inflation

European governments are rolling out tax cuts and subsidies in an effort to cushion households and businesses from record-high fuel prices. The measures reflect growing political pressure across the continent as energy costs strain consumers and feed into broader inflation concerns. Officials are weighing how to keep relief targeted without worsening budget deficits.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to resume raising its key interest rate as policymakers lose patience with stubbornly slow progress on inflation. Economists are weighing the timing and size of the next move, with households and markets bracing for the return of monetary tightening after a pause.

Federal Reserve official Michael Barr said further interest rate increases are likely needed to bring inflation back to the central bank's target. The comments signal that policymakers remain cautious about declaring victory over price pressures, and markets and analysts are weighing what a longer tightening path would mean for borrowing costs and the economy.

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman said the Federal Reserve's latest rate hike could backfire and make inflation worse rather than tame it. His argument adds to a running debate over whether the central bank's aggressive tightening is the right response to persistent price pressures, and markets and analysts are weighing his critique against the Fed's own guidance.

After the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates, attention is turning to whether the Reserve Bank of Australia will resume its own tightening cycle. Market watchers are speculating the RBA could restart hikes with a move in September, followed by another increase in November, as central banks worldwide continue battling inflation.

Markets face a packed economic calendar this week, headlined by the U.S. jobs report and inflation figures from the United States, Eurozone, Australia, South Korea and Tokyo. The Reserve Bank of Australia meets, while speeches are scheduled from the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of England. Traders will watch the releases closely for clues on interest rate paths.

The Reserve Bank of Australia meets on Tuesday for the sixth time this year, with economists and financial markets treating another interest rate rise as near certain. The question being debated is not whether rates will go up but how many further increases may follow as the bank tries to curb inflation, and what that means for mortgages and household budgets.

Japan's corporate services price inflation has climbed to its highest level in two years, according to a Reuters report. The rise in what companies pay for services signals persistent price pressure in the world's third-largest economy and will feed into debate over whether the Bank of Japan should raise interest rates further as it winds down decades of ultra-loose policy.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to lift the cash rate to 4.6%, which would make it the highest level since 2011. The anticipated hike points to continued efforts to curb inflation, and would add to cost-of-living pressures for Australian households and businesses with mortgages and loans.

Markets are watching the Reserve Bank of Australia ahead of an expected interest rate decision, with attention focused on whether policymakers will raise or hold rates. At the same time, rising oil prices are adding fresh inflation pressure, complicating the bank's task. Commentators suggest the combination of higher energy costs and domestic price growth could sway the outcome of the meeting.

Hungary's central bank has cut its inflation target, and bond investors are reading the move as a sign of continued monetary tightening toward euro-area norms. Analysts suggest the shift supports the case for holding Hungarian government debt, with the country's long-term goal of adopting the euro anchoring expectations for lower inflation and yields.

Deutsche Welle examines Saudi Arabia's outsized role in the world economy. As the largest OPEC producer, the kingdom's oil output and pricing decisions shape global energy costs, inflation and interest-rate policy worldwide. Attention is also on its Vision 2030 investment drive and sovereign wealth funds, which channel petrodollars into global markets. The piece underscores how shocks or policy shifts in Riyadh ripple through trade, energy and finance far beyond the Gulf region.

Australian shares are expected to open slightly higher as oil prices pull back, easing inflationary pressure, while investor attention turns to the Reserve Bank of Australia and its next move on interest rates. Markets are watching whether the central bank signals a pause or further tightening, with energy price movements adding to the uncertainty around the inflation outlook.

US money supply has reached a record $23.34 trillion, putting bitcoin under a new liquidity test. Analysts are weighing whether expanding dollar liquidity supports higher bitcoin prices or signals inflation pressure that could prompt tighter policy and drain risk appetite from crypto markets.

Realtor.com has issued an updated 2026 housing forecast saying home price growth will cool further and trail the pace of inflation. That would effectively make houses cheaper in real terms, a shift from the rapid price gains of recent years. The update is drawing attention from buyers, sellers and market watchers weighing when to enter the housing market.

A Republican member of Congress said Americans are experiencing 'fatigue' as diesel prices continue to climb. The comments highlight growing concern among lawmakers over fuel costs, which affect shipping, farming and consumer prices. Diesel price increases feed into broader inflation worries, and the remarks add to partisan debate over energy policy and who is responsible for keeping costs down.

A former Bank of Sudan official has argued that removing zeros from the Sudanese pound would simplify prices and make everyday transactions easier. The proposal amounts to a redenomination of the war-hit country's currency, which has been severely devalued by years of economic crisis and conflict. Comment in Sudan is focused on whether such a move would genuinely ease commerce or simply mask deeper inflation problems.

Analysts project that the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 is trending downward, which could mean a smaller benefits increase for retirees than recent years have delivered. Lower inflation expectations are driving the shift, and beneficiaries are watching closely because the COLA directly affects monthly checks and retirement budgets.