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July 03, 2025

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U.S. June Employment - Some signs of slowing activity, but lower unemployment suggests no urgency for Fed easing
Freemium Article

July 3, 2025 1:09 PM UTC

June’s non-farm payroll is surprisingly strong overall with a rise of 147k, with 16k in net upward revisions, but private payrolls at 75k are weaker than expected, with 16k in net negative revisions. Unemployment unexpectedly fell to 4.1% from 4.2%, but average hourly earnings are weaker than expe

July 02, 2025

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UK: Tax Rises Looming?
Freemium Article

July 2, 2025 8:34 AM UTC

The politically damaging climb-down on welfare spending yesterday also saw the government face an additional fiscal hole after the fiscal watchdog (the Office for Budget Responsibility, OBR) hinted it has been repeatedly overestimating growth.  Indeed, in its annual Forecast Evaluation Report, it s

July 01, 2025

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EZ HICP and ECB Strategy Review: Headline Up to Target as Services Inflation Rises Back?
Freemium Article

July 1, 2025 9:32 AM UTC

Despite its updated its monetary policy strategy detailed yesterday, inflation – now at target – is very much a side issue for the ECB at present, albeit with oil prices possibly accentuating Council divides.  Admittedly, the flash June HICP rose a notch to 2.0% matching the -consensus, but up

June 30, 2025

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German Data Review: Services Dip Further Despite Calendar Effects?
Freemium Article

June 30, 2025 12:30 PM UTC

Germany’s disinflation process continues, with the lower-than-expected June preliminary numbers refreshing and reinforcing this pattern, with a 0. Ppt drop to 2.0%, a 10-mth low (Figure 1)!  Previously but there have been signs that the downtrend was flattening out and this impression may have be

June 27, 2025

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Mexico: Back Toward Neutral Policy Rates
Freemium Article

June 27, 2025 6:56 AM UTC

Banxico has cut by 50bps to 8.00%, while also signalling in its statement that further easing will now be data dependent. Our forecast is for easing to move to a 25bps pace and to come once a quarter – most likely in September and December. Some improvement in the monthly inflation trajectory woul

June 26, 2025

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Ukraine War Update: War Continuing Probability is Now at 70%
Freemium Article

June 26, 2025 11:06 AM UTC

Bottom Line: Our baseline scenario (70%) is based on the war continuing after talks fail since president Putin insists on his peace terms. President Trump is reluctant to threaten or implement of secondary tariffs on Russia oil buyers, that would really pressure president Putin. The U.S. financing o

June 25, 2025

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EM FX Outlook: USD Less in Favor, but EM Mixed
Freemium Article

June 25, 2025 8:05 AM UTC

·       The Chinese Yuan (CNY) will likely remain stable while trade negotiations with the U.S. continue.  We see a trade deal in our baseline (probably Q4) and then a small rise in CNY v USD due to general USD weakness. 
·       In terms of total returns for the remainder of 2025, th

June 24, 2025

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Tariffs and the Timing of FOMC Easing
Freemium Article

June 24, 2025 6:06 PM UTC

While two Fed Governors. Waller and Bowman, have suggested a July easing could be appropriate, testimony from Chairman Powell suggests a move that early is unlikely, though September is possible if inflation data continues to show a lack of feed through from tariffs. We, and Powell, expect some acce

June 23, 2025

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German Data Preview (Jun 30): Calm Before the Storm?
Freemium Article

June 23, 2025 10:29 AM UTC

Germany’s disinflation process continues, but there have been signs that the downtrend was flattening out and this impression may have been accentuated by the small and lower than expected (ie 0.1 ppt) drop in the headline in May to 2.1%, still an eight-month low (Figure 1).  Adjusted data also s

June 20, 2025

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Preview: Due July 3 - U.S. June Employment (Non-Farm Payrolls) - Increasing signs of slowing, but not a recession
Freemium Article

June 20, 2025 4:29 PM UTC

We expect a 75k increase in June’s non-farm payroll, significantly slower than May’s 139k though consistent with a slowdown in growth rather than an economy entering recession. We expect an in line with trend 0.3% increase in average hourly earnings and an uptick in unemployment to 4.3% after th

Canada April retail sales resilient but May seen much weaker
Freemium Article

June 20, 2025 1:04 PM UTC

Canadian retail sales saw a 0.3% increase in April, slightly less than the preliminary estimate of 0.5% made with March’s data. The preliminary estimate for May is for a 1.1% decline, which suggests US tariffs are starting to weaken the Canadian economy.

June 19, 2025

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BoE Review : Labour Market Softness Triggers a Dovish Hold
Freemium Article

June 19, 2025 11:51 AM UTC

A stable BoE policy decision was always the most likely (Bank Rate staying at 4.25%) as the MPC discussed its two alternative scenarios still, but possibly where hawks have been forced into diluting what were previous concerns about a ‘tight’ labor market.  In fact, partly based on what was see

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Brazil: Last Hike And Then Long Hold
Freemium Article

June 19, 2025 6:33 AM UTC

Though the BCB surprised and hiked by 25bps to 15%, the statement signalled that policy will now go on hold for a very long period.  Some economists feel that by year-end, that the BCB will be confident enough to move from very restrictive to restrictive and lower the SELIC rate.  We would suspect

June 17, 2025

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U.S. May Retail Sales - Two straight declines as confidence slides
Freemium Article

June 17, 2025 12:50 PM UTC

May retail sales with a 0.9% decline are slightly weaker than expected. The ex auto data at -0.3% and ex auto and gas at -0.1% are negative too, though the control group which contributes to GDP was resilient with a 0.4% rise. 

BoJ Preview: Little Cues Expected
Freemium Article

June 17, 2025 12:19 AM UTC

The BoJ will keep rates unchanged at 0.5% in the June 17th meeting with anticipation for another two year plan on bond purchase tapering 

June 16, 2025

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Preview: Due June 17 - U.S. May Retail Sales - Autos to correct lower, underlying momentum subdued
Freemium Article

June 16, 2025 12:07 PM UTC

We expect a 0.7% decline in May retail sales as auto sales show a sharp reversal from recent strength. Ex autos we expect a subdued 0.1% increase, with a 0.2% rise ex autos and gasoline. Both of these outcomes would match those of April.

June 13, 2025

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India CPI Review: CPI at 2.82%: Disinflation Deepens, But Risks Linger
Freemium Article

June 13, 2025 7:18 AM UTC

India’s retail inflation dropped to a six-year low of 2.82% in May, driven by easing food prices and supported by favourable base effects. While disinflation continues to create monetary space, RBI's next rate cut will be data driven. 

June 12, 2025

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BoE Preview (Jun 19): Splits to Continue?
Freemium Article

June 12, 2025 12:57 PM UTC

A stable BoE policy decision next Thursday is most likely (Bank Rate staying at 4.25%) as the MPC discusses various scenarios still, possibly with any hawks diluting what were previous concerns about a ‘tight’ labor market.  In fact, we see two dissents in favor of a 25 bp rate cut albeit where

June 11, 2025

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SNB Preview (Jun 19): Toying With Being Negative?
Freemium Article

June 11, 2025 9:23 AM UTC

A further 25 bp cut (to zero) in the SNB policy rate on Jun 19 now looks almost certain.  Weak(er) business surveys suggest that the tariff threat is both tangible and growing and this is before key Swiss pharmaceutical exports come under fire.  Meanwhile, there is the strong currency where FX int

June 10, 2025

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ECB: Time to Reassess and Slow QT?
Freemium Article

June 10, 2025 2:25 PM UTC

Further ECB easing is on the cards, the question being whether this should start to encompass toning down quantitative tightening (QT) plans too! Notably, the two ppt fall in the discount rate cuts has come against a backdrop where the ECB has continued unconventional tightening by scaling back its

June 09, 2025

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China Disinflation Rather than Deflation
Freemium Article

June 9, 2025 7:27 AM UTC

May China CPI remains negative Yr/Yr, but the breakdown is consistent with disinflation rather deflation.  Deflation could end up as a drag on the economy, but while growth remains close to the 5% target and CPI is regarded as disinflation rather than deflation, further policy easing will be slow.

June 06, 2025

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Eurozone: The Tail Wagging the Dog?
Freemium Article

June 6, 2025 10:26 AM UTC

Given what now looks to have been an outstanding first quarter, the ECB’s assertion at this month’s Council press conference that it is a good position to navigate the uncertain conditions looks more tenable.  After all, GDP jumped 0.6%, twice the previous estimate.  But this is no indicator o

June 05, 2025

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Preview: Due June 6 - U.S. May Employment (Non-Farm Payrolls) - Some slowing, but not a recession signal
Freemium Article

June 5, 2025 2:04 PM UTC

We expect a 120k increase in May’s non-farm payroll, with 110k in the private sector, slower than seen in March and April but stronger than what may have been weather-restrained months in January and February. We expect a slightly stronger 0.3% rise in average hourly earnings and an unchanged unem

June 04, 2025

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Bank of Canada - Consensus to hold in June, but we now expect easings in July and October
Freemium Article

June 4, 2025 3:54 PM UTC

Governor Tiff Macklem stated that the Bank of Canada’s decision to leave rates unchanged at 2.75% was a clear consensus. There was more diversity of views on the path forward, though members thought there could be a need for easing, depending on data. We now expect two further easings in 2025, in

June 03, 2025

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EZ HICP and Labor Market Review: Headline Back Below Target as Services Inflation Reverses Easter Effect
Freemium Article

June 3, 2025 9:42 AM UTC

EZ HICP inflation met our below-consensus expectation in dropping to an eight-month low and below-target 1.9% (Figure 1) helped by rounding and a further m/m fall in fuel prices.  More notably, having jumped 0.5 ppt to 4.0% in April, very probably due to the impact of the timing of Easter affecting

June 02, 2025

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EM Europe and CIS: Select Country Risk Ratings
Freemium Article

June 2, 2025 10:00 AM UTC

We provide country risk reviews for EM Europe/CIS countries including Russia and Ukraine. 

May 30, 2025

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German Data Review: Lower Headline Services Surge Reverses
Freemium Article

May 30, 2025 12:47 PM UTC

Germany’s disinflation process continues, but there have been signs that the downtrend was flattening out and this impression may have been accentuated by the small and lower than expected (ie 0.1 ppt) drop in the headline in May to 2.1%, still an eight-month low.  Most notable amid a drop caused

May 29, 2025

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Court Stops Trump Reciprocal and Fentanyl Tariff
Freemium Article

May 29, 2025 7:18 AM UTC

•    The Trump administration will likely follow a multi-track response by appealing the judgement but also fast-tracking section 232 product tariffs for pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.  The administration could also consider section 301 or 122 tariffs (the latter 15% for 150 days against c

May 28, 2025

RBNZ Review: Turning Point?
Freemium Article

May 28, 2025 5:45 AM UTC

RBNZ cut its cash rate by 25bp to 3.25% but vote is 5 to 1

May 27, 2025

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Eurozone: US Stepped-Up Tariff Threat – Negotiations or Concessions?
Freemium Article

May 27, 2025 9:22 AM UTC

At least within markets there is some relief that President Trump has deferred his ramped up 50% tariff threat from early June to July 9.  Unambiguously positive is the fact that a better line of communication, if not rapport, now seems to exist between the U.S. president and EU Commission Presiden

May 26, 2025

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Likely U.S. Tariff Scenario for Japan
Freemium Article

May 26, 2025 5:36 AM UTC

After the U.S.-UK trade deal announcement, most countries are looking forward to lower tariffs. U.S.-Japan high level remarks are so far positive but lack concrete commitment. The U.S. has said that 10% tariff will be a baseline and we do not see Japan to be an exemption. However, we have a likely t

May 23, 2025

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Eurozone: Waging War on Wages
Freemium Article

May 23, 2025 1:35 PM UTC

After a protracted period of elevated EZ cost and price pressures, a reversal seems to be very much underway.  Headline and underlying HICP inflation have moved back toward target, but to reinforce this downtrend there are an increasing array of softer cost pressure signals.  ECB wage tracker and

Canada March Retail Sales rise, with autos strong and gasoline weak, April seen firmer
Freemium Article

May 23, 2025 12:51 PM UTC

Canada’s 0.8% rise in March retail sales is slightly stronger than a 0.7% preliminary estimate made with February’s release, but the rise is more than fully explained by what was the first rise in three months for autos, possibly related to concerns about upcoming tariffs. Ex auto sales fell by

May 22, 2025

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Eurozone: Services Offer Sobering News
Freemium Article

May 22, 2025 9:00 AM UTC

The May flash composite PMI data may have fallen into apparent contraction territory as the index dropped to 49.5 in May from 50.4 in April, below the 50.0 no-change mark for the first time in five months and thereby signalling a reduction, albeit a marginal one.  We do not take much issue whether

May 21, 2025

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German Data Preview (May 30): Lower Headline as Easter Effect Reverse Services Inflation Surge
Freemium Article

May 21, 2025 11:54 AM UTC

Germany’s disinflation process continues, but there have been signs that the downtrend was flattening out and this impression was accentuated by the small (ie 0.1 ppt) drop in the headline in April to 2.2%, still a seven-month low.  Most notable amid a drop caused by lower m/m fuel prices, was th

May 20, 2025

RBA Review: Recognize Inflation Moderates and Upside Risk
Freemium Article

May 20, 2025 5:32 AM UTC

The RBA meeting on May 20th cut rates to 3.85% and stated cautious in forward guidance

May 19, 2025

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Eurozone: The European Commission Diverges From the ECB on Inflation
Freemium Article

May 19, 2025 10:07 AM UTC

The European Commission (EC) Spring Forecast projects real EZ GDP growth in 2025 at 0.9%, some 0.4 ppt below its previous (autumn) view.   There is also a downgrade to the 2026 growth picture by 0.2 ppt to 1.4%, projections that carry downside risks and where we think they are still too optimistic

May 16, 2025

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Big EM’s: Cyclical Tariff Hit V Structural Drivers
Freemium Article

May 16, 2025 10:00 AM UTC

China, India and Brazil are all seeing cyclical slowdown for varying reasons, with China likely to be hardest hit by adverse net exports due to Trump’s tariff wars. Though financial repression in China can allow further fiscal stimulus, the household sector and residential property investment are

May 15, 2025

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U.S. April Retail Sales, Weekly Initial Claims - Only limited signs of slowing
Freemium Article

May 15, 2025 12:57 PM UTC

April retail sales and weekly initial claims are in line with expectations, and consistent with a moderate slowing in the economy, but with no recessionary signals. It is however too early for the full impact of tariffs to be seen, particularly with the impact of tariffs on prices so far limited.

May 14, 2025

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Europe Portfolio Leverage Over Trump
Freemium Article

May 14, 2025 9:05 AM UTC

The U.S. will likely introduce a 25% tariff on pharmaceuticals, which will increase pressure on the EU and other European countries (e.g. Switzerland) and also delay serious negotiations close to the 90 day reciprocal tariff deadline on July 9, adding to pressure on Europe by deliberately prolonging

May 13, 2025

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U.S. April CPI - Little tariff pass-through so far
Freemium Article

May 13, 2025 1:02 PM UTC

April CPI is on the low side of expectations at 0.2% both overall and ex food and energy, showing a loss of inflationary momentum since a strong start to the year in January, despite the imposition of tariffs. The core rate was up 0.24% before rounding, with the overall pace 0.22%, so the surprise i

May 12, 2025

Ceasefire or Reset? India Redraws the Rules
Freemium Article

May 12, 2025 6:05 AM UTC

India and Pakistan have entered a fragile ceasefire after a week of precision strikes, drone warfare, and missile exchanges. But New Delhi’s clear message—that future terror attacks will be treated as acts of war—marks a strategic shift. Deterrence in South Asia has a new author, and India is

May 09, 2025

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Deterrence on a Deadline: India, Pakistan, and the New Escalation Paradigm
Freemium Article

May 9, 2025 6:29 AM UTC

India and Pakistan are now embroiled in their most serious military confrontation in years, with hostilities expanding across air, land, and unmanned domains. Following the May 7 cross-border strikes under Operation Sindoor, India launched a calibrated military offensive on Thursday targeting Pakist

May 08, 2025

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Brazil: Reaching the Rate Peak
Freemium Article

May 8, 2025 6:43 AM UTC

Forward guidance from the BCB after the 50bps hike to 14.75% suggests that we are close to a rate peak, with inflation concerns now cited on both sides.  The disinflationary impact of Trump tariffs on global trade and commodity prices is now being watched, as BCB members have signaled over the last

May 07, 2025

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Eurozone Labor Market: Rising Supply Adding to Lower Wage Pressures
Freemium Article

May 7, 2025 9:34 AM UTC

With the EZ jobless rate nestling at record lows, it would support the ECB assessment that the EZ labor market is strong, the central bank seeing only a small rise in the jobless rate this year and on to be reversed from early next year onwards.  However, that glosses over the fact that the labor m

May 06, 2025

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Standoff Renewed: India and Pakistan Edge Closer to the Brink
Freemium Article

May 6, 2025 3:33 AM UTC

India–Pakistan tensions have sharply escalated following a deadly terror attack in Kashmir, prompting sweeping diplomatic, military, and economic measures on both sides. New Delhi has ordered mock civilian defence drills and restricted the flow of river Chenab. Additionally, ceasefire violations a

May 05, 2025

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Annual Inflation Slightly Decreased in April Despite MoM Hit 3.0% Due to High FX Pass Through
Freemium Article

May 5, 2025 10:15 AM UTC

Bottom line: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) announced on May 5 that the inflation softened to 37.9% y/y in April from 38.1% y/y in March. We think monetary tightening and suppressed wages helped relieve the price pressure despite hikes in electricity and natural gas prices in April, and curre

May 02, 2025

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EZ HICP Review: Headline Fails to Fall as Services Inflation Rises on Easter Effect?
Freemium Article

May 2, 2025 9:46 AM UTC

EZ HICP inflation failed to fall back toward the 2% target in flash April data, instead staying at 2.2%.  More notably, services inflation jumped 0.4 ppt, very probably due to the impact of the timing of Easter affecting airfares and holiday costs. As was the case when this Easter effect last happe

May 01, 2025

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BoJ Review: 2025 GDP Forecast Halved
Freemium Article

May 1, 2025 5:48 AM UTC

The BoJ kept rates unchanged at 0.5% with significant revision to economic forecast

April 30, 2025

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U.S. Q1 GDP dips, Imports surge goes into inventories and business investment
Freemium Article

April 30, 2025 1:07 PM UTC

The 0.3% decline in Q1 GDP is in line with expectations that were downgraded from a marginal increase after yesterday’s sharp rise in March’s advance goods trade deficit. A 3.5% rise in the core PCE price index is stronger than expected. While the Q1 data does not tell us very much about Q2, the