RBA Deputy Governor Says November Inflation Slowdown Helpful but Still Above Target 
Thailand Economy Faces Competitiveness Challenges as Strong Baht and U.S. Tariffs Pressure Exports 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
Japan Declines Comment on BOJ’s Absence From Global Support Statement for Fed Chair Powell. Source: Asturio Cantabrio, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady as Markets Await Fed Policy Clues in Holiday-Thinned Trade 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
China Holds Loan Prime Rates Steady in January as Market Expectations Align 
Bank of England Expected to Hold Interest Rates at 3.75% as Inflation Remains Elevated 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
Philippine Central Bank Signals Steady Interest Rates as Inflation Rises and Growth Slows 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
Australia’s central bank is maintaining a cautious stance on monetary policy as recent economic data remain largely in line with expectations. Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Michele Bullock told lawmakers on Monday that while domestic figures have been stable or slightly stronger since August, global uncertainty continues to weigh on the outlook.
Bullock highlighted that the recent rate cuts were designed to boost household and business spending, though she acknowledged the unpredictable international environment. “Since the August meeting, domestic data have been broadly in line with our expectations or if anything slightly stronger – the Board will discuss this and other developments at our meeting next week,” she said.
The RBA has indicated it is close to achieving its dual mandate of stable inflation and full employment. Inflation is tracking toward the midpoint of the 2–3% target range, while the labor market is operating near full capacity.
The central bank has so far eased policy gradually, lowering rates in February, May, and August, bringing the cash rate to 3.6%. Officials stress that future cuts depend on incoming data, particularly inflation. The economy expanded at its fastest annual pace in nearly two years during the June quarter, driven by stronger consumer spending, although monthly inflation rose unexpectedly in July.
Markets are now reassessing the outlook for further easing. Investors largely expect the RBA to hold steady at its September 30 meeting, while the probability of a November rate cut has fallen to 75% from near certainty weeks earlier. Swaps markets currently price in around 48 basis points of easing by mid-2025, suggesting fewer than two additional rate cuts.
The RBA’s next meeting will provide further clarity on how policymakers balance resilient domestic data with global economic risks.
