China’s manufacturing sector experienced a slowdown in August, hitting a six-month low, according to an official factory survey released recently. This decline has raised expectations that policymakers will introduce new strategies to channel more stimulus towards households rather than infrastructure projects. Manufacturing PMI Decline The official Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) dropped to 49.1 in August,
Economy
The Bank of Israel recently made the decision to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 4.5% for the fifth consecutive time, reflecting concerns over inflation reaching a rate of 3.2%. Despite these inflationary pressures, there is a hesitancy to decrease interest rates due to the ongoing Gaza war and the potential for it to escalate
The Law and Justice (PiS) party, Poland’s largest opposition party, has been dealt a significant blow after the electoral commission determined that they misused public funds for campaigning purposes. As a result, the party is facing a loss of millions in state funding. This financial hit comes at a crucial time for PiS, especially since
The Bank of Israel is facing a challenging economic environment, characterized by rising inflation and persistent geopolitical risks. Deputy governor Andrew Abir recently stated that the central bank is unlikely to lower short-term interest rates in the remaining policy meetings of 2024. This decision comes at a time when concerns about inflation, fueled by the
As investors in Asian markets prepare for the day ahead, the prevailing mood is one of caution. This caution is driven by two main factors – concerns about the health of the U.S. economy and anticipation of Nvidia’s earnings report later in the day. While U.S. and world stocks saw slight gains on Tuesday, the
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s recent speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium has sparked significant speculation and debate. Many analysts and market participants see his remarks as indicative of a significant dovish shift in the central bank’s stance on monetary policy. Powell’s indication that the Fed is prepared to lower interest rates aligns with
On a fateful day at the Bourget airport in Paris, Pavel Durov, the billionaire creator and CEO of Telegram, was reportedly arrested. This shocking turn of events came as a surprise to many, especially considering Durov’s influential role in the world of social media. Telegram, often associated with countries like Russia, Ukraine, and other former
The recent shift in leadership within Thailand’s government has brought to light differing perspectives on economic policy, particularly in relation to the central bank’s independence. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has expressed concerns that central bank autonomy may hinder economic growth, a sentiment echoed by her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin. However, Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput
Pavel Durov, the renowned billionaire founder and CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, was reportedly arrested at the Bourget airport outside Paris. According to sources cited by TF1 TV and BFM TV, the investigation leading to his arrest was centered around a lack of moderators on the Telegram platform, allowing for criminal activities to
After being elected as Prime Minister in a landslide victory, Keir Starmer is set to address the British public about the challenges that lie ahead. He emphasizes the need for gradual change and warns that things may worsen before they improve. This speech is seen as an opportunity for Starmer to be transparent and honest
The recent market volatility, as pointed out by Brazil’s central bank chief Roberto Campos Neto, may indicate that there is less room for fiscal and monetary intervention in the future. This observation raises concerns about the effectiveness of potential policy tools in addressing economic challenges. Campos Neto emphasized the interconnected nature of monetary and fiscal
Federal Reserve holdings of mortgage bonds serve a pivotal role in how monetary policy affects the economy’s momentum, as highlighted in a recent paper presented at a central bank research conference. The paper delves into the significance of how the Fed utilizes increases and contractions in its holdings of Treasury and mortgage bonds to complement
The U.S. stock market experienced a significant rally on Friday following the dovish remarks made by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Investors were quick to react positively to Powell’s indications that the central bank is likely to cut its key policy rate in September. This news solidified expectations of an upcoming rate cut, which would
The recent rail stoppage in Canada, initiated by the lockout of workers affiliated with the Teamsters union at Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) and Canadian Pacific (NYSE:CP) Kansas City, has raised concerns among economists and analysts. The potential economic fallout from an extended stoppage could have far-reaching consequences for Canada’s economy. According to Pedro Antunes, the