Preview: Due April 10 - U.S. March CPI - Gasoline softer, but upside risk on core rate

April 1, 2025 1:00 PM UTC

We expect March to increase by a subdued 0.1% overall but by 0.3% ex food and energy, with the core rate likely to be on the firm side at 0.335% before rounding. This will follow core rates of 0.2% in February and 0.4% in January, both of which were rounded down. 

The Hope for A Peace Deal in Ukraine is Tested

April 1, 2025 9:55 AM UTC

Bottom Line: As negotiations to end the war in Ukraine continue, we foresee a Russia-friendly peace deal (70% probability) in Ukraine could be sealed in 9-12 months following a cease-fire under current circumstances. In this scenario, we envisage Russia will continue to annex areas in and around fo

EZ Data Review: Headline Edges Lower Again With Friendlier Services and Labor Market Messages?

April 1, 2025 9:45 AM UTC

Largely as expected, there was more supportive news in the March flash HICP numbers (Figure 1), with the headline down a notch and core down 0.2 ppt (the former to 2.2% and hence the lowest since last autumn).  Perhaps more notably services inflation slowed more clearly, dropping 0.3 ppt to 3.4%, a

U.S. Trade Surplus Countries: No Special Treatment?

March 31, 2025 9:04 AM UTC

Quick dilutions of tariffs or exemption will likely be slow in coming for countries that the U.S. has trade surpluses with, as the Trump administration are currently more focused on tariffs for tax revenue and trying to switch production back to the U.S. than trade deals.  Trade policy uncertainty

Banxico Review: Lowering Rates Amid Tariffs

March 29, 2025 9:29 PM UTC

Mexico’s Central Bank (Banxico) has cut the policy rate by 50 bps to 9%, in line with market expectations. The tone of the communiqué suggests a more dovish stance, with the board moving towards a neutral rate. Inflation has reached its lowest level since 2021, while economic growth has slowed. B

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

Car Tariffs Then Lenient Reciprocal Tariffs?

March 27, 2025 8:59 AM UTC

   The 25% tariffs on cars underlines that tariffs are not just about getting better trade deals, but in Trump’s view raising (tax) revenue and trying to shift production back to the U.S. Combined with other tariffs being implemented, plus policy uncertainty, we see a moderate overall hit from t

Bank of Canada Minutes from March 12 - Debate over the 25bps easing, agreement to proceed carefully

March 26, 2025 6:19 PM UTC

The Bank of Canada has released minutes from its March 12 meeting, and these show some debate about the meeting’s decision to ease by 25bps to 2.75% and agreement to proceed carefully with further changes to policy. A lot can happen before the BoC next meets on April 16, but these minutes suggest

UK Spring Fiscal Statement – A Patch-up Not a Repair Job?

March 26, 2025 1:39 PM UTC

Chancellor Reeves never wanted a fiscal event at this juncture.  But market pressure and economic weakness have forced her into a series of government spending cuts designed to shore up her recently revised fiscal goals via this so-call spring statement.  The problem here is twofold. Firstly, the

EMFX Outlook: Divergence versus the USD

March 26, 2025 9:16 AM UTC

EM currencies will be helped by the ongoing USD downtrend against DM currencies, but prospects also depend on relative inflation differentials versus the USD and starting point in terms of valuations.  The Brazilian Real (BRL), Mexican Peso (MXN) and Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) should all make modest s

UK CPI Review: Inflation Slips Even as Services Fail to Soften?

March 26, 2025 7:48 AM UTC

Not surprisingly, February’s CPI data provided mixed signals.  They may have undershot expectations, but actually tallied with our and BoE thinking, at least in terms of a 0.2 ppt drop for both the headline to 2.8% and for the core to 3.5%.  This came in spite of higher alcohol duties and no dro

BCB Minutes: Caution Rather than Optimism

March 25, 2025 10:51 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank (BCB) raised the policy rate by 100bps to 14.25% amid signs of economic deceleration, including slower growth, job creation, and consumption. The BCB highlighted external uncertainties, such as U.S. trade policy, and domestic challenges with rising inflation. It emphasized

German & EZ HICP Preview (Mar 31/Apr 1): Headline Edges Lower Again With Friendlier Services Messages?

March 25, 2025 1:43 PM UTC

February HICP inflation numbers did deliver better news and broadly and less marginally so after revisions with the headline dropping 0.2 ppt to an as-expected 2.3%.  This ended a run of three successive rises and came about despite a rise in food inflation.  Regardless, the core also eased 0.1 pp

Preview: Due April 4 - U.S. March Employment (Non-Farm Payrolls) - Stronger than January, but slower than November and December

March 24, 2025 5:39 PM UTC

We expect a 165k increase in March’s non-farm payroll, both overall and in the private sector, to show the labor market remains healthy despite growing downside economic risks. We expect the unemployment rate to slip to 4.0% from 4.1%, and an in line with trend 0.3% increase in average hourly earn

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

Trump Product and Reciprocal Tariffs

March 21, 2025 9:00 AM UTC

It appears that we will get bad news from April 2 on extra tariffs before any good news.  Firstly, the announcement effect of tariffs for many countries and extra products will hurt U.S. business and consumer sentiment.  Secondly, part of the reason for tariffs is extra tax revenue and to try to s

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

BoE Review: Being Careful Amid Data Conflicts

March 20, 2025 12:45 PM UTC

Even amid a BoE rate cut last month that was delivered with a clear(er) degree of action, all MPC members opting for easier policy.  Even so, it was clear there were still MPC divisions that probably reflected increased uncertainty enough for the BoE to have altered its rhetoric somewhat to stress

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

UK Labor Market – Private Payrolls Stay Soft Amid Cost Pressures?

March 20, 2025 7:57 AM UTC

To suggest that the UK labor market is merely getting less tight misses the point entirely even given more signs of higher participation.  Amid continued reservations about the accuracy of official labor market data produced by the ONS, alternative and very clearly more authoritative data on payrol

BCB Review: Confirming More Hikes

March 19, 2025 10:38 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank (BCB) raised the policy rate by 100 bps to 14.25% and signaled further hikes, likely reaching 15.0% by May, potentially ending the current tightening cycle. The BCB emphasized inflation concerns and strong economic activity, suggesting a hawkish stance. Fiscal policy was n

Fed: Cautious Policy Due To Uncertainty

March 19, 2025 7:26 PM UTC

The Fed do not appear to be in a hurry to cut interest rates, both as economic momentum remains reasonable and as the Fed waits to see how Trump administration policy feedthrough – especially tariffs to inflation. This suggests that the Fed will need to see a weaker economy and we pencil in one 25

FOMC leaves rates unchanged, dots unchanged but skew more hawkish

March 19, 2025 6:24 PM UTC

The FOMC has left rates unchanged at 4.25-4.5% as expected.  The median dots are unchanged but economic activity forecasts are weaker and the inflation forecast for 2025 is significantly stronger showing concern over the impact of tariffs. The statement notes increased uncertainty and announced a s

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

UK CPI Preview (Mar 26): Inflation Slips as Services Soften?

March 19, 2025 7:31 AM UTC

January’s CPI numbers showed a marked bounce back up, and with the 0.5 ppt rise taking it to a 10-month high of 3.0%, this being above consensus and BoE thinking.  Notably services jumped from 4.4% to 5.0%, actually below expectations, having been driven higher by a swing in airfares and the rise

Uncertainty Over Pace and Scale of Extra European Defense Spending

March 18, 2025 9:05 AM UTC

·       The crucial date for more clarity is the June 24-26 NATO summit.  Donald Trump might attend but will ask for more spending.  NATO head Rutte’s desire is for above 3% of GDP for NATO countries, but the politics and budget suggest that a 2.5% minimum may only be agreed with Germany

U.S. February Retail Sales - Q1 looking subdued, but reasons unclear

March 17, 2025 12:58 PM UTC

February retail sales with a gain of 0.2% overall is unimpressive, particularly with January revised down to -1.2% from -0.9% while gains of 0.3% ex auto and 0.5% ex auto and gas fail to reverse respective January decline of 0.6% and 0.8%. However the control group, which contributes to GDP, with a

China: Mixed Early 2025 Data and Policy Stimulus

March 17, 2025 9:17 AM UTC

Headline industrial production and retail sales were better than expected, but the breakdown of the data shows a mixed picture for consumption and residential investment remains a negative drag on GDP before the 20% U.S. tariffs hits.  Meanwhile, though the weekend policy announcement on boosting d

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

Preview: Due March 17 - U.S. February Retail Sales - Only a partial reversal of January's drop

March 14, 2025 12:58 PM UTC

We expect US retail sales to rise by 0.5% in February in what would be only a partial reversal of a 0.9% decline in January. Ex autos we expect a 0.3% increase after a 0.4% January decline while ex autos and gasoline we expect a 0.4% increase after a 0.5% January decline.

Germany: Breakthrough in Attempt to Unlock Debt Brake?

March 14, 2025 12:08 PM UTC

It does seem as if effective German Chancellor-elect Merz now has enough parliamentary support to amend the so-called debt brake and unlock more spending and borrowing to be directed toward added defense and infrastructure.  Thus, it does seem as if Germany and its economy are undergoing a sea-chan

UK GDP Review: Previous Resilience Gives Way to Softer Surveys

March 14, 2025 7:39 AM UTC

Despite a fresh downside surprise for January numbers, the odds are increasing that current quarter GDP will be decidedly positive as opposed to the weak(ish) picture we perceive.  The upside surprises in December contrasts with a much softer impression from surveys (Figure 1), the latter now showi

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,

Trump’s Policies and U.S. Equities

March 13, 2025 8:35 AM UTC

Models would suggest that the current and prospective direct tariff impact should slow GDP growth to a 1.5% pace, which should see slow Fed easing in 2025 given the boost to inflation. However, the policy uncertainty means that business and consumer behaviour could see a large adverse hit that keeps

Brazil CPI Review: 1.3% Monthly Growth, with Seasonal Impacts

March 12, 2025 10:43 PM UTC

Brazil's February CPI increased by 1.3%, the highest in 22 years, largely driven by the removal of subsidized electricity bills, which boosted Housing by 4.4%. The year-over-year inflation rose to 5.1%, above the BCB's target. Key contributors included Education (up 4.4%) and Food and Beverages (up

FOMC Preview for March 19: No change and few clear signals given exceptional uncertainty

March 12, 2025 6:46 PM UTC

In the current exceptionally uncertain environment, the FOMC looks set to keep rates unchanged at 4.25-4.5% at its March 19 meeting, and give little away on future policy. The dots will be closely watched but we expect they will change little from January 29. Powell is likely to stress at the press

Bank of Canada - With risks on both sides, timing matters

March 12, 2025 3:47 PM UTC

The Bank of Canada eased as expected by 25bps to 2.75%, a level it sees as neutral. Given massive uncertainty clear forward guidance is impossible but they made no attempt to hide the gravity of the problem, Governor Tiff Macklem stating Canada is facing a new crisis from which the economic impact c

U.S. February CPI - Renewed progress, but threatened by tariffs

March 12, 2025 12:58 PM UTC

February CPI is softer than expected with gains of 0.2% both overall and ex food and energy, with the ex food and energy rate up by 0.227% before rounding. Coming after a strong January conclusions should be cautious, while upcoming months may be lifted by tariffs. However, the data will come as a r

Argentina: Fresh IMF Deal on the Pipeline

March 12, 2025 12:00 AM UTC

The Argentine government has issued an emergency decree to authorize a new IMF deal, potentially worth USD 20 billion, to pay off Treasury debt to the Central Bank. This deal includes a 4-year grace period and 10-year repayment terms. The government aims to stabilize reserves, delay debt amortizatio

BoE Preview (Mar 20): Being Careful the New Watchword

March 11, 2025 4:37 PM UTC

Having so far cut a modest 75 bp, the BoE rate cut last month was delivered with a clear(er) degree of action, by at least the MPC majority.  But those implied MPC divisions probably reflected increased uncertainty enough for the BoE to have altered its rhetoric somewhat to stress the need for poli

Preview: Due March 12 - U.S. February CPI - Not as firm as January, but upside risks persist

March 11, 2025 12:10 PM UTC

We expect February’s CPI to increase by 0.3% both overall and ex food and energy, with the gains before rounding being 0.29% overall and 0.32% ex food and energy. The gains will be less strong than in January but a tendency for early year data to be strong is likely to persist. Tariffs on China wi

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

China: PBOC Slow Cuts with 5% Nominal GDP

March 11, 2025 8:45 AM UTC

•    The PBOC will likely cut slowly and gradually, as China seeks to avoid Yuan depreciation that could worsen the trade war with the U.S.  Additionally, MOF last week forecast nominal GDP of 5%, which with a real GDP target of 5% means that MOF is also forecasting zero inflation.  Close to