- India’s Q4 GDP print was exactly in line wit expectations, at 6.2%, rebounding from 5.6%…
- …Consumption, mainly rural, continues to find its feet, while exports—especially services—are flying.
- The Philippines’ structural RRR cuts are likely over, but they are no substitute for lower TRR rates.
Miguel Chanco (Chief EM Asia Economist)Emerging Asia
- China’s Politburo meeting on Friday signalled a ‘steady as she goes’ approach to economic policy.
- Tokyo consumer inflation fell in February, as energy subsidies brought down energy inflation.
- Fresh food inflation cooled due to seasonal factors, but overall food inflation is likely to pick up in H1.
Duncan WrigleyChina+
- Eurozone headline and core inflation likely undershot the consensus in February.
- Today’s data should be the first clear sign that EZ services inflation is now falling, from a trend of 4%.
- EZ consumers’ spending on goods saw a slow start to 2025, but don’t write off Q1 just yet.
Melanie Debono (Senior Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
- High and rising global economic policy uncertainty has hit business investment hard.
- But consumer spending is recovering from an autumn wobble, so GDP growth can improve in 2025.
- Inflation will peak at 3.7% in September, allowing the MPC to cut only twice more this year.
Rob Wood (Chief UK Economist)UK
RBI RATE CUTS FINALLY HERE; EXPECT 2 MORE IN Q2
- …THAI GROWTH HAS LIKELY PEAKED, PROMPTING A BOT CUT
Miguel Chanco (Chief EM Asia Economist)Emerging Asia
- China’s technology & manufacturing policy will take centre stage at the Two Sessions next week.
- Targeted consumption support will be ramped up; no big handout, but fiscal transfers should be supportive.
- The bank recapitalisation provides ammunition for mid-year stimulus, to mitigate the trade war impact.
Duncan WrigleyChina+
Heavy snowfall mostly to blame for the rise.
Samuel TombsUS
Stronger growth in underlying orders unlikely to last much longer.
Oliver Allen (Senior US Economist)US
In one line: Business sentiment eases despite improvement in manufacturing.
Melanie Debono (Senior Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
In one line: Upturns in real M1 growth and credit impulse continue.
Claus Vistesen (Chief Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
Sales still struggling for momentum.
Oliver Allen (Senior US Economist)US
In one line: Decent headline, but rising unemployment fears is a red flag.
Claus Vistesen (Chief Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
TRADE NOISE TESTS LATAM’S RESILIENCE…
- …AND TIGHT FINANCIAL CONDITIONS REMAIN A THREAT
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America
GROWTH HOLDS UP BETTER THAN SURVEYS IMPLY
- …THE MPC CAN CUT ONLY TWICE MORE THIS YEAR
Rob Wood (Chief UK Economist)UK
- Real consumption likely fell by about 0.2% in January; adverse weather played a role...
- ...but the sharp fall in confidence points to a sustained rise in the saving rate back above 4%.
- Services sector investment intentions are also losing their shine amid renewed political uncertainty.
Samuel TombsUS
- Mexico’s external accounts are still healthy, but thanks to a solid H1 2024; risks emerged in Q4.
- Trade uncertainty likely will deter new investment, particularly in H1; remittances will face volatility.
- The labour market remains strong, at face value, but signs of weakening are becoming clearer.
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America
- Swiss GDP rose by 0.5% on the quarter in Q4, much better than the measly 0.1% growth in EZ GDP.
- Growth will slow, falling in line with that in the EZ, as net trade drags on GDP and spending growth slows.
- The US President has fired another tariff threat at the EU, but we are still in waiting mode.
Melanie Debono (Senior Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
- Higher interest repayments and lower tax receipts will increase forecast government borrowing.
- We estimate that the Chancellor’s £8.9B headroom against her fiscal rules has been wiped out.
- We expect the Chancellor to respond on March 26 with back-loaded public spending cuts.
Rob Wood (Chief UK Economist)UK
