The KOF Swiss Economic Institute's global economic barometers rose in July, moving slightly above the 100-point level, indicating an improvement in the economic momentum worldwide.
The coincident global barometer rose 0.6 points to 104.5 points, while the leading barometer increased 0.7 points to 102.5 points, according to a Friday release.
The increase in both barometers was largely attributed to positive contributions from the Asia, the Pacific and Africa region and Europe.
The University of Hong Kong raised its 2026 economic growth forecast for Hong Kong by 1 percentage point to a range of 3.5% to 4.0%, according to its quarterly macroeconomic forecast released Thursday.The university's APEC Studies Programme estimated Hong Kong's economy grew 4.2% in the second quarter, slowing from 5.9% growth in the first quarter as inventory accumulation moderated.The unemployment rate is expected to edge down to 3.6% in the third quarter from 3.7% in the second quarter.Meanwhile, consumer price inflation is forecast to accelerate to 2.5% as higher energy costs are gradually passed on to consumers.The report said economic growth in the second half of the year will be driven mainly by domestic demand, supported by improving consumer sentiment, a rebound in asset prices, and investment related to the Northern Metropolis development.
Australian utilities and agriculture are among the most exposed sectors if the El Nino climate phenomenon emerges, while thermal coal producers could be one of the few clear beneficiaries, Fitch Ratings said in a report on Thursday.Hotter and drier conditions associated with El Nino would increase water stress, weaken agricultural output, raise peak electricity demand and heighten bushfire risk, although impacts would vary by region, Fitch noted.The drier conditions can reduce water storage levels and inflows, which may weaken revenue and increase water utilities' operating expenditure through greater use of desalination plants and chemical treatment, the credit ratings agency added.Hotter weather could also increase electricity demand, putting pressure on spot prices and grid stability while raising bushfire-related risks for transmission and distribution assets, Fitch said. However, for regulated utilities, regulatory frameworks in place will limit most of the credit impact through revenue cost recovery in subsequent years.El Nino typically brings lower rainfall, weaker pasture growth, lower crop yields and irrigation stress. Farm output could fall, pressuring food supply chains and increasing food price volatility. Australian wheat and barley production volumes fell by an average 28% and 18%, respectively, in El Nino years, according to Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences and BOMThermal coal producers could be one of the few clear beneficiaries. Drier conditions generally lower the risk of weather-related disruptions and could lead to higher supply volumes. Hotter weather across Asia and lower hydropower availability could also support seaborne thermal coal demand and lift prices, benefiting Australian exporters.Credit effects are likely to be limited for sectors with contractual protections or strong operational resilience, Fitch said.
Japan's producer price index (PPI) rose 7.1% year over year in June, according to preliminary data released by the Bank of Japan on Friday.The reading was higher than the consensus forecast of a 6.8% increase by Investing.com, and was faster than a 6.6% increase in the previous month.On a month-on-month basis, corporate goods prices increased 0.4% from the prior month, decelerating from the 1.1% expansion in May.