- The MPC has shifted its focus away from inflation and wages to broader economic scenarios.
- Even rate-setters voting for an August cut placed considerable weight on the more hawkish scenario.
- Reduced data-sensitivity and the scenarios suggest gradual rate cuts, with the next one in November.
Rob Wood (Chief UK Economist)UK
- In one line: Surplus more than halves, but little reason for concern.
Moorthy Krshnan (Senior Asia Economist)Emerging Asia
Unsustainable export bounce saves Thai Q2 GDP; domestic demand still lethargic
Miguel Chanco (Chief EM Asia Economist)Emerging Asia
A weather-related plunge in July, but residential construction set for a weak Q3.
Oliver Allen (Senior US Economist)US
In one line: Imports will rise back soon, we think.
Melanie Debono (Senior Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
- July’s drop in single-family starts was concentrated in the South, probably a hit from Hurricane Beryl...
- ..Still, the overhang of new home inventory points to a downturn in residential construction.
- Consumers’ confidence has picked up despite the stock market dip, pointing to solid spending growth.
Ian Shepherdson (Chief Economist, Chairman and Founder)US
- Growth in Singapore’s non-oil domestic exports surprised to the upside in July.
- It was supported by a pickup in electronics exports, friendly base effects and non-monetary gold.
- Reversal in August is likely but the overall trajector y for exports will probably stay positive in Q3.
Moorthy Krshnan (Senior Asia Economist)Emerging Asia
- Japan’s Q2 GDP surprised to the upside; economic recovery is on a firmer footing than expected.
- Consumption ended four consecutive quarterly falls in Q2 on the back of first real wage gains since 2022.
- The BoJ is delighted to see more evidence of wage-price spiral; it provided the basis for July’s hike.
Kelvin Lam (Senior China+ Economist)China+
- The Eurozone’s trade surplus rebounded in June, but net trade in goods likely dragged on growth in Q2.
- We’re expecting this net trade drag on growth to continue for up to 12 months.
- The trend in import growth, however, remains much weaker than implied by our consumption forecasts.
Claus Vistesen (Chief Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
- Retail sales volumes gained 0.5% month-to-month in July but were depressed by a large seasonal factor.
- We estimate that retail sales volumes are trending up at a 2.5% month-to-month annualised pace.
- Surveys and consumer confidence signal improving retail sales, while rate cuts will give a boost.
Rob Wood (Chief UK Economist)UK
Lower mortgage rates came too late for this month's survey.
Oliver Allen (Senior US Economist)US
Consumers keep spending, despite deteriorating fundamentals.
Oliver Allen (Senior US Economist)US
Weekly data are noisy; the underlying trend is still deteriorating.
Ian Shepherdson (Chief Economist, Chairman and Founder)US
The underlying trend still looks flat; expect continued stagnation ahead.
Ian Shepherdson (Chief Economist, Chairman and Founder)US
- In one line: Trade deficit weighed down by erratics, non-monetary gold and natural gas prices.
Rob Wood (Chief UK Economist)UK
- In one line: Solid GDP growth suggests the MPC can wait until November to cut rates again.
Rob Wood (Chief UK Economist)UK
- In one line: Weaker inflation helps the case for rate cuts, but airfares and hotel prices will rebound.
Rob Wood (Chief UK Economist)UK
- In one line: The BSP pulls the trigger… more—and potentially larger—cuts to come in Q4.
Miguel Chanco (Chief EM Asia Economist)Global
- In one line: Small surplus isn’t actually that bad, while the stellar y/y rates need to be put into context.
Miguel Chanco (Chief EM Asia Economist)Global
