inflation

Federal Reserve official Michael Barr said additional interest rate hikes are likely needed to bring inflation back to the central bank's target. The remarks add to expectations that the Fed will keep monetary policy restrictive, with investors and analysts weighing how much further borrowing costs may rise and what that means for markets and the broader economy.

The US Federal Reserve has voted to keep interest rates unchanged while new figures show inflation reaching its highest level in three years. Policymakers are balancing lingering price pressures against signs of a cooling labour market. Analysts are watching closely for hints about when cuts might resume, with markets reacting to the combination of steady rates and elevated inflation.

The European Central Bank has raised its key interest rates by 25 basis points, in line with widespread market expectations. The decision continues the bank's campaign against inflation, and analysts are now watching for signals on whether further tightening will follow at upcoming meetings.

Debate has emerged over whether markets are pricing in too many interest rate increases from the European Central Bank. Commentators are questioning if investor expectations for the pace and extent of ECB tightening are ahead of what the bank will actually deliver, a question with direct implications for the euro, bond yields and borrowing costs across the eurozone.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says he will remain a member of the central bank's Board of Governors after his term as chair expires next month. The announcement means Powell, whose leadership of the Fed has been marked by battles over inflation and repeated clashes with the Trump administration over interest rate policy, does not plan to step away from the institution entirely. The move has drawn attention to who will succeed him as chair and how much influence he may retain as a governor.

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman argues that the Federal Reserve's latest interest rate hike could actually make inflation worse rather than curb it. His warning challenges the central bank's standard playbook, suggesting higher rates may raise costs and stoke price pressures, and is fueling debate among investors and economists about the Fed's policy path.

Markets face a data-heavy week with the U.S. jobs report due alongside inflation figures from the United States, Eurozone, Australia, South Korea and Tokyo. The Reserve Bank of Australia holds a policy meeting, and investors will also parse speeches from Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of England officials. Traders are watching for clues on interest rate paths and economic momentum.

Hungary's central bank has lowered its inflation target, a move bond investors are reading as supportive for Hungarian government debt. Analysts say the adjustment strengthens the case for continued interest rate cuts and reinforces expectations that Hungary is steadily aligning its monetary policy with eurozone norms. Markets are watching whether lower inflation goals and a credible convergence path toward the euro will keep Hungarian bond yields falling and attract further inflows.

European governments are rolling out tax cuts and subsidies to help households cope with record-high fuel prices. The measures include reductions in fuel taxes and direct support for consumers as energy costs surge across the continent. The moves reflect growing political pressure on leaders to shield voters from the impact of inflated energy bills.

The US dollar slipped while the Japanese yen rallied after remarks from Japanese officials, and oil prices eased, weighing on currency markets. Traders are watching whether the yen's move signals potential intervention concerns or a shift in Japanese policy talk, while softer oil prices are reshaping expectations around inflation and central bank policy.

The chairman of Iran's Central Bank announced that inflation in the country has decreased by 3.9%. The statement comes as Iranians continue to grapple with high living costs and currency pressure, so any reported slowdown in price growth is closely watched both domestically and by observers of Iran's sanctions-hit economy.

Capital Economics forecasts Nigeria's economy growing at around 5%, while Kenya is expected to face further interest rate increases. The contrasting outlook highlights diverging monetary pressures across Africa's major economies, with Nigeria's expansion outpacing Kenya's as East Africa grapples with inflation and tighter policy.

A Federal Reserve survey of corporate finance chiefs finds that chief financial officers have raised their expectations for inflation and now cite interest rates as a key concern. The shift suggests businesses are bracing for price pressures to persist and for borrowing costs to remain a constraint on investment and hiring decisions.

Donald Trump said oil prices will 'come plummeting down' while praising the strength of the U.S. economy. The comments add to an ongoing debate over energy costs and inflation, with supporters viewing lower oil prices as relief for consumers and critics questioning whether such declines can be delivered and what they would mean for producers.

Global crude prices are holding above $105 per barrel as maritime security risks in the Strait of Hormuz disrupt shipping routes. International markets are adjusting to delays along one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints, and analysts are weighing what sustained escalation would mean for fuel prices and inflation worldwide.

Asset manager T. Rowe Price is working to ringfence its $165 billion emerging markets portfolio from potential fallout linked to El Niño, according to Bloomberg. The weather pattern can drive food and commodity price swings across developing economies, and investors are weighing how crops, inflation and sovereign risk could be hit. Market watchers are discussing which EM assets are most exposed to the climate pattern.