Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
German Retail Sector Faces Decline in September
The business climate in Germany’s retail sector worsened in September, as revealed by the latest Ifo Institute survey. Retailers assessed their current situation as slightly more negative compared to the previous month and showed growing concern about the months ahead.
Economic Policy Uncertainty Dampens Consumer Spending
According to Patrick Hoeppner, an Ifo expert, consumer uncertainty surrounding economic policy is affecting spending habits. As a result, the prospects for dynamic growth in private consumption remain bleak for the remainder of 2024. The cautious approach of consumers is contributing to the negative sentiment within the retail sector.
Retail Outlook for 2024
Given the current economic climate and concerns over policy direction, Germany's retail sector is likely to face continued challenges. The slowdown in consumer spending is expected to hinder growth, resulting in a subdued retail outlook for the rest of 2024.
