Despite a slight increase in Canada's inflation rate last month, the Bank of Canada remains determined to bring it down to 2%, with the possibility of another rate hike being considered in September. However, some economists believe that the positive overall figures may allow the Bank to pause on rate increases without a significant negative impact.
The spike in retail inflation has raised uncertainty for investors and savers, with expectations of interest rate cuts being pushed to the next fiscal year and the possibility of a rate hike. The Reserve Bank of India projects inflation to stay above 5% until the first quarter of 2024-25, and food price pressures are expected to persist. While inflation may impact stock market returns, gold and bank deposit rates are expected to remain steady.
Australia is preparing for the impact of China's economic downturn, which will lead to lower exports, reduced investment, and a decline in tourism, potentially causing a slowdown in Australia's economic growth.
Australian retail sales rebounded in July, but the annual rate slowed, indicating that high borrowing costs are slowing consumer spending and not affecting the outlook for interest rates.
The number of job vacancies in the US dropped in July, indicating a cooling labor market that could alleviate inflation, while fewer Americans quit their jobs and consumer confidence in the economy decreased, potentially impacting consumer spending; these trends may lead the Federal Reserve to delay a rate hike in September.
US inflation remains above 3% as the cost of goods and services rose by 0.2% in July, prompting speculation that the Federal Reserve may freeze interest rates to manage inflation without causing a recession.
The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to keep its key interest rate unchanged at 4.10% as inflation slows, but economists anticipate a final hike in the next quarter.
UK inflation has slowed to a 17-month low of 6.8%, prompting expectations of potential interest rate cuts and concerns about the impact on house prices and mortgage rates.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept interest rates steady at 4.10% for a third consecutive month, suggesting that the tightening cycle may be over as policymakers gain control over inflation.
The Australian dollar declined against the US dollar as the Australian economy slowed in Q2, indicating that the Reserve Bank of Australia may not raise interest rates further.
Inflation has decreased significantly in recent months, but the role of the Federal Reserve in this decline is questionable as there is little evidence to suggest that higher interest rates led to lower prices and curtailed demand or employment. Other factors such as falling energy prices and the healing of disrupted supply chains appear to have had a larger impact on slowing inflation.
Annual core inflation in Mexico slowed to a 20-month low in August, below market forecasts, as the central bank maintains high interest rates to curb price increases.
Brazil's annual inflation in August was lower than expected, giving the central bank more leeway to extend interest rate cuts at their upcoming policy meeting.
Japan's annual wholesale inflation slowed for the eighth consecutive month in August, providing relief for households and retailers affected by previous increases in raw material imports.
Wholesale inflation in the U.S. accelerates for the second month in a row, with the Producer Price Index rising to 1.6% and indicating that inflation is not yet in line with the Federal Reserve's target of 2%.
US inflation is expected to continue its slowdown in the coming months due to easing car prices, declining rents, and a potential slowdown in the job market.
The Federal Reserve faces the challenge of bringing down inflation to its target of 2 percent, with differing opinions on whether they will continue to raise interest rates or pause due to weakening economic indicators such as drops in mortgage rates and auto sales.
Inflation in Britain slowed for a third consecutive month in August, defying expectations of a rise due to higher fuel prices, with consumer prices rising 6.7 percent compared to the previous year, driven by slower increases in food prices and a decline in hotel room costs. Core inflation also fell more than anticipated, indicating a potential easing of inflationary pressures, though price growth remains uncomfortably high. The Bank of England is set to announce its decision on interest rates, with growing speculation that rates may be held steady due to signs of slowing inflation and a weak economy.