The euro area job vacancy rate declined to 2.1% in the second quarter of 2026, according to Eurostat, signaling a gradual slowdown in demand for new workers.

The Eurozone trade surplus widened to €14.2 billion in July 2026, its highest level since October 2025, as exports grew faster than imports.

U.S. consumer prices increased 0.4% month-on-month in August 2026, accelerating from a 0.1% rise in July. Annual headline inflation remained unchanged at 3.4%.

The European Central Bank raised interest rates by 25 basis points at its September 2026 policy meeting, marking its second increase since the outbreak of the US-Iran conflict.

Donald Trump’s proposal for a $5,000 direct cash payment before the midterm elections is stirring debate in the US over both its economic and political implications.

Chinese banks’ net interest margin (NIM) has fallen to around 1.4% in 2026, its lowest level on record.

The combined M2 money supply of the world’s four major central banks stands at roughly $100–102 trillion.

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s position ahead of the September policy meeting could depend heavily on Friday’s U.S. inflation report. Recent employment data has reduced expectations for another interest rate hike, but persistent price pressures continue to limit the Fed’s ability to turn less hawkish.