UK Economics Focus Could we be wrong about inflation? If we are wrong in expecting UK consumer price inflation to fall back over the next year or so, the consequences for the economy - higher interest rates alongside a huge fiscal squeeze - could be... 19th May 2010 · 1 min read
UK Data Response UK Consumer Prices (Apr.) CPI inflation surprised on the upside again in April. But Mervyn King made it clear in his letter to the new Chancellor George Osborne that the MPC is not about to panic and raise interest rates in... 18th May 2010 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response German ZEW Survey (May), EZ CPI (Apr.) & Trade (Mar.) May’s renewed decline in the ZEW index suggests that investors are still very worried about the effect of the periphery’s problems on the German economy. 18th May 2010 · 1 min read
UK Data Response Inflation Report (May) & Labour Market (Mar./Apr.) The dovish tone of the Bank of England’s May Inflation Report suggested that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has no intention of tightening policy anytime soon. If anything, it is more likely to... 12th May 2010 · 1 min read
China Economics Update No sign inflation is picking up Inflation pressures remain low in China. There are signs in the April data that the boost that stimulus policies have provided to consumer spending is easing. But for now, the recovery still looks... 11th May 2010 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Inflation Monitor (Apr.) Tomorrow’s inflation data are likely to show a rebound in the headline rate in April. But a close look at recent trends suggests that inflationary pressures remain weak. With the economy set to slow... 10th May 2010 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone Flash CPI (Apr.) & Unemployment (Mar.) The euro-zone CPI and unemployment figures add to the view that the region is set for a prolonged period of weak price pressures. 30th April 2010 · 1 min read
Japan Data Response Activity, Wages and Prices (Mar.) Today's rush of data showed no sign of the imminent double-dip in the Japanese economy that some still fear. 30th April 2010 · 1 min read
Bank of Japan Watch Forecasts of end to deflation are premature The Bank of Japan’s Policy Board is almost certain to raise its projections for both economic growth and consumer prices at tomorrow's meeting. Indeed, reliable media reports suggest it will forecast... 29th April 2010 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response German CPI (1st Est. Apr.) The latest German inflation figures show that, while the economy may be performing much better than the euro-zone’s periphery, core price pressures even there are firmly downward. 28th April 2010 · 1 min read
UK Data Response UK Consumer Prices (Mar.) March’s CPI figures will have done little to reassure those MPC members who have recently sounded a bit more concerned about the inflation outlook. But they should not cause the Committee to think... 20th April 2010 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone CPI (Final, Mar.) & Trade (Feb.) On the face of it, March’s sharp rise in euro-zone CPI inflation may look a little alarming. But with a fundamental lack of inflationary pressure in the economy, deflation rather than a surge in... 16th April 2010 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Cooling, not overheating At first glance, today’s GDP data might suggest China is overheating. However, the acceleration in y/y growth in Q1 was entirely due to weakness a year ago. Growth has continued to slow in q/q terms... 15th April 2010 · 1 min read
