Economy
Powell’s Jackson Hole speech was misread, and points to cautious dovishness. Some commentators called it hawkish, others suggested the Fed abandoned its 2% target. Neither is accurate. Central bank communication is rarely binary; it operates across…
Canada’s fragile growth backdrop reinforces the case for more BoC easing than markets price. June retail sales rose 1.5% m/m, in line with expectations. Excluding autos, sales were stronger at 1.9%. However, the advance estimate for July points to a 0.8%…
The post-Liberation Day rally has broadened, reducing skepticism and strengthening the case for US outperformance versus Europe. The S&P 500’s climb to all-time highs has been unusually smooth, compressing realized volatility and pulling the VIX…
Although Euro area PMIs beat expectations in August, the growth outlook remains weak. The composite index rose to 51.1, driven by manufacturing returning to expansion at 50.5 from 49.8. Meanwhile the services PMI slipped 0.3 points to 50.7. The readings…
Powell’s final Jackson Hole speech signaled a dovish tilt, opening the door to a September cut. The Fed is under pressure to balance unemployment and inflation risks, with the FOMC split between “proactive” doves and “reactive” hawks. Recent data have not…
Flash August PMIs show tentative global momentum yet growth remains weak. The composite PMI improved in both the US (55.4 vs. 55.1) and euro area (51.1 vs. 50.9), with manufacturing moving into expansion for the first time in 18 months. US manufacturing…
The Philly Fed’s August dip confirms persistent US manufacturing weakness and sends a disinflationary impulse. The index fell to -0.3 from 15.9 in July, with shipments, employment, and new orders all declining, the latter slipping into contraction.…
FOMC minutes showed broad support to hold in July, but the committee remains divided between proactive doves and reactive hawks. “Almost all members” favored leaving the funds rate unchanged, though two dissented for an immediate 25 bps cut. Doves want…
Hot July inflation does not alter the weakening UK backdrop, keeping Gilts attractive and GBP vulnerable. Headline CPI rose 0.1% m/m, lifting y/y inflation to 3.8% from 3.6%, while core ticked up to 3.8% from 3.7%. Services inflation remained sticky,…
The Riksbank held at 2.0% as core inflation remains above target, though easing pressures are building. July headline inflation had slightly cooled, but core remains above both the bank’s forecast and the 1-3% target band. Inflation drivers point to…