Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Asian Stocks Slide as Oil Surge, U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Bets Weigh on Markets 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
Oil Prices Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates and Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
Dollar Rises as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation and Rate Hike Fears 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
China’s manufacturing sector continued to expand for a second consecutive month in April, signaling resilience in the world’s second-largest economy despite ongoing global uncertainties. According to official data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) registered at 50.3, slightly down from 50.4 in March but still above the critical 50 threshold that separates expansion from contraction. The figure also exceeded market expectations, which had projected a reading of 50.1.
The latest PMI data highlights steady industrial output and increased stockpiling activity, both of which contributed to sustained growth momentum. The production sub-index showed a modest improvement, indicating stronger factory output. However, new orders slowed to 50.6 from March’s 51.6, suggesting softer demand. Meanwhile, the raw materials inventory index improved but remained below the expansion line, reflecting cautious restocking among manufacturers.
China’s economic performance in early 2026 has been stronger than anticipated, with first-quarter GDP growth reaching 5% year-on-year, aligning with the government’s annual target. This solid start has reduced immediate pressure for aggressive economic stimulus measures. Still, challenges persist. Rising unemployment and weak retail sales point to sluggish domestic consumption, while export growth has shown signs of slowing, partly due to last year’s high comparison base.
Global factors continue to influence China’s outlook. Elevated oil prices, driven in part by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, have pushed producer prices higher, ending a prolonged deflationary trend. However, these rising costs may compress profit margins, particularly in energy-intensive industries like petrochemicals.
In contrast to the official PMI, a private survey by S&P Global showed stronger expansion, with the Caixin China Manufacturing PMI climbing to 52.2 in April from 50.8 in March. This divergence reflects differences in survey focus, with the private index capturing smaller, export-oriented firms.
Despite ongoing risks from global conflicts and fluctuating demand, China’s manufacturing sector remains stable, supported by policy efforts to strengthen energy security and mitigate external shocks.
