Data
China’s economic growth leaves Japan in the dust.
Thirty years ago in its heyday Japan’s economy was bigger than the whole of Asia combined. Today it is the size of just three Chinese coastal regions.
India's depreciating currency a symptom of structural problems for New Delhi
The Indian rupee lost nearly 11% of its value against the US dollar y/y between May 2025 and May 2026, a slide that makes it the worst performing currency in the world against the greenback.
North Macedonia retail sales growth slows to 2.1% in April
Data points to continued resilience in household consumption, although the pace of overall retail growth moderated significantly from the previous month.
Uzbekistan’s foreign trade grows 6% to $26bn in Jan to April
Exports of $10bn and imports of $16.4bn produce trade deficit of $6.4bn.
Hungarian central bank remains cautious, keeps base rate on hold at 6.25%
MNB says global risks remain elevated due to energy and commodity price volatility and disruption in global supply chains.
Romania’s banking system profitability falls to four-year low in Q1
The sector’s profitability indicators dropped to their lowest levels in four years, after remaining well above the average of other European banking systems in recent years.
Moldova’s trade deficit narrows 2.7% y/y in Q1 on stronger crop exports
Higher exports were partly offset by more expensive imports of natural gas and electricity, with the quarterly trade gap at 8.9% of GDP.
Ukraine overtakes Moldova in income race to the title of Europe's poorest country
For years, Ukraine and Moldova have vied for the dubious honour of being the poorest country in Europe. The contest was close enough to be largely academic and they regularly traded last and second to last places for years. That symmetry is over.
Poland expected to top EU growth in 2026 as momentum offsets impact of Middle East turmoil
Poland’s economy is expected to remain among the European Union’s strongest performers in 2026, second only to Malta, European Commission says.
Moldova’s industry grows 6.1% y/y in Q1 but fails to show sustained upward trend
Despite the solid annual growth, the figures continue to reflect a short-term recovery cycle rather than a sustainable medium-term expansion.
Bets placed on 300-bp Turkey rate hike as move to crush opposition rattles markets
Court order to bring back former CHP leader seems to be part of a divide-and-rule approach.
Turkey sacrifices American treasury holdings in defence of lira amid Iran war
US paper stock plummeted from $16bn in February to $2bn in March.
Russia’s ruble best performing currency in the world in 1Q26
The Russian ruble has become the world’s best-performing currency for a second consecutive year, buoyed by high oil revenues, capital controls and tight monetary policy that analysts say have entrenched structural imbalances in the economy.
Fuel prices cast a dark shadow over Asia travel season
There will be no real winners in traditional tourism this summer – only airlines, tourist destinations and central banks left counting the cost.
Polish bourse's blue-chip index seen approaching all-time high, if banks continue to soar
The Warsaw Stock Exchange's blue-chip WIG20 index could approach its all-time highest level set in 2007 if positive sentiment towards banks, fuelled by interest rate hike expectations, steps up, a brokerage director said.
Iran's fertility rate falls to 1.35 as births drop below 900,000
Iran's fertility rate has fallen to 1.35 children per woman, well below the replacement level, with annual births dropping below 900,000 for the first time, the Health Ministry has said.
Russia’s small businesses buckle under taxes, weak demand and wartime disruption
Russia’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing their most difficult year since the invasion of Ukraine, squeezed by higher taxes, falling consumer demand, elevated borrowing costs and mounting internet disruptions.
Moldova raises inflation forecast amid Middle East tensions and higher energy costs
Upward revision reflects higher expected prices for food, fuels and regulated utility tariffs, as well as the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on international markets.
Romania keeps key interest rate at 6.5%
National Bank of Romania maintains a cautious stance amid persistent inflationary pressures, political uncertainty and external risks linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
Pakistan’s debut Panda Bond issue oversubscribed amid strong investor demand
Pakistan’s first-ever Panda Bond issuance received an overwhelming response from investors and was oversubscribed, marking a major milestone in the country’s financial engagement with China and international capital markets.