Markets: Short vs Long Iran War

March 30, 2026 8:00 AM UTC

·       For a 4-8 week war and 3-4 quarters of energy price normalisation, we see a 10% U.S. equity market correction in H1 2026 driven by the current Iran war and/or consumption slowing due to lower (real) wage growth, alongside still stretched valuations in equity and equity-bond terms.  T

Mexico: March 25bps Cut, Then September?

March 27, 2026 8:01 AM UTC

Banxico decided to cut the policy rate by 25bps from 6.75% due to concerns over the economy, which could be hurt additionally by the Iran war.  However, Banxico inflation forecasts are yet to reflect the shift in oil prices and the prospect of further upward revisions argue against a May or June cu

SARB Kept the Key Rate Stable at 6.75% Due to Inflationary Risks

March 26, 2026 3:13 PM UTC

Bottom Line: South African Reserve Bank (SARB) kept the policy rate unchanged at 6.75% during the MPC on March 26 due to inflationary risks. We anticipate that a weakening rand, driven by higher oil prices and surging food costs to the war in Iran, will likely push inflation over 4% in Q2/Q3, and SA

March Outlook: Iran War and AI Challenges

March 26, 2026 7:17 AM UTC

Our March Outlook is now published and please see all our economic and policy chapters below.  

Asia/Pacific (ex-China/Japan) Outlook: The Iran War Shock

March 26, 2026 7:10 AM UTC

·       The Iran war macro impact on Asia depends on length of the conflict and impact on energy flows. Our baseline is for a 4-8 week Iran war, with WTI down to USD80-85 by June; USD65-70 end 2026 and USD60 by Q3 2027 (here).  
·       India GDP growth has been revised down slightly

EM FX Outlook: Weathering the Storm

March 25, 2026 8:45 AM UTC

·       EM currencies have seen a correction against the USD since the risk off prompted by the Iran war, but our baseline remains for a 4-8 week war (here) followed by energy prices only returning to pre-war levels by 2027 -- with WTI down to USD80-85 by June; USD65-70 end 2026 and USD60 by

EMEA Outlook: Adverse Global Developments and Domestic Uncertainties Dominate

March 25, 2026 7:00 AM UTC

·     In South Africa, we foresee average headline inflation will stand at 3.8% and 3.5% in 2026 and 2027, respectively based on our baseline of a 4-8-week war in Iran and energy prices easing from Q2. Upside risks to inflation remain such as 2nd round effects of oil price hikes, utility costs,

China Outlook: Cyclical and Structural Headwinds

March 24, 2026 7:30 AM UTC

·       Our baseline scenario of a 4-8 week war (here) is not a problem, aside from higher prices.  We have pushed up our 2026 CPI forecast to 1.4% from 0.5% (higher food prices are also an issue), but as oil/gas prices come down, this suggests very subdued 2027 inflation, which we have cut

Outlook Overview: Iran War and AI Challenges

March 23, 2026 4:39 PM UTC

·       The Iran war macro impact depends on length of the conflict and impact on energy flows. Our baseline is for a 4-8 week Iran war, with WTI down to USD80-85 by June; USD65-70 end December and USD60 by Q3 2027 (here).  The jump in oil and gas prices mean at least a temporary increase in

Iran War Scenarios Updated

March 23, 2026 3:04 PM UTC

·       Our central scenario remains a 4-8 week war in Iran. Trump’s loathing of long wars and high gasoline prices will likely prompts the U.S. to declare victory.  A formal ceasefire is unlikely, but the end of hostilities could see an informal understanding of the Straits of Hormuz for

CBR Cuts Key Rate by 50 Bps to 15% Despite Risks

March 20, 2026 6:16 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Despite adverse global developments and proinflationary risks, the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) reduced the policy rate by 50 bps to 15% on March 20 likely to stimulate the economy as it comes under increasing strain from high borrowing costs. CBR noted in its written statement that it

China: Modest Bounce at Start of 2026, But

March 16, 2026 8:49 AM UTC

·       Though the January-February data was better than expected, we expect high oil prices and an adverse effect from the Iran war to hurt China’s export growth.  We still feel that the economy remains too dependent on high tech manufacturing and modest consumption will act as a drag on

CBRT Pauses Easing Cycle; Policy Rate Held at 37% Due to Surges in Oil Prices and CPI Increase in February

March 12, 2026 8:20 PM UTC

Bottom Line: The Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) kept its policy rate constant at 37% during the MPC meeting on March 12. This decision effectively pauses the bank’s easing cycle in response to heightened market volatility and rising energy costs driven by the ongoing war in Iran. While February's

China: 4.5-5.0% GDP Growth for 2026

March 5, 2026 9:16 AM UTC

•    China announced a central government budget deficit at 4% of GDP, which is the same as last year and points to only modest fiscal stimulus.  Though investment was supported, consumption trade in programs were cut from Y300bln to Yuan250 and no new structural safety net for households hav

China: Yuan Appreciation; U.S. 301 Threat and 4.5-5.0% GDP Growth for 2026?

March 3, 2026 6:35 AM UTC

•    The Yuan has continued to appreciate with no resistance from China authorities. Part of this is a willingness to allow a modest Yuan appreciation in the face of the huge China trade surplus and pressure from U.S./Europe/IMF and others over an undervalued Yuan, but appreciation is also des

India GDP preview: India’s Economic Momentum to Ease in Q3 FY26

February 26, 2026 1:07 PM UTC

India’s Q3 FY26 GDP growth is expected to moderate to around 7%, down from over 8% in the previous quarter, reflecting base effects and softer services momentum. The bigger story may lie in the new GDP series revisions, which could reshape the recent growth narrative more than the headline quarter

China: Housing Not Bottomed Yet

February 25, 2026 10:55 AM UTC

•    We do not feel that China residential property market has bottomed, as it faces two cyclical and two structural headwinds.  Cyclically outstanding inventory of complete houses remains high, while households are also suffering from low income and employment growth.  Structurally populati

Taiwan: Trade Deal with U.S. and China Grey Warfare

February 18, 2026 11:55 AM UTC

·        The most likely option for China is to continue the air and naval grey zone warfare around Taiwan, combined with support for pro-China factions in Taiwan’s parliament to build pressure for reunification at some stage before 2049 (the 100th anniversary of the communist party).  Wi

China: Boosting Consumption In March?

February 17, 2026 2:05 PM UTC

·       China’s consumption medium term could be boosted by higher structural safety nets (social spending/health/pensions) and revisions to the Hukou system (shifting 200mln urban workers from lower rural to higher urban benefits). However, March NPC will likely see only further small to m

Surprising Move by the CBR: 50 Bps Interest Rate Cut Despite Inflationary Risks

February 13, 2026 12:48 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Despite we expected the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) to hold the policy rate at 16% during the MPC on February 13 and anticipated a cautious stance as the Bank monitors inflationary risks, including the VAT hike in 2026, utility tariff increases, and elevated inflation expectations; the

Mexico: March Pause Rather Than Cut?

February 6, 2026 7:52 AM UTC

Banxico paused as expected, but revised the peak in inflation to 4% from 3.7% and pushed back the forecast of when inflation is expected to hit the target. Though the economy is still expected to be below trend in 2026, the inflation/growth tradeoff is causing Banxico members to debate whether furth

CBR will Likely Keep the Key Rate Stable on February 13

February 5, 2026 9:07 AM UTC

Bottom Line: Following the Central Bank of Russia’s (CBR) 50 bps cut to 16% on December 19—driven by an accelerated disinflationary trend in Q4—we expect the CBR to hold the policy rate at 16% on February 13. This cautious stance is anticipated as the Bank monitors inflationary risks, includin

U.S. Inflows: Portfolio Dominates

February 4, 2026 12:05 PM UTC

·        Portfolio flows have dominated U.S. C/A financing looking at the breakdown of the balance of payment data (BOP), with no material slowdown in 2025 from foreign investors. U.S. investors did accelerate buying of overseas equities but this was counterbalanced by slower U.S. buying of

Indonesia CPI Review: Inflation Peaks on Base Effects, Not Demand

February 3, 2026 6:52 AM UTC

The January inflation spike is more noise than signal, driven by base effects, not a demand surge. With core pressures steady and the rupiah in focus, BI remains on a measured path. Easing remains likely in H1.

Markets: Profit-Taking or More?

February 2, 2026 9:22 AM UTC

•    For now we see some further profit-taking on risky positions in gold/silver/copper/equities and short USD positions.  However, a bigger macro catalyst is required to produce a deep correction in equities and major risk off.  The nomination of Kevin Warsh for Fed chair is unlikely to be

Rate Hold Masks Deeper Questions on BI’s Policy Independence

January 26, 2026 4:35 PM UTC

Bank Indonesia held rates in November as expected, prioritising rupiah and inflation stability over premature easing. While a December cut remains likely—especially if the Fed turns dovish—BI has made clear it will move only under the right conditions.

Rupee Volatility Tests RBI, But Buffers Remain Strong

January 16, 2026 1:12 PM UTC

India’s forex reserves are under pressure from capital outflows and rupee weakness, but the system remains resilient. The RBI has room to manage volatility, backed by strong reserve buffers. 

China: 2026 Modest Rather Aggressive Policy Support

January 15, 2026 10:55 AM UTC

•    On January 15, PBOC cut the 1yr structural lending rate from 1.5% to 1.25% in a targeted move to benefit some borrowers from banks.  Monetary policy will likely remain targeted rather than broad and we see only one 10bps cut in the 7 day reverse repo rate in 2026, as policymakers are con

Taiwan: Worst Case Consequences

January 13, 2026 3:26 PM UTC

·        The most likely option for China is to continue the air and naval grey zone warfare around Taiwan, combined with support for pro-China factions in Taiwan’s parliament to build pressure for reunification at some stage before 2049 (the 100th anniversary of the communist party).  Wi

Turkiye MPC Preview: Easing Cycle Will Continue on January 22

January 12, 2026 1:02 PM UTC

Bottom Line: We think Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) will likely reduce the policy rate to 36.5%-37% during the MPC meeting scheduled for January 22 supported by continued deceleration trend in inflation in December and relative TRY stability. CBRT will have to proceed carefully on interest-rate adj

Indonesia CPI Review: Festive demand drives CPI in December

January 8, 2026 6:50 PM UTC

December’s inflation uptick looks more festive than fundamental. With core pressures muted, Bank Indonesia has room to hold rates, but little appetite to loosen them just yet. 

Markets 2026

January 6, 2026 9:58 AM UTC

•    For financial markets, the muddle through for global economics and policy provides support for risk assets, combined with solid earnings prospects from some of the magnificent 7.  However, U.S. equities are once again significantly overvalued and we look for a 5-10% correction in 2026, b

December Outlook: Turbulent Times

January 2, 2026 8:10 AM UTC

Our December Outlook is now published and please see all our economic and policy chapters below.  

December Outlook: Turbulent Times

December 22, 2025 8:10 AM UTC

Our December Outlook is now published and please see all our economic and policy chapters below.  

Easing Cycle Continues: CBR Reduced Key Rate to 16% on December 19

December 19, 2025 11:09 AM UTC

Bottom Line: As expected, Central Bank of Russia (CBR) reduced the key rate by 50 bps to 16% during the MPC on December 19 since the pace of the fall in inflation accelerated in November. CBR said in its written statement that monetary policy will remain tight for a long period, and further decision

Mexico: 25bps Cut and Now Pause

December 19, 2025 8:15 AM UTC

Banxico cut by 25bps to 7.0% as expected with a downward revision to 0.3% for 2025 GDP growth. Below trend GDP is forecast in 2026 and we see this prompting further easing in March and June 2026 by 25bps each, but MXN weakness restraining Banxico pace.  We then see Banxico going on hold for the rem

EM FX Outlook: High Real Yields Still Help

December 18, 2025 12:14 PM UTC

•    EM currency 2026 prospects come against a backdrop of a further but slower USD depreciation against DM currencies, but inflation differentials, domestic central bank policy and politics also matter.  We forecast the Mexican Peso (MXN) will likely be more volatile, as President Donald Tru

Outlook Overview: Turbulent Times

December 17, 2025 7:44 AM UTC

·        The U.S. slowdown remains in focus as the lagged effects of President Trump’s tariff increases continues to feedthrough, though our baseline is for a 2026 soft-landing.  The Supreme court will likely rule against part of Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, which will create short-term

Asia/Pacific (ex-China/Japan) Outlook: Managing Slower Growth Without Losing the Cycle

December 16, 2025 2:43 PM UTC

·       Asia’s 2026 growth is normalizing, not weakening, though the growth outlook reflects resilience under mounting strain rather than acceleration. Larger investment-led economies such as India and Malaysia are sustaining momentum through public capex, infrastructure pipelines, and indu

EMEA Outlook: Uncertainties Give Mixed Signals

December 16, 2025 7:00 AM UTC

·     In South Africa, we foresee average headline inflation will stand at 3.8% and 3.5% in 2026 and 2027, respectively. Upside risks to inflation remain such as, utility costs, and supply chain destructions. We see growth to be 1.4% and 1.5% in 2026 and 2027, respectively. Risks to the growth

China: Weak Growth

December 15, 2025 7:39 AM UTC

•    November figures show weak growth and are a concern for momentum going into 2026.  Retail sales continues to be hurt by adverse wealth effects and slow job and income growth.  Though the authorities are promising to boost consumption, we see this only being modest rather than aggressive

Softer November CPI Print Encouraged CBRT to Cut Key Rate to 38% on December 11

December 11, 2025 8:54 PM UTC

Bottom Line: As we expected, Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) cut the policy rate by 150 bps to 38% during the MPC meeting on December 11 encouraged by softer November inflation. The committee said inflation expectations and pricing behavior are showing signs of improvement even as they continue to po

China Outlook: Headwinds Get Stronger

December 11, 2025 10:30 AM UTC

·        Private domestic demand remains modest, with consumption ranging from modest to moderate (slowed by the housing wealth hit and soft jobs/wage growth) and investment further impacted by the ongoing adverse drag of the residential property bust. China’s authorities prefer a long and

Brazil: March 50bps Cut?

December 11, 2025 8:00 AM UTC

BCB remain focused on getting inflation converging towards the centre of the inflation target range at 3% looking at the December statement. It appears that the economic weakness is not yet great enough to get the BCB to signal a January cut. Nevertheless, with headline inflation falling, the real i

RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Hits Record Lows

December 5, 2025 4:28 PM UTC

The RBI’s December cut marks a decisive shift toward pro-growth policy at a moment of exceptionally low inflation. With the economy outperforming and price pressures collapsing, the central bank is signalling confidence—but the trajectory of the rupee and the uncertainty of US trade policy remai

Turkiye’s Inflation Eased to 31.1% y/y in November, Hitting Below Expectations

December 3, 2025 1:40 PM UTC

Bottom line: According to Turkish Statistical Institute’s (TUIK) announcement on December 3, Turkiye’s inflation softened to 31.1% y/y in November backed by moderate unprocessed food prices. We continue to think upside-tilted inflation risks will likely limit the downward trend during the disin

Indonesia’s Inflation Eases in November, Strengthening Case for Prolonged Policy Hold

December 1, 2025 8:14 AM UTC

Indonesia’s November CPI print reinforces a narrative of stability—subdued price pressures, anchored core inflation and a central bank in no rush to move. With inflation well within target and external risks still elevated, Bank Indonesia has the cover it needs to extend its policy pause, keepin

India GDP Review: India’s Economy Surges 8.2% in Q2

December 1, 2025 7:43 AM UTC

India’s GDP grew 8.2% in Q2 FY26, far exceeding market and RBI expectations and marking its strongest performance in six quarters. The expansion was powered by manufacturing, services and a sharp rebound in consumption, amplified by a favourable deflator and GST rate cuts. With first-half growth n