Affordability means not just the prices we pay, but the means to pay them. We may be focusing too much on the first and not enough on the second, WSJ’s @greg_ip writes.
Inflation has been top-of-mind for years. That could change. Source link
Finance
German Consumer Sentiment Sinks to Near Two-Year Low
Economic uncertainty and a jump in the desire to save rather than spend drove sentiment to a 21-month low. Source
Rate rises in Japan ripple through global markets and might even push up the cost of borrowing in the U.S.
Rate rises in Japan ripple through global markets and might even push up the cost of borrowing in the U.S.
Japan’s Sticky Inflation Likely Justify BOJ Rate Hike
Japan’s consumer inflation remained well above the central bank’s 2% target in November, providing further justification for a widely anticipated
Economists warned a big drop in November inflation had more to do with data challenges caused by the government shutdown than with actual changes in the economy
Calculating housing costs presented one of the thorniest challenges—and they make up a huge portion of the price index. Source
The Bank of Mexico lowered its benchmark interest rate as expected Thursday in a 12th consecutive cut, while signaling a possible pause before lowering the rate further in 2026
The central bank votes 4-1 to lower the benchmark rate target to 7% from 7.25%. Source link
Central U.S. Manufacturing Activity Cools
Activity at factories in the central U.S. eked out growth in December, cooling from last month’s activity as production and
Philadelphia Area Factory Activity Falls Further
Manufacturing activity in the Philadelphia region slipped further into negative territory in December, disappointing expectations of an uptick despite a
Inflation Hit 2.7% in November, Less Than Expected
Consumer prices rose 2.7% in November from a year earlier, according to a delayed government report, slowing from 3% in
The Bank of England cut its key interest rate to a near three-year low of 3.75%
The Bank of England is moving in step with the Federal Reserve rather than many peers in Europe. Source link