ASIA:   The US and China have established two working groups to discuss economic and financial matters, as announced on September 22. This decision was made by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng during their meeting in Beijing in July. The economic group will involve collaboration between the US Treasury department […]

ASIA:   S&P Global Ratings has kept India’s growth forecast for the current fiscal year at 6%. This decision is based on factors such as the global economic slowdown, increased risk of below-average monsoons, and the delayed impact of interest rate hikes. Although the agency views the recent surge in vegetable prices as temporary, it […]

ASIA:   The Bank of Japan is expected to maintain extremely low interest rates and reassure markets about continued monetary stimulus, despite global economic concerns linked to China’s situation and U.S. interest rate developments. This policy contrasts with the U.S. and European central banks, which have raised rates to combat inflation. Despite Japan’s inflation exceeding […]

ASIA:   The major Asian stock markets had a mixed day today: NIKKEI 225 decreased 218.81 points or -0.66% to 33,023.78 Shanghai decreased 16.39 points or -0.52% to 3,108.57 Hang Seng decreased 111.57 points or -0.62% to 17,885.60 ASX 200 decreased 33.30 points or -0.46% to 7,163.30 Kospi increased 0.53 points or 0.02% to 2,559.74 […]

  ASIA:   In August 2023, China’s monthly inflation rate compared to the same month the previous year was 0.1 percent, showing a recent decrease from a peak of 2.8 percent in September 2022. The annual average inflation rate for 2022 in China was 2.0 percent. There are regional variations in inflation rates, with Hebei […]

ASIA:   Influential ruling party lawmaker Hiroshige Seko expressed strong support for maintaining an ultra-loose monetary policy in Japan. This comes in response to recent comments from Japan’s central bank chief, which led to an increase in the yen’s value and bond yields. Seko emphasized that while inflation is rising due to higher raw material […]

ASIA:   China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), has announced a second reduction in the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) for banks this year. This move, effective from September 15, involves a 25 basis point cut for all banks, excluding those with a 5% reserve ratio already in place. The reduction is aimed […]

ASIA:   China’s top economic planner is establishing a new department called the private economy development bureau, aimed at supporting private businesses and boosting economic growth. This bureau will monitor and analyze the private sector, as well as formulate policies to promote its expansion. This move is part of China’s recent efforts to restore confidence […]

  QUESTION: Mr. Armstrong, You were the only one who forecasted that real estate would continue to rise in conjunction with the rate increases by the Fed. I have been following you only since 2020 and COVID-19. I am impressed with your computer and your analysis, which does not change with every passing headline. Can […]

The US housing market has not been this unaffordable since 1984, a new study finds. Analysts at Black Knight analyzed home prices, income, and interest rates on a monthly basis going back to 1975 and found that the average mortgage today would cost $2,423 per month on a 30-year fixed with 20% down. This marks […]