THE EDGE INSIGHTS
Latest Economic Insights
Independent economic analysis and market intelligence on regional and global trends.
Japan’s Trade Balance Swings to a Deficit in May as a Weak Yen and AI-Linked Demand Lift Trade Values
Japan's merchandise trade balance returned to deficit in May 2026, recording a shortfall of about 378.6 billion yen, or roughly 2.36 billion…
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Three GCC Central Banks Hold Interest Rates After US Federal Reserve Decision
Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE keep interest rates steady after the US Federal Reserve holds rates, while Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman…
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IMF Says Global Economy Is Weathering the Middle East War Shock, but Stays on “High Alert”
The global economy is so far absorbing the shock of the conflict in the Middle East without tipping into a slowdown, but…
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Warsh Overhauls Fed Communications and Withholds His Own Forecast as Projections Hint at a 2026 Rate Hike
In his first appearance as Federal Reserve Chair, Kevin Warsh used the June policy meeting not only to hold interest rates steady…
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Bank of Japan Raises Rate to 1%, Its Highest Since 1995, and Signals More to Come
The Bank of Japan raised its policy interest rate to around 1.0% from 0.75% on 16 June 2026, lifting borrowing costs to…
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US Retail Sales Jump 0.9% in May, Pointing to a Resilient American Consumer
US retail sales rose more strongly than expected in May 2026, signalling that American consumer demand remained resilient despite elevated inflation and…
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China’s Consumer Spending Falls in May Even as Factory Output Beats Forecasts
China's economy showed a widening internal split in May 2026, as consumer spending unexpectedly contracted while industrial production accelerated, according to data…
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IEA Cuts 2026 Oil Demand and Supply Forecasts, Sees Market Swing from Wartime Shortage to Surplus by 2027
The International Energy Agency sharply lowered its 2026 oil demand and supply forecasts in its June Oil Market Report, published on 17…
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Fed Holds Rates at 3.50%–3.75% in Warsh’s First Meeting, Vowing to “Deliver Price Stability”
The US Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.50% to 3.75% on 17 June 2026, holding policy steady in…
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US–Iran Deal Could Help Egypt Recover Suez Canal Revenues, But US$10 Billion Will Not Return Overnight
A reported interim agreement between Washington and Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could improve sentiment toward regional maritime routes, but…
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IMF Expects Oman’s Fiscal Surplus to Rise to 4.5% of GDP in 2026 as Oil Supports Growth
The IMF expects Oman’s economy to grow by around 3.7% in 2026, supported by higher oil production, stronger fiscal balances, and a…
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Dubai Real Estate Enters a More Selective Phase as Regional Risk Tests Demand
Dubai’s residential property market is no longer moving with the same broad momentum that defined the previous boom. The latest data points…
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- The Week Ahead: The Federal Reserve Decides on 29 July, US Growth and Inflation Data Land, and the Megacap Technology Earnings Peak
- Commodities Wrap 1 July: Precious Metals Rebound as Oil Drops Below US$70
- Market Wrap US-Europe 2 July: Dow Hits a Record and Europe Rallies as Soft US Jobs Data Reset Rate Expectations
- Market Wrap US-Europe 30 June: Wall Street Extends Gains and Europe Rises to Close the First Half
- Market Wrap US-Europe 1 July: Wall Street and Europe Slip to Start the Second Half as Warsh Keeps a Firm Line on Inflation