Economy
Growth, inflation, trade, employment, and macroeconomic indicators.
Iran says possible memorandum still lacks Hormuz specifics, deal not imminent
Iran’s foreign ministry said a possible U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding still lacks Strait of Hormuz specifics and is not close to signing, despite earlier U.S. claims that a deal was largely negotiated.
Japan plans 3 trillion yen extra budget amid concerns over fiscal strains
Japan will compile an extra budget of about 3 trillion yen to fund fuel and utility support, with officials seeking to limit new debt and reassure markets.
Singapore economy grows 6% in Q1, above advance estimate
Singapore’s economy grew 6.0% year on year in the first quarter of 2026, beating the advance estimate of 4.6%, according to the Ministry of Trade and Industry. MTI kept its full-year growth forecast unchanged at 2.0% to 4.0% and said downside risks have risen.
UK pensions commission warns many workers are undersaving
The UK Pensions Commission has warned in an interim report that around 15 million people are undersaving for retirement, with the total potentially rising to 19 million without further action. The report calls for broader reform on pension adequacy and says low earners, the self-employed and women are among the most exposed groups.
USITC schedules hearing on fresh tomatoes from Mexico
The US International Trade Commission scheduled an in-person hearing for May 19 on fresh tomatoes from Mexico as part of its review investigation tied to the long-running antidumping case.
Treasury reports March TIC inflow of $150.7B as foreign Treasury holdings fall
The U.S. Treasury said March 2026 TIC data showed a $150.7 billion net inflow, while Reuters reported foreign Treasury holdings fell, led by Japan and China.
Treasury releases March 2026 Treasury International Capital data
The U.S. Treasury released March 2026 Treasury International Capital data showing a $150.7 billion net TIC inflow. Treasury said foreign residents increased long-term U.S. securities holdings by $96.5 billion and cut Treasury bill holdings by $16.8 billion.
Treasury releases March Treasury International Capital data
The U.S. Treasury released March 2026 Treasury International Capital data showing a $150.7 billion net TIC inflow and lower foreign holdings of U.S. Treasuries, according to Treasury and Reuters.
DAT says higher fuel costs lifted April truckload rates while freight volumes eased
DAT said higher fuel costs pushed April truckload spot and contract rates higher, while its volume index fell month over month for van, reefer and flatbed freight.
DAT says April truckload rate gains were mostly fuel-driven
DAT said April truckload spot and contract rates rose mainly because of higher fuel costs, while freight volumes fell across van, refrigerated and flatbed markets. The release points to fuel surcharge effects rather than a demand-led rebound.
UK long-term borrowing costs rise as Starmer faces pressure to stand down
UK long-term borrowing costs rose sharply on May 12, with 30-year gilt yields reaching their highest level since 1998. The selloff comes as political pressure on Keir Starmer intensifies after a junior minister resigned and called for him to step down.
UK borrowing costs rise as Starmer speech fails to reassure bond markets
UK government borrowing costs rose on May 11 as markets reacted to political uncertainty around Keir Starmer and a speech that failed to calm investor jitters. Reporting said 10-year gilts reached 5% and 30-year yields rose to around 5.68%.
U.S. jobless claims ease, productivity slows; Russia sees Q2 GDP rebound
New U.S. data showed initial jobless claims at 200,000 and first-quarter productivity up 0.8%, while Russia's central bank forecast GDP growth of 0.9% in Q2 after a Q1 contraction.
European stocks subdued as U.S. begins new effort to reopen Strait of Hormuz
European stocks were little changed as investors weighed a new U.S.-led maritime security operation in the Strait of Hormuz and its implications for oil, shipping and inflation. CENTCOM says the mission begins on May 4 and will involve destroyers, aircraft and thousands of service members.
Barclays becomes latest brokerage to bet on no Fed rate cuts in 2026
Barclays has dropped its call for a September rate cut and now expects the Federal Reserve to hold rates unchanged through 2026.
Bank of England holds rates unchanged at 3.75%
The Bank of England kept Bank Rate at 3.75% on April 30 as officials weighed rising inflation risks and geopolitical uncertainty.
Oil prices rise further
Oil prices extended gains on concerns about stalled U.S.-Iran talks and continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
A10 Networks reports Q1 2026 revenue growth and approves dividend, shares slip after hours
A10 Networks reported first-quarter 2026 revenue growth and a dividend increase, but shares slipped after the earnings release.
Trading Day: Chips off the table
U.S. stocks fell as tech shares weakened and oil prices rose, stoking renewed concern about growth and inflation.
Mexico inflation close to resuming decline toward target, governor says
Banxico Governor Victoria Rodriguez said Mexico’s inflation should resume easing toward target and the central bank is close to ending its rate cuts.
JPMorgan CEO says not worried about inflation, warns stagflation remains a risk
Jamie Dimon said he is not worried about inflation, but he still sees stagflation and other risks as potential drivers of higher prices.
World Bank warns Uganda’s foreign funding law could hinder its work
The World Bank has warned Uganda’s parliament that a proposed foreign-funding law could hinder its work and expose routine development activities to criminal liability.
Citadel’s Griffin to meet with NY leadership this week
Citadel CEO Ken Griffin said he will meet with New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday as debate over a proposed luxury second-home tax intensifies.
UAE to exit OPEC and OPEC+ starting May 1
The United Arab Emirates says it will leave OPEC and OPEC+ effective May 1 after a review of its oil strategy and production capacity.