In May, Australian home prices experienced a significant increase, marking the largest monthly gain since October. Data from property consultant CoreLogic revealed that national home prices rose by 0.8%, extending the growth streak to sixteen consecutive months. Compared to April, when prices saw a 0.6% increase, the current figures show a steady upward trend. Year-on-year,
Economy
The Russian government’s decision to soften requirements for mandatory sales of foreign currency for exporters has raised questions about the efficacy of capital controls in the country. President Vladimir Putin signed a decree in October mandating the reintroduction of capital controls to prop up the rouble and address capital outflows. However, the recent changes to
The global equities index, MSCI, saw a notable rebound in afternoon trading as investors repositioned themselves for month-end activities. Initially in the red, the MSCI All Country World Price Index turned positive towards the end of the session before Wall Street trading closed. The index was up 0.57% at 785.54, showcasing a strong recovery from
China’s manufacturing activity took an unexpected hit in May, raising concerns about the need for additional stimulus to revive the economy. The official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) fell to 49.5 in May from 50.4 in April, falling below the 50-mark that separates growth from contraction. This disappointing result was also below analysts’ forecast of
The recent election projections in South Africa have sparked significant political uncertainty, resulting in a decline in the country’s currency, stocks, and bonds. The African National Congress (ANC) is facing the possibility of losing its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years, which could have far-reaching implications for the nation’s economic and fiscal
The recent transition to faster trade settlements for securities in the U.S. has been met with processing bumps, according to market participants. The move from a two-day settlement cycle (T+2) to a one-day settlement cycle (T+1) was adopted to comply with a rule change by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This shift in the
Thailand’s central bank has indicated that adjustments to interest rates may be considered based on changes in the outlook for the economy and inflation. However, Deputy Governor Alisara Mahasandana emphasized that interest rates are not the primary tool for stimulating economic growth. The Bank of Thailand’s current inflation target range of 1% to 3% is
Recently, New Zealand’s central bank announced new rules that will limit how much housing finance lenders can provide for borrowers looking to take on high levels of debt relative to their incomes. This decision comes as policymakers aim to reduce default risk in the country’s volatile housing market. Implementation Date for the Rules According to
Governor Kazuo Ueda of the Bank of Japan (BOJ) emphasized the need for caution when it comes to inflation-targeting frameworks. He acknowledged that Japan faces unique challenges after years of ultra-easy monetary policy. While progress has been made in shifting away from zero and raising inflation expectations, Ueda stressed the importance of proceeding carefully to
The upcoming week will see a focus on inflation data coming out of the United States. The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, a key gauge of inflation favored by the Federal Reserve, is set to be released on Friday. This data will provide important insights into the direction of interest rates for the remainder
French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming state visit to Germany is a crucial event as the European Union’s two biggest powers aim to display unity ahead of the EU parliamentary elections. At a time of significant challenges for Europe, such as the Ukraine war and the potential election of Donald Trump as U.S. president in November,
The current situation in Russia poses growing risks for European banks, as highlighted by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Operating in Russia not only creates reputational challenges but also involves navigating through a complex web of sanctions and regulations. Yellen mentioned that the United States is considering strengthening its secondary sanctions on banks that engage
Argentine President Javier Milei has announced plans for a “significant” tax reduction in an effort to reduce state intervention in the country’s economy. Facing a prolonged economic crisis with soaring inflation rates, Milei is urging Congress to approve a series of economic reforms aimed at stimulating investments and revitalizing the economy. Despite his ambitious plans,
Finance leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) advanced nations met recently in Stresa, Italy, and reaffirmed their commitment to warning against excessively volatile currency moves. This language is seen as a signal to Japan that they have the green light to intervene in the market to prevent rapid falls in the yen. However, despite