Economic Report

Key Takeaways Prices stay elevated: Brent crude futures for July rose 0.4% to $110.87/barrel; WTI for June held flat at $105.20. Four-year high: The expiring June Brent contract hit over $126 per barrel on Thursday — the highest since the 2022 Russia-Ukraine crisis. Trump weighs strikes: The president is considering …

Japan stunned global currency markets after authorities stepped into the foreign exchange market for the first time in nearly two years, unleashing what traders quickly dubbed a fresh “Yentervention” campaign to halt the yen’s relentless slide against the US dollar.Yen Panic Triggers Japan’s Dramatic “Yentervention” ComebackThe move sparked widespread panic …

Volkswagen managed to steady its financial performance in the first quarter, leaning heavily on aggressive cost reductions to offset weakening global demand and a sharp downturn in China. While revenues slipped and margins narrowed, the underlying picture shows a company relying more on efficiency than growth to stay resilient.Revenue fell …

In a highly complex economic and political environment, Jerome Powell has chosen to remain on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve despite the end of his term as Chair. The decision reflects a clear understanding of the sensitivity surrounding the current phase of the US economy, as Kevin …

Global oil markets erupted into fresh turmoil after reports emerged that Washington is reviewing new military options tied to the escalating Iran conflict, sending crude prices soaring to their highest levels since 2022 and reigniting fears of a global inflation shock.Brent crude briefly surged above $126 a barrel before retreating …

Gold Gold posted a modest rebound on Thursday, recovering after recent losses as the US Dollar US Dollar weakened. The metal climbed back above the $4,600 level, finding short-term support after dipping to a one-month low in the previous session.Currency Pressure Ignites DemandThe move higher was largely driven by the …

Key Takeaways GDP rebound: First-quarter GDP rose to 2%, up sharply from 0.5% in Q4 2026 — though just shy of the 2.2% forecast. Shutdown distortion: Last year’s 43-day government shutdown caused the biggest federal spending drop since 1972, skewing prior comparisons. AI data center boom: Rapid expansion to support …

Key Takeaways Steady momentum: Canada’s GDP rose 0.2% month-on-month in February, matching expectations and marking the fourth consecutive month of positive growth. Manufacturing the standout: The sector surged 1.8% — its strongest monthly performance since January 2023 — with broad-based gains across transportation equipment and automotive. Tariff resilience: Canada has …

Key Takeaways Rates held at 2%: The ECB kept its key deposit rate unchanged, sticking with a “steady-hand approach” as expected. Stagflation warning: ING analysts highlighted “increasing stagflationary pressures” in the eurozone — a toxic mix of high inflation and stagnant growth. Oil and gas pain: The Iran war has …

Key Takeaways Rates held at 3.75%: The BOE voted 8-1 to keep its key bank rate unchanged, with one member backing a quarter-point hike. Hawkish warning shot: The central bank flagged that policy may need to respond later this year to the energy shock from the Iran war. Inflation already …