South Korea Inflation Hits Five-Month Low as CPI Reaches Central Bank Target 
Gold and Asian Stocks Rebound as Market Volatility Eases and Global Sentiment Improves 
Philippines Manufacturing PMI Hits Nine-Month High Despite Weak Confidence Outlook 
RBA Raises Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Indian Rupee Strengthens Sharply After U.S.-India Trade Deal Announcement 
Starmer’s China Visit Highlights Western Balancing Act Amid U.S.-China Rivalry 
Asian Markets Slide as Silver Volatility, Earnings Season, and Central Bank Meetings Rattle Investors 
Japan Finance Minister Defends PM Takaichi’s Remarks on Weak Yen Benefits 
UK Employers Plan Moderate Pay Rises as Inflation Pressures Ease but Persist 
Asian Currencies Strengthen as Indian Rupee and Australian Dollar Rally 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Markets Brace for Big Tech Earnings and Key Data 
Trump Announces U.S.–India Trade Deal Cutting Tariffs, Boosting Markets and Energy Ties 
Japan’s Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Exports Hit Record High in 2025 Despite Tariffs 
IMF Forecasts Global Inflation Decline as Growth Remains Resilient 
China’s economic growth likely slowed in the second quarter of 2025 as trade tensions and the prolonged property downturn weighed on demand, intensifying pressure on policymakers to step up stimulus efforts. According to a Reuters poll, China’s GDP is expected to have grown 5.1% year-on-year between April and June, down from 5.4% in Q1. While still in line with the official annual growth target of around 5%, the projected slowdown signals rising headwinds for the world’s second-largest economy.
Despite avoiding a sharp downturn so far, thanks to a fragile U.S.-China tariff truce and prior stimulus measures, concerns are mounting about a weaker second half. Morgan Stanley analysts warn that growth could drop to 4.5% or lower in Q3 due to declining exports, deflationary pressures, and the impact of U.S. tariffs. A supplementary fiscal package worth 0.5–1 trillion yuan ($70–140 billion) is anticipated by late Q3 to support growth.
June trade data showed a brief recovery in exports and imports as manufacturers raced to benefit from the current truce before new tariffs take effect in August. However, industrial output and retail sales are expected to show signs of cooling. On a quarterly basis, Q2 GDP is projected to have grown 0.9%, slowing from 1.2% in Q1.
Looking ahead, China’s GDP growth is forecast to ease to 4.6% in 2025 and further to 4.2% in 2026. Markets are now eyeing the upcoming July Politburo meeting for possible stimulus announcements. Analysts expect minor rate cuts later this year, including to the seven-day reverse repo and the loan prime rate. However, experts caution that monetary easing alone may not curb deflation, prompting calls for deeper supply-side reforms to stabilize growth and jobs.
