Global
Gross Domestic Product
Real gross domestic product, annual % change, updates quarterly
Illustrates year-on-year growth rates in real gross domestic product for five major global economies: China, the United States, the euro area, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Each bar shows annual percent changes in inflation-adjusted output, enabling direct comparison of performance across these large, diversified economies.
Global
Economic Policy Uncertainty
Economic Policy Uncertainty indices, 4-month movin averages, normalised to a mean of 100 prior to 2011
Quantifies the frequency of news coverage and other indicators related to policy-related economic uncertainty, offering a standardised measure of how markets and businesses perceive the unpredictability of fiscal, monetary, and regulatory environments. Each national index reflects the relative frequency of own-country newspaper articles that contain a trio of terms pertaining to the economy, uncertainty and policy-related matters. Over the past decade, economic policy uncertainty has exhibited a secular upward trend, reflecting heightened geopolitical tensions, frequent policy shifts, trade disputes, and episodic shocks such as pandemics and financial stress events.
Global
Unemployment Rate
Harmonized unemployment rate, all persons, %, SA, updates monthly
Unemployment rates measure the percentage of the labor force currently not working but actively seeking employment. Markets monitor unemployment rates to assess the cyclical health of economies and the likelihood that wage demands may increase inflationary pressures.
Global
Consumer Prices
All items, core, annual change, %, SA, updates monthly
Consumer Price indices measure the change over time in average prices paid by consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. As the most widely used measure of inflation, changes in these indices are closely followed by policymakers, financial markets, businesses, and consumers. Statistics agencies typically report both an ‘All Items’ number that includes all categories in the calculation basket, and a "Core" number that strips out highly volatile food and energy prices. Data shown are "Core" indices distributed by the respective national statistics agencies.
Global
Current Account
Current account balance, % share of global gross domestic product, updates annually
Current accounts measure each individual country’s transactions with the rest of the world. They measure the difference between the inflows of funds to a country from goods and services exported, income on holdings of foreign assets, remittances and grants received versus the outflow of funds from the same activities. A positive current account balance indicates that a country is a net lender to the rest of the world, while a negative current account balance indicates that it is a net borrower.
*Estimates begin after 2024
Global
Policy Rates
Central bank target rates, %, updates weekly
Central bank policy rates are the rates used by a central bank to implement or signal its monetary policy stance. Rates are typically set by policy making committees at regularly scheduled meetings throughout the year. In some countries policy rates are represented by discount rates and in others by repurchase agreement rates. Please note: A number of central banks implement their monetary policy based on more than one interest rate. For central banks that communicate a target band, the middle of the band is shown. Rates shown may lag decisions due to monthly recalculation periods.
Global
Monetary Policy Cycle
Number of central banks tightening/loosening policy, updates weekly
Tracks the number of central banks raising or lowering policy interest rates each month, split between developed economies and emerging-market economies. By counting rate decisions rather than focusing on any single country, it provides a clean read on the breadth and momentum of the global tightening or easing cycle. Clusters of hikes signal a synchronised push to restrain inflation and cool demand, while waves of cuts indicate a broad pivot toward supporting growth and stabilising financial conditions. Cyclical global downturns and upturns often follow shifts in the policy cycle at a lag.
Developed Markets: Australia, Canada, Euro Area, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Emerging Markets: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey
Global
Money Supply
M2 money supply, billions USD, updates monthly
M2 Money Supply is a measure of currency that includes cash, checking deposits, and non-cash assets that can easily be converted into cash. Markets don’t typically respond directly to changes in M2, but growth in the money supply can influence inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates over longer time horizons.
Global
Money Supply Growth
M2 money supply, annual change, billions USD, updates monthly
M2 Money Supply is a measure of currency that includes cash, checking deposits, and non-cash assets that can easily be converted into cash. Markets don’t typically respond directly to changes in M2, but growth in the money supply can influence inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates over longer time horizons.
Global
Central Bank Assets
Central bank assets, billions USD, updates monthly
Central Bank Assets consist of government and corporate bonds, credit granted to financial institutions, foreign reserves, and other securities. Changes in central bank balance sheets help determine liquidity in the banking system and assist in the implementation of monetary policy. When policymakers buy government bonds and corporate debt instruments, they are seeking to lower yields and loosen financial conditions. Conversely, when assets are sold, they are seeking to increase yields and tighten financial conditions.
Global
General Debt Ratios
Credit to general government, non-financial corporate, and household sectors, % of gross domestic product at market value (Chinese government at nominal value)
Aggregate Debt Ratios measure the total borrowing of the general government, non-financial corporate, and household sectors, expressed as a share of gross domestic product. Total debt is followed by investors as a gauge of the vulnerability of an economy to financial shocks. An overly fast pace of debt growth is also frequently associated with a buildup of unproductive investment and excessively high asset valuations.
Global
Net International Investment Position
Net international investment position, billions USD, adjusted for breaks, updates quarterly
The Net International Investment Position is the difference between the external financial assets and liabilities of a nation. A nation with a positive position is a creditor nation and is generally considered a safe haven in financial markets. A nation with a negative position is a debtor nation, with deeper balance of payments vulnerabilities..
Latest Analysis
Dollar rises as Iran headlines, policy decisions, and earnings reports intersect
28 April, 2026
Good morning. The dollar is advancing and Brent crude prices are back above $110 a barrel as the US and Iran fail to make meaningful progress toward a deal that might relieve strain on global energy markets....
Hopeful markets
27 April, 2026
• Upbeat vibes. Reports Iran proposed reopening Strait of Hormuz supported sentiment. Equities rose. AUD near top of its range. But oil markets sceptical.• Event radar. US/Iran still in focus. Australian...
Markets retreat as battle lines in Mideast conflict harden
23 April, 2026
Financial markets are back in risk-off mode as Middle East peace talks show signs of stalling, with both sides continuing to enforce blockades on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude is holding...
Confused Iran headlines keep markets hemmed in
22 April, 2026
Good morning. Markets are struggling to find direction as conflicting signals on the war in Iran leave traders rudderless. Vice President JD Vance yesterday postponed a trip to Pakistan after Iranian officials...
Will they or won't they
21 April, 2026
• Market wobbles. Fears of a re-escalation in Iran dampened sentiment overnight. President Trump extended the ceasefire this morning.• FX moves. USD firmer due to higher oil & strong US retail sales....
US consumer spending stays strong, supporting yields and the dollar
21 April, 2026
American households seemingly remained undaunted by the war in Iran last month, spending more than expected even as measures of consumer sentiment plunged to historic lows. According to figures published...
Markets stumble as Iran conflict reignites
20 April, 2026
Good morning. The dollar is inching higher and risk appetite is faltering after Tehran attacked shipping in the Strait of Hormuz while the US maintained its blockade of Iranian ports and seized an Iranian-flagged...
Open, Shut Them
19 April, 2026
• Ongoing uncertainty. Weekend news the Strait of Hormuz has been closed dampened sentiment. USD a bit firmer. AUD gives back some ground.• Volatile situation. More twists & turns likely. Impact on...
Optimism reigns across financial markets, weighing on the dollar
16 April, 2026
Good morning. Financial markets are in an ebullient mood as investors bet the US and Iran will reach a peace deal in the coming weeks, allowing the Strait of Hormuz to reopen and relieving the supply shock...
Hopes & dreams
14 April, 2026
• Positive vibes. Markets hopeful another round of US/Iran talks yield positive results. Oil lower, equities higher. USD weaker. AUD at multi-week high.• Macro pulse. IMF downgraded global outlook. Australian...