Inflation
Finance
Australia now owns one of the rich world's worst inflation problems
Australia's trimmed mean inflation now outpaces the US, UK, euro area, Canada and Japan. Economists say the RBA moved too late. All eyes on August 11.
Japan
Japan Warns of 'Decisive' Yen Defense as Dollar Hits 160
Japan warned Monday it would take decisive action to defend the yen after the currency weakened beyond 160 per dollar, its lowest level since July 2024. Vice Finance Minister Atsushi Mimura said speculative moves in both currency and crude oil markets may force intervention.
Federal Reserve
Markets Price 52% Chance Fed Will Raise Rates on Inflation Surge
Futures markets shifted to pricing a 52% probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike by year-end, the first time odds have crossed 50%. Import prices jumped 1.3% in February, export prices rose 1.5%, and oil topped $110 per barrel.