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The Economist
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- 1
The Reserve Bank of Australia is widely expected to raise the cash rate to 4.6% at its upcoming board meeting, which would take borrowing costs to their highest level since 2011. The Guardian reports markets and economists are bracing for the hike, with homeowners facing further pressure on mortgage repayments as the bank continues its fight against persistent inflation.
- 2Australia's Central Bank Raises Rates Again on Inflation Fears▼Australia’s Central Bank Raises Rates Again as Inflation Fears Materialize
The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised interest rates for another consecutive meeting, moving to curb inflation that has proved more persistent than expected. Policymakers signalled that price pressures are broadening, keeping further tightening on the table. Analysts warn higher borrowing costs will weigh on households with mortgages, while economists are debating whether more increases will be needed to bring inflation back to target.
- 3Australia warns of more rate hikes after lifting rates to 15-year high▼Australia says more hikes not off the table after raising rates to 15-year high
Australia's central bank has raised interest rates to their highest level in 15 years and signalled that further increases remain possible as it battles persistent inflation. Policymakers stressed that more hikes are 'not off the table', a warning that is keeping borrowers, markets and economists on alert about the path of monetary policy.
- 4
The European Central Bank has raised its key interest rates by 25 basis points, in line with market expectations. The decision continues the bank's campaign to bring inflation back toward its 2% target, and attention now turns to hints about whether further tightening is still to come.
- 5
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde is maintaining a gradual, measured approach to raising rates as the bank works to bring inflation back to its target. The stance signals the ECB will continue adjusting policy in careful steps rather than large moves, balancing persistent price pressures against risks to eurozone growth.
- 6Fed holds rates steady as inflation hits three-year high▼Fed holds interest rates steady as inflation hits 3-year high
The US Federal Reserve has decided to keep interest rates unchanged even as inflation reaches its highest level in three years. The decision means borrowing costs will stay where they are for now, with policymakers weighing stubborn price pressures against signs of strain in the economy. Markets and economists are watching closely for signals on when, or whether, the central bank might move rates again.
- 7Australia's central bank lifts cash rate to 15-year peak●Australia’s central bank raises cash rate to 15-year peak By Reuters
Australia's central bank, the Reserve Bank of Australia, has raised its cash rate to its highest level in 15 years, according to Reuters. The move means higher borrowing costs for Australian households and businesses, and signals the bank is still working to bring inflation back to target despite signs of economic slowing. Markets and economists will be watching for hints on whether further tightening is ahead.
- 8Bank of Japan weighed faster rate hikes in July▼Bank of Japan debated need for faster rate hikes, July minutes show
Minutes from the Bank of Japan's July meeting show board members debated whether interest rates needed to rise faster than planned. The discussion signals growing internal support for tightening policy as inflation pressures persist in Japan. Markets and economists read the minutes for clues on the timing of the next rate increase.
- 9Bank of England's Ramsden flags possible rate rises on inflation●Bank of England’s Ramsden says rates may need to rise if inflation pressures build
Bank of England Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden said interest rates may need to rise again if inflationary pressures in the UK economy prove persistent. His comments signal that policymakers remain cautious about price growth even as other officials have suggested borrowing costs could stay on hold. Markets and economists watch such remarks closely for hints about the timing of the next move in British monetary policy.
- 10RBA raises Australian interest rate to 4.60%▼Australian RBA Interest Rate Decision 4.60% vs. Exp. 4.6% (Prev. 4.35%)
The Reserve Bank of Australia has lifted its cash rate to 4.60%, up from 4.35% and in line with expectations. It is the first hike of this cycle, and markets and economists are watching for what the move signals about the bank's fight against persistent inflation and whether further tightening will follow.
- 11RBI expected to hike rates to 5.50% in October▼RBI to raise interest rates to 5.50% in October as inflation broadens: Reuters poll
A Reuters poll of economists points to the Reserve Bank of India raising its key interest rate to 5.50% at its October policy meeting. The expected hike comes as inflation in India broadens beyond food and fuel into core categories, increasing pressure on the central bank to tighten further despite growth concerns.
- 12Bank of Japan minutes signal readiness for more rate hikes▼⚡ NEWS BOJ Minutes Signal Readiness for Further Rate Hikes Minutes from the Bank of Japan's July monetary policy meeting
Minutes from the Bank of Japan's July monetary policy meeting show policymakers agreed it is appropriate to continue raising interest rates and gradually reduce monetary accommodation, aiming to anchor inflation expectations. The remarks point to a continued tightening path, and markets are weighing what further rate increases would mean for the yen and bond markets.
- 13Bank of Japan may raise rates again in October, says former official▼The Bank of Japan could raise its benchmark rate for a second straight month when its board meets in October, earlier th
The Bank of Japan could raise its benchmark interest rate for a second consecutive month at its October board meeting, moving earlier than many economists expect, according to a former executive director who oversaw monetary policy at the central bank. The assessment adds to speculation about the pace of Japan's shift away from ultra-low rates and is drawing attention from markets watching for further tightening.
- 14EU weighs sanctions on Irish alumina refiner over Russia supplies●The # EU considers putting an # Irish # alumina # refiner on its # sanctions list for helping supply # russia ’s # war m
The European Union is considering adding an Irish alumina refinery to its sanctions list over allegations that its exports have helped supply Russia's war machine in Ukraine. The report, published by The Economist, has sparked debate in Ireland about the country's role in indirect flows of industrial materials reaching Moscow, and whether Dublin should act against the firm.
- 15
Australia's central bank is expected to deliver another interest rate increase, with economists warning the tightening cycle is raising the risk of pushing the economy into recession. Higher borrowing costs would add further pressure on households already dealing with elevated living costs, and markets are watching closely for the Reserve Bank's next decision on the cash rate.
- 16Economists divided on whether the Fed will raise rates●Will the Fed raise interest rates this year? Divided economists weigh in
Economists are split over whether the US Federal Reserve will raise interest rates this year. ABC News reports that analysts disagree on the outlook, with arguments on both sides about inflation pressures, labor market strength, and the risk of slowing growth. The division reflects genuine uncertainty about how the economy will perform in the months ahead, leaving markets and businesses unsure about borrowing costs.
- 17Bank of Japan debated faster rate hikes in July, minutes show●Bank of Japan debated need for faster rate hikes, July minutes show By Reuters
Minutes from the Bank of Japan's July policy meeting show board members debated whether interest rates needed to rise faster, according to the document released via Reuters. The discussion highlights internal divisions over the pace of monetary tightening as Japan continues moving away from decades of ultra-loose policy. Investors are watching closely for hints about the timing and size of the next rate increase.
- 18Euro area inflation expected to hit 3.5% in September▼# euro area # inflation Economists polled by @Reuters expect consumer prices in Sept to have risen by 3.5%Y, up from 3.2
Economists polled by Reuters expect euro area consumer prices to have risen 3.5% year-on-year in September, up from 3.2% in August, which would be the fastest pace in nearly three years. The European statistics agency Eurostat is due to publish its flash estimate on Friday, and markets and analysts are watching closely ahead of the release.
- 19Reserve Bank of Australia set to raise rates again●A rate rise tomorrow is all but locked in. How many more might there be? By Michael Janda and Alison Branley The Reserve
The Reserve Bank of Australia meets tomorrow for the sixth time this year, with both financial markets and economists viewing an interest rate rise as almost certain. Attention is turning to how many further increases may follow as the bank continues trying to curb inflation, and what that will mean for mortgage holders and borrowers.
- 20BOE's Ramsden Open to Rate Hikes if Inflation Builds▼BOE's Ramsden Sees Case for Raising Key Rate if Inflationary Pressures Build https://www.wsj.com/pro/central-banking/boe
Bank of England Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden said there is a case for raising the central bank's key interest rate if inflationary pressures in the UK economy intensify. The comments signal that policymakers remain prepared to tighten monetary policy despite recent signs of easing price growth, and markets are watching for hints about the timing of the next move.
- 21Moody's Zandi warns high rates already hurting US economy▼Moody's Zandi warns that higher interest rates are already damaging the economy
Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, is warning that elevated interest rates are already inflicting damage on the economy. The economist's comments come as borrowing costs remain high, and they add to a growing debate over whether monetary policy is tightening too much and risking a slowdown.
- 22US economy must outrun borrowing costs or risk debt spiral▼The US economy is stuck on a hamster wheel as GDP must outrun borrowing costs—or risk a debt spiral
Fortune reports that the US economy is stuck on a hamster wheel: economic growth must continually outpace the government's borrowing costs, or the national debt risks spiraling out of control. With interest rates elevated and deficits large, the gap between what the economy produces and what it pays to service debt is becoming a central worry for economists and investors watching US fiscal sustainability.
- 23Ireland accused of helping supply Russia's war machine▼Ireland is helping supply Russia’s war machine
The Economist reports that Ireland is playing a role in supplying Russia's war effort, a striking claim given Ireland's stated neutrality in the Ukraine war. The allegation has drawn attention because it challenges the country's carefully maintained neutral stance and raises questions about trade, finance, or industrial links that may indirectly benefit Moscow's military.
- 24Australia's big four banks expect RBA rate rise next week●Big four banks now unanimous the RBA will lift rates next week | Finance Report | ABC NEWS
Australia's four major banks are now unanimous in forecasting that the Reserve Bank of Australia will raise interest rates at its meeting next week. The shift in forecasts, reported by ABC News' finance desk, suggests markets and economists see an rate hike as near-certain, with borrowers bracing for higher mortgage repayments should the central bank act.
- 25Bank of Japan expands climate lending amid green mandate debate▼BOJ ups climate loans as debate swirls on how green central banks should be
The Bank of Japan is increasing its lending scheme that channels funds to banks supporting climate action, a programme first introduced in 2021. The move comes as policymakers and economists argue over how far central banks should go in supporting green goals, with critics warning that climate policy sits outside monetary mandates and supporters arguing financial stability depends on it.
- 26Bill Ackman calls Fed rate hike a mistake on inflation▼Bill Ackman says Fed rate hike was a ‘mistake’ that could make inflation worse
Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman criticized the Federal Reserve's latest rate hike, calling it a mistake that he argues could actually make inflation worse rather than curb it. His comments add to a running debate among investors and economists over whether the central bank is tightening policy too aggressively as price pressures persist.
- 27Economists warn US $40 trillion debt worse than Japan's▼Japan’s debt is twice the size of its economy—but economists warn U.S.’s $40 trillion sum is worse
Japan's national debt stands at roughly twice the size of its economy, the highest ratio among developed nations, but economists writing in Fortune argue the United States' debt load of around $40 trillion is the more worrying case. They point to America's faster-growing deficits and political gridlock over spending, contrasting it with Japan's domestic, stable creditor base.
- 28Germany's economy grows again as 2026 forecasts double▼DW News. . After years of stagnation, Germany's economy is growing again. The country's top institutes have doubled the growth forecasts for 2026, but economists warn the recovery is fragile. What is fueling this turnaround? #dwbusiness
After years of stagnation, Germany's economy is growing again. The country's leading economic institutes have doubled their growth forecasts for 2026, pointing to a nascent recovery in Europe's largest economy. However, economists caution that the rebound remains fragile, and debate continues over what is actually fueling the turnaround and whether it can be sustained.
- 29
The World Bank says the global economy has proven surprisingly resilient in the face of recent shocks, but cautions that this strength may not last. In a new analysis, the institution highlights steady growth despite high interest rates, geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainty, while warning that risks could still derail the recovery. Economists are debating how long the resilience can hold.
- 30Spanish Inflation Hits Three-And-a-Half Year High●Spanish Inflation Climbs to Three-And-a-Half Year High https://www.wsj.com/economy/spanish-inflation-climbs-to-three-and
Inflation in Spain has risen to its highest level in three and a half years, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The surge adds to concerns about mounting price pressures across the eurozone, with economists watching whether the European Central Bank will respond to accelerating consumer prices in the region.
- 31Japan's corporate services inflation hits two-year high▼Japan's corporate services inflation hits 2-year high
Japan's corporate services price inflation has climbed to its highest level in two years, according to new data reported by Reuters. Rising costs for services such as logistics, hiring and business outsourcing point to persistent price pressure among companies, a trend that keeps alive expectations that the Bank of Japan could continue raising interest rates. Economists watch the gauge closely for signs that inflation is broadening beyond energy and imports into wages and domestic demand.
- 32
The Economist examines how climate change is reshaping national security, arguing that rising temperatures, extreme weather and resource pressures are becoming core defense and foreign policy concerns rather than purely environmental ones. The piece highlights how governments are being forced to plan for climate-driven instability, migration and strategic competition alongside traditional military threats.
- 33Chief Economists See Global Stabilization but Flag Growth Risks●Chief Economists Expect Global Economy to Stabilize, but Fiscal Constraints, Rising Living Costs and AI Investment Uncertainty Threaten Growth
A group of chief economists expects the global economy to stabilize in the near term, according to a new outlook. However, they warn that tight government fiscal constraints, persistent rises in living costs and uncertainty around artificial intelligence investment could weigh on growth. The assessment highlights a fragile balance between modest recovery and structural pressures facing both advanced and emerging economies.
- 34Home price shifts tracked across 50 largest US metro markets●Home price shifts across America's 50 largest metro housing markets https://www.fastcompany.com/91614160/housing-market-
Fast Company is out with a look at how home prices are moving across America's 50 largest metropolitan housing markets. The piece breaks down where prices are rising and falling, offering a metro-by-metro snapshot of the US housing market's current state amid ongoing affordability concerns and elevated mortgage rates.
- 35
PwC is examining how US consumer spending patterns point to a K-shaped economy, in which higher-income households continue spending strongly while lower-income households pull back under pressure from prices and borrowing costs. The analysis is drawing attention as retailers and economists weigh how divided the American consumer has become heading into the next spending season.
- 36Mortgage Rates Climb Above 7%, Raising Housing Market Fears▼Mortgage Rates Exceed 7%. Where Will the Housing Market Go?
US mortgage rates have pushed past 7%, prompting questions about where the housing market is headed. Higher borrowing costs are expected to price out more buyers, reduce affordability, and cool home sales further. Commentators are debating whether prices will fall as demand weakens, or whether tight housing supply will keep values elevated despite the steep cost of financing.
- 37Rising mortgage rates dash hopes of housing comeback▼Realtors predicted a modest housing comeback this year. Rising mortgage rates are now dashing those hopes
Realtors had forecast a modest recovery in the housing market this year, but those expectations are fading as mortgage rates climb again. Higher borrowing costs are discouraging buyers, cooling activity that industry observers hoped would rebound after a difficult stretch. The renewed rate pressure leaves agents and economists reassessing whether any meaningful turnaround in home sales and prices can materialise this year.
- 38Former Bank of England economist warns Britain on 'thin fiscal ice'●Britain is ‘SKATING ON THIN FISCAL ICE’ - former Bank of England economist
A former Bank of England economist has warned that Britain is 'skating on thin fiscal ice', sharply criticising the state of the UK's public finances. The remarks, made in an interview with Channel 4 News, are drawing wide attention as debate continues over government borrowing, debt levels and the pressure on the chancellor ahead of upcoming fiscal statements.
- 39European industry is doing better than expected●European industry is doing better than you may think
The Economist argues that European industry is in better shape than commonly believed. The piece pushes back against pessimistic narratives about Europe's manufacturing decline, suggesting the sector's condition is stronger than prevailing opinion holds.
- 40DHS Credits ICE Deportations for Falling Rents▼DHS Says ICE Deportations Are Pushing Down Rent. Other Factors Are at Play
The Department of Homeland Security is claiming that ICE deportation operations are helping drive down rental prices, framing removals as relief for housing costs. Coverage notes the claim needs qualification, with economists pointing to other factors behind softening rents, including new housing supply, cooling demand, and broader economic conditions. The exchange feeds an ongoing political fight over immigration's economic effects.