- March IPCA-15 data show inflation rising due to temporary shocks in food and transportation costs.
- Inflation is likely to average 5.5% in Q2 before stabilising in H2, but wholesale prices signal upside risks.
- The current account deficit widened sharply, but FDI remains a positive sign, despite external noise.
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America
- China appears to be prioritising RMB stability over rate cuts, after decent activity data at the start of the year.
- Industrial profits saw tangible improvements in the first two months, led by rising manufacturing demand.
- The stimulus-led profit growth recovery in China will face significant headwinds from rising trade tensions.
Kelvin Lam (Senior China+ Economist)China+
- The US confirmed its wish to raise tariffs on imports of EU cars next week; car parts will also be included.
- These hikes, touted in February, are “baked in the cake” for our Q2 GDP baseline; the hit will be small.
- Money and credit data are improving and continue to point to faster EZ GDP growth.
Melanie Debono (Senior Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
- Just the third February fall in clothes prices in 18 years dragged inflation below consensus.
- A March goods price rebound is a solid bet, so inflation will still likely surge to 3.5% in April.
- The MPC will have to stay cautious, especially as services inflation pressures remain stubborn.
Rob Wood (Chief UK Economist)UK
- In one line: Erratic items drag down inflation, underlying pressures remain stubborn.
Rob Wood (Chief UK Economist)UK
- In one line: House prices surge in January but the rush to beat higher stamp duty will fade.
Rob Wood (Chief UK Economist)UK
In one line: Easing back; unemployment fears still high.
Melanie Debono (Senior Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
Reeling from the tariff threats.
Samuel TombsUS
In one line: Election result and fiscal stimulus boost sentiment.
Melanie Debono (Senior Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
- Regional Fed surveys suggest that services sector activity, hiring and investment is slowing sharply.
- The message on inflation is mixed, but firms expect their pricing power to wane.
- February’s orders report provides further signs the recovery in equipment investment is already fading.
Oliver Allen (Senior US Economist)US
- The EUR has risen against the USD ever since the EU and German fiscal announcements in March.
- Fundamentals, such as interest rate differentials, point to further strength ahead.
- We look for EURUSD to reach 1.10 at end-2025, and 1.15 at end-2026.
Melanie Debono (Senior Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
- Chancellor Reeves cut spending to maintain £9.9B of headroom against her fiscal rules.
- OBR forecast changes and spending cuts were close to expectations and modest.
- Higher borrowing and back-loaded spending cuts are slightly hawkish for the MPC.
Rob Wood (Chief UK Economist)UK
- In one line: Solid growth and strong price pressures means the MPC will have to be cautious.
Rob Wood (Chief UK Economist)UK
- - CHINA CRANKS UP FISCAL SUPPORT; LIKELY MORE TO COME
- - BOJ SHIFTING TO HAWKISH BIAS AS FOOD INFLATION RISES
- - KOREA CHIP EXPORTS UNDER COMPETITIVE PRESSURE
Kelvin Lam (Senior China+ Economist)China+
- US - The FOMC’s fears of rising unemployment will be borne out
- EUROZONE - This is the end of the road for the SNB’s easing cycle
- UK - Cuts and creative accounting will restore the fiscal headroom
- CHINA+ - BoJ stands pat in March on external trade policy considerations
- EM ASIA - JCI sell-off putting more pressure on BI to cut sooner rather than later
- LATAM - Brazil’s COPOM tightens policy again but will slow the pace in May
ian shepherdson (Chief Economist, Chairman and Founder)Global
- The consumer surveys have deteriorated sharply, but probably overstate the incoming slowdown.
- Air passenger numbers are 4% below their peak, matching the drawdown before the 2001 recession...
- ...But similar declines also were seen in 2005 and 2006, without recession immediately ensuing.
Oliver Allen (Senior US Economist)US
- Banxico can press on with further easing tomorrow thanks to muted inflation and softening growth.
- Weakening domestic demand signals room for rate cuts, as policymakers monitor external risks.
- The MXN rebound and subdued core pressures support gradual easing, despite lingering threats.
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America
- Taiwan’s central bank held rates at 2.000%; entirely expected as inflation remains elevated.
- Retail sales fell in February, as we expected, due to the changing timing of Lunar New Year...
- ...Seasonally adjusted numbers show growth, but much of this is boosted by inflation.
Meekita Gupta (Asia Economost)Emerging Asia
