Fed Chair Kevin Warsh delivers his first semiannual monetary policy address to Congress on July 14–15, with June inflation data scheduled for release just 90 minutes before the House hearing opens.
Tag: inflation
Japan factory prices hit three-year high at 7.1%, sharpening BOJ rate debate
Japan’s producer price index rose 7.1% year-on-year in June 2026, the fastest pace since March 2023, driven by energy and input costs that reinforce the case for further Bank of Japan rate hikes.
IMF holds global growth at 3% as war shock and AI investment pull in opposite directions
The IMF’s July update kept its 2026 global growth forecast at 3% but raised headline inflation to 4.7%, citing opposing pressures from energy disruptions in the Middle East and AI-driven demand in technology-integrated economies.
Warsh and Lagarde bury forward guidance at Sintra as inflation stays too high
The heads of the Fed, ECB, Bank of England and Bank of Canada agreed at Sintra to abandon explicit rate signalling, leaving markets to trade on data rather than guidance.
Euro area inflation eases to 2.8% in June as energy costs retreat
Eurozone headline inflation fell to 2.8% in June from 3.2% in May, driven by a 1.7% monthly drop in energy costs — the first deceleration since the Middle East conflict began stressing prices.
BOJ board members back further rate hikes toward a neutral rate of 2%
Bank of Japan board members backed continued rate rises and estimated a neutral rate near 2%, in the June 24 summary of opinions released after the bank’s historic 1% decision.
US economy expanded 2.1% in Q1 2026 but corporate confidence warns of a rougher second half
The Bureau of Economic Analysis confirmed 2.1% annualised GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026 on June 25, a rebound from Q4’s 0.5%, even as CEO surveys signal gathering headwinds ahead.
US May PCE hits 4.1%, highest since April 2023, as core inflation accelerates
The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge rose 4.1% year-on-year in May 2026, the fastest pace in over three years, while core PCE climbed to 3.4% — its highest since late 2023.
Fed holds rates and removes forward guidance in Warsh’s hawkish debut
At his first FOMC meeting on June 17, Kevin Warsh held rates at 3.5–3.75% and stripped forward guidance, with nine of 18 officials now projecting at least one rate hike in 2026.
Bank of England holds at 3.75% as two MPC members push for a hike
The Bank of England’s MPC voted 7–2 to hold rates at 3.75% on 18 June, with two dissenters backing an immediate hike to 4% as UK inflation stays at 2.8%, nearly a full point above target.