Weekly Markets Monitor

Last week’s data showed US growth holding up despite a softening labor market, improving momentum in China, and weakness in Europe and Japan.

Last week, central banks across developed economies held policy rates and the new Fed Chair was nominated, while economic updates were mixed. US consumer confidence weakened even as earnings beat expectations; Eurozone GDP exceeded expectations; China’s manufacturing and service declined; and India and Europe finalized a trade deal.

Last week was all about geopolitical tension over Greenland, which eased post Davos negotiations. US economic data signaled a  healthy backdrop despite elevated inflation. Europe saw steady activity, Japan held rates but with a tightening bias, China’s recovery remained uneven. 

Last week, global markets were shaped by steady US inflation, resilient consumer demand, and fresh tariff threats. Europe saw economic recovery; China’s GDP grew at 5% in 2025, matching its pre-set target; Japan called a snap election, and India saw inflation tick up and trade deficit widen. 

Last week’s data highlighted diverging global trends: the US saw softer labor and manufacturing but resilient services and improved sentiments; the Eurozone witnessed easing inflation and stronger retail sales; and in Asia, Japan’s consumption picked up, India’s growth outlook was upgraded, and deflation worries lingered in China.

Last week, US data showed strong jobs and housing trends amid a widening FOMC policy divide. In the Eurozone, inflation eased while manufacturing contracted. In Asia, China’s factory activity rebounded, yet India’s PMI hit a two-year low.  

Last week saw diverging data and policy action: the ECB and Nordic banks held rates, the BoE cut, and the BoJ hiked. In the US, jobs rebounded and inflation eased, but consumer spending and housing remained tight, while China’s economic momentum slowed. 

Last week was a busy period for central banks: the Fed cut as expected while the Bank of Canada, Reserve Bank of Australia, and Swiss National Bank held rates steady. 

Last week highlighted sectoral divergence: services remained resilient while manufacturing struggled in major economies. 

Last week’s data showed strains in the US, raising expectations of a December rate cut. In Europe, near-target inflation lowered expectations of an ECB cut while UK tax hikes weighed on growth forecasts.

Last week’s economic signals were mixed: the US posted uneven data but record corporate profits; the Eurozone maintained steady growth, but the UK economy weakened.

Last week marked the end of the longest US government shutdown, while economic updates from major economies painted a mixed picture. Meanwhile, expectations for further Fed rate cuts waned after hawkish comments from officials. 

Last week’s economic updates highlighted uneven global momentum. US consumer sentiment dipped close to record lows, and European central banks kept rates steady. China’s exports fell and Japan’s manufacturing slowed, whereas India’s manufacturing gained pace.

Last week saw a thaw in US-China relations with a temporary trade agreement, alongside  divergent central bank actions. While the Fed and Bank of Canada lowered rates, the ECB and BoJ held steady.

Last week, global economic updates reflected both momentum and headwinds. US inflation eased and business activity strengthened, Eurozone and India saw manufacturing gains, while China and Japan reported uneven growth.