January 22. We feel unpredictable outlook for the global economy, increasing oil prices following th

Norges Bank Preview (Jan 23): A Message to Markets?

January 17, 2025 1:15 PM UTC

In its first meeting of the year, the Norges Bank is expected to keep rates on hold next Thursday.  But it does have the choice of cutting rates, having flagged a move more likely at the meeting due in March, and could do this both to reflect weaker price pressures (especially excluding what are pr

Turkiye MPC Preview: CBRT will Likely Continue its Easing Cycle on January 23

January 16, 2025 3:09 PM UTC

Bottom Line: After Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) lowered its key policy rate by 250 bps to 47.5% on December 26, we believe the rate cuts will continue during the MPC meeting scheduled for January 23. CBRT will likely reduce the policy rate by 250 bps to 45% as the deceleration trend in inflation c

BOE QT: A Heavier Burden than Fed/ECB QT

January 16, 2025 11:05 AM UTC

BOE QT is 3.4% of GDP and means the 2025 total funding is 8% of GDP, which helps explain part of the current pressure on gilt yields (here).  This pace is unlikely to change before the BOE review in September 2025, but the QT is partial monetary tightening and will offset some of 125bps of BOE rate

Stubborn Inflation Jumped to Record High at Year-End Amid Ruble Woes

January 15, 2025 7:18 PM UTC

Bottom Line: According to Russian Federal Statistics Service (Rosstat) data released on January 15, inflation ticked up to 9.5% YoY in December after hitting 8.9% in November, remaining well above the Central Bank of Russia’s (CBR) midterm target of 4%, due to surges in services and food prices,

U.S. Yields Drag Germany and France Higher

January 14, 2025 8:15 AM UTC

The EUR real exchange rate is well above the 2014 low, while ECB officials are guiding that more rate cuts are coming.  2yr German yields are unlikely to rise much further and will likely come back down in Q2 (here).  A January 30 ECB cut will likely build more easing expectations, though more of

Cyberattacks and AI Misinformation: Market and Economic Fallout

January 13, 2025 8:10 AM UTC

   A major cyberattack is a tail risk, while a huge AI misinformation crisis is a modest crisis in our view.  Russia/China and Iran are less likely to launch a state sponsored cyberattack for geopolitical reasons and also uncertainty over president elect Donald Trump’s response.  A huge AI mis

Unemployment Rate Hits 8.6% in November in Turkiye

January 10, 2025 4:38 PM UTC

Bottom line: According to Turkish Statistical Institute’s (TUIK) figures announced on January 10, the unemployment rate declined to 8.6% in November from 8.7% in October. The number of jobless dropped 84,000 from October to 3.07 million in November, the data showed. As unemployment rate continue