Economy
U.S. GDP Revised Down to 1.6% in Q1 2026 as Inventories and Services Weigh
Second BEA estimate: U.S. GDP grew 1.6% annualized in Q1 2026, down from 2.0%, as weaker inventories and softer services spending trimmed growth.
Finance
Markets, economy, and industry.
-
Economy
BIS Working Paper Finds China’s Inflation Responds Strongly to Slack and Expectations
A BIS working paper finds China’s CPI inflation closely tied to economic slack and one-year-ahead expectations, suggesting standard policy models apply.
-
Economy
ECB warns Middle East war-driven energy shock heightens euro-area financial stability risks
ECB's May 27 review says energy-supply shocks from the Middle East could push inflation, slow growth and strain banks, non-banks and sovereigns.
-
Economy
Bank of Canada staff hold Canada neutral-rate estimate; U.S. range raised on productivity, AI
Bank of Canada staff keep Canada's nominal neutral rate at 2.25–3.25% while raising the U.S. estimate to 2.50–3.50% on stronger productivity and AI.
-
Economy
Kevin Warsh sworn in as Federal Reserve chair at White House ceremony
Kevin Warsh sworn in as Federal Reserve chair at a White House ceremony; he pledged independence as he takes over amid persistent inflation pressures.
-
Economy
Fed minutes reveal sharp split over signaling near-term rate cuts
April Fed minutes show an 8-4 vote to hold rates and a sharp split over whether to signal openness to future cuts as inflation and energy risks persist.
-
Economy
Senate Confirms Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair; Treasury Yields Jump
Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh as Fed chair 54-45, sending Treasury yields higher and cutting odds of a June rate cut amid hotter inflation data.
-
Economy
Court Rules Trump’s 10% Tariff Exceeded Statutory Authority, Limits Relief to Plaintiffs
May 7 court ruling finds President Trump exceeded Section 122 authority for a 10% tariff, but injunction and refunds apply only to the plaintiffs who sued.
-
Economy
U.S. Inflation Eases Monthly but Annual Rate Rises to 3.8% as Shelter and Gasoline Push Prices Up
Consumer prices rose 0.6% in April; annual inflation accelerated to 3.8% as gasoline and shelter drove gains, while core CPI rose 2.8%.
-
Economy
Macklem says Bank of Canada could raise or cut rates if U.S. trade curbs or oil-driven inflation shift outlook
Bank of Canada Gov. Tiff Macklem warned rates could rise or fall: cuts if U.S. trade curbs dent growth, hikes if sustained oil-driven inflation spreads. Rate held at 2.25%.
-
Economy
U.S. Economy Expands 2.0% in Q1 2026 as Inflation Remains Elevated
Advance BEA estimate: U.S. GDP rose 2.0% annualized in Q1 2026, with core PCE at 4.3% — keeping inflation and Fed policy center stage.
-
Economy
ECB Holds Rates Steady but Warns Energy Shock Has Raised Inflation Risks
ECB keeps key rates unchanged and flags heightened upside inflation and downside growth risks after Middle East-driven energy price spike.
-
Economy
Cross-border Bank Credit Surges 11% in 2025, Fastest Annual Growth Since 2008, BIS Says
BIS data show cross-border bank credit rose 11% in 2025 to $38.1tn — the fastest annual gain since Q1 2008 — led by dollar and euro lending.
-
Economy
Bank of Japan Holds Rate at 0.75% as Vote Reveals Sharper Split on Further Tightening
The BOJ kept its policy rate at 0.75% on April 28, but a 6-3 vote exposed growing support among board members for higher rates.
-
Economy
Canada Announces C$25 Billion "Canada Strong Fund" as First Federal Sovereign Wealth Vehicle
Prime Minister Mark Carney unveils the Canada Strong Fund, a C$25 billion federal investment vehicle to back energy, minerals, agriculture and infrastructure.
-
Economy
Bank of Korea Governor Hyun Song Shin Outlines Four‑Point Agenda Emphasizing Prudence, Stability and CBDC Expansion
In his inaugural address, Bank of Korea Governor Hyun Song Shin set a four‑part agenda: prudent, flexible policy; stronger financial‑stability monitoring; boosting the won in digital payments; and deeper research on Korea’s structural challenges.
-
Economy
Hyun Song Shin Confirmed as Bank of Korea Governor After Parliamentary Approval
The BIS congratulated Hyun Song Shin after South Korea’s National Assembly committee adopted his confirmation, marking his return from the BIS to lead the Bank of Korea.
-
Economy
Canada inflation accelerates to 2.4% in March as gasoline surge lifts headline rate
Canada’s annual inflation rose to 2.4% in March as a record monthly gasoline price jump pushed up energy costs, while core measures stayed near 2%.
-
Economy
Labor Department Proposes Safe Harbor to Let 401(k)s Include Private Assets
Labor Dept. proposes a safe harbor allowing 401(k)s to include private assets — from private equity to crypto — if fiduciaries follow specified vetting processes.
-
Economy
White House Analysis: Ban on Stablecoin Yields Would Add Only Modest Bank Lending
CEA research finds a federal ban on stablecoin yields would raise U.S. bank lending by about $2.1 billion under current conditions; worst‑case $531B.