Economy

China Pledges Over 1 Trillion Yuan in Cheap Credit, Cuts Rates on Targeted Lending Tools

PBOC cuts rates on structural lending tools and expands quotas, adding a 1 trillion yuan line for private firms while holding benchmark policy rates steady.

#china, #pboc, #interestrates, #credit, #yuan

China Posts Record $1.2 Trillion Trade Surplus in 2025 as Exports Surge and Imports Stall

China reported a record $1.19 trillion goods trade surplus in 2025, driven by booming EV and solar exports as weak domestic demand kept imports flat.

#china, #trade, #exports, #evs, #imf

December CPI Seen as First ‘Clean’ Inflation Read Since Shutdown, With Fed Cuts at Stake

After a fall shutdown distorted official price data, economists expect December CPI to offer the first clear look at inflation—shaping 2026 Fed cuts.

#inflation, #cpi, #federalreserve, #interestrates, #bls

Powell Says DOJ Threatened Indictment as Fed-Renovation Probe Sparks Clash With White House

Fed Chair Jerome Powell says DOJ subpoenas and an indictment threat are political pressure on rate policy, roiling markets and raising alarms over Fed independence.

#federalreserve, #interestrates, #doj, #markets, #centralbank

OECD inflation slips below 4% as central banks weigh next moves on rates

Annual inflation across OECD economies fell to 3.9% in November, the first sub-4% reading in four years, but core pressures and energy costs keep caution high.

#inflation, #oecd, #centralbanks, #interestrates, #monetarypolicy

U.N. warns global economy will stay in “low gear,” with growth stuck below pre-pandemic pace

U.N. forecasts global growth slowing to 2.7% in 2026, citing high debt, weak investment and trade tensions, while uneven AI gains deepen divides.

#globaleconomy, #ungrowth, #debt, #trade, #ai

U.S. GDP Surges 4.3% in Q3 as Shutdown Distorts Data and Inflation Reaccelerates

A shutdown-delayed GDP report shows the U.S. economy grew 4.3% in Q3 2025, while inflation and profits jumped—complicating the Fed’s path.

#gdp, #federalreserve, #inflation, #shutdown, #economy

EU carbon border levy enters ‘definitive’ phase in 2026, with first payments due in 2027

Europe’s CBAM shifts from reporting to legal liabilities on Jan. 1, 2026, tying import costs to EU carbon prices—though payments start in 2027.

#eu, #carbonpricing, #trade, #steel, #climatepolicy

Japan’s Monetary Base Shrinks for First Time Since 2007 as BOJ Unwinds Stimulus

Bank of Japan says monetary base fell 4.9% in 2025, first drop in 18 years, signaling a cautious retreat from ultra-easy policy.

#japan, #boj, #interestrates, #inflation, #bonds

Senegal Nears New IMF Deal After Audit Uncovers Hidden Debt and Triggers Funding Freeze

Senegal says it is close to a new IMF program after audits revealed unreported obligations that lifted debt to about 132% of GDP and froze funding.

#senegal, #imf, #debt, #africa, #eurobonds

ECB Holds Rates at 2% and Signals Its Yearlong Cutting Cycle Is Likely Over

The ECB kept rates unchanged and said policy is now “in a good place,” with inflation nearing 2% but wage-driven services prices still a concern.

#ecb, #interestrates, #eurozone, #inflation, #lagarde

South Korea Hits Inflation Target, but Rate Cuts Look Unlikely as Won and Housing Risks Loom

Inflation eased to 2.1% in 2025, near the Bank of Korea’s target, but a weak won, high household debt and rising home prices keep policymakers cautious.

#southkorea, #inflation, #interestrates, #bankofkorea, #housing

Japan Approves Record ¥122.3 Trillion Budget as Debt-Servicing Costs Surge

Tokyo’s fiscal 2026 budget boosts defense and social security while debt-service costs top ¥30 trillion as higher rates squeeze finances.

#japan, #budget, #debt, #defense, #interestrates

Japan Approves Record ¥122.3 Trillion Budget as Rising Rates Push Debt Costs Past ¥30 Trillion

Tokyo’s draft FY2026 budget boosts defense and social security, but surging interest costs lift debt service above ¥30 trillion, tightening fiscal room.

#japan, #budget, #debt, #interestrates, #defense