Trading Economics-


The NZX 50 lost 131 points, or 1.0%, to close at 13,580 on Friday, reversing morning gains, extending losses from the previous session, and touching its lowest level since June 29, tracking a downbeat session on Wall Street overnight amid a surge in Treasury yields and rising oil prices. Traders were cautious ahead of the release of US inflation data later today for clues on the Fed’s monetary policy decision next week. Caution also built ahead of the release of New Zealand’s Q2 GDP and a slew of economic data from China, New Zealand’s top trading partner, due next week. On the data front, New Zealand’s manufacturing sector expanded at a slower pace in August. Almost all sectors traded in the red, led by materials, with the biggest laggards including Fisher & Paykel (-1.8%), Freightways Group (-1.6%), Auckland International Airport (-1.3%), A2 Milk (-1.2%), Infratil (-1.2%), and Meridian Energy (1.1%). For the week, the index fell 2.8%, after rising in the previous week.

Trading Economics-


The ASX 200 slid 78 points, or 0.9%, to end at 8,741 on Friday, its lowest in seven weeks. The benchmark index fell for a fourth straight session, logging its worst week in six months with a 3.0% slide. Sentiment weakened as surging crude oil prices raised doubts over a quick easing in Australia's inflation. RBA Deputy Governor Hauser said further hikes will be debated at September’s meeting, echoed by Assistant Governor Hunter’s warning of limited tolerance for stronger cost pressures. The country's 10-year bond yield spiked above 5.3%, the highest since May 2011, tracking U.S. Treasury gains and reinforcing expectations of tighter borrowing conditions. Losses were broad, led by healthcare, non-energy minerals, tech, and consumer stocks. Major miners tumbled, with BHP down 4.3%, Rio Tinto off 3.7%, and Fortescue slipping 2.4%. South32 (-4.4%), Northern Star Resources (-2.3%), and Evolution Mining (-2.0%) also lagged. In contrast, the big four banks gained between 0.6% and 2.5%.

Trading Economics-


The Nikkei 225 Index declined 1.93% to 64,011, while the broader Topix Index slipped 0.65% to 4,028 on Friday, with both benchmarks recording steep weekly losses as elevated oil prices and rising global bond yields weighed on equities. Investors also awaited the US CPI report after Thursday’s PPI data showed wholesale prices picked up last month, strengthening expectations for a Federal Reserve rate hike next week. Domestically, the Bank of Japan is likewise expected to raise interest rates, with board member Kazuyuki Masu indicating that policymakers will continue tightening and gradually reduce monetary support as underlying inflation approaches the 2% target. Technology and AI-related shares led the selloff, with Kioxia Holdings falling 7%, SoftBank Group dropping 4%, Advantest losing 6.5%, Tokyo Electron declining 2.6% and Taiyo Yuden retreating 2.1%.

Trading Economics-


Retail sales in Turkey rose 10.4% year-on-year in July 2026, slowing from a downwardly revised 11.5% in the previous month. It marked the weakest annual growth since March 2025, mainly driven by softer sales in other household equipment in specialized stores (0.7% vs 2.1% in June), other goods in specialized stores (20.5% vs 25.4%), non-specialized stores (3.6% vs 4.2%), and trade not in stores, stalls and markets (19.2% vs 23.4%). Meanwhile, sales growth accelerated for food, beverages and tobacco in specialized stores (4.2% vs 0.6%), automotive fuel in specialized stores (8.0% vs 1.3%), information and communication equipment in specialized stores (10.9% vs 10.5%), cultural and recreation goods in specialized stores (10.9% vs 7.1%), and sales via stalls and markets (18.7% vs 13.4%). On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, retail sales rose 0.2%, easing from a 0.5% increase in June.

Trading Economics-


Turkey’s current account surplus narrowed sharply to $0.04 billion in July 2026 from $1.76 billion in the same month of the previous year, missing market expectations of a $0.65 billion surplus. The goods account shortfall increased to $5.58 billion from $4.56 billion a year earlier, while the primary income deficit widened to $2.56 billion from $1.54 billion. On the other hand, the secondary income gap decreased to $0.06 billion from $0.15 billion in July 2025, while the services account surplus rose to $8.23 billion from $8.02 billion. For the first seven months of the year, the country recorded a current account deficit of $34.83 billion, notably higher than the $24.25 billion shortfall in the corresponding period last year.

Trading Economics-


Frankfurt's DAX 40 rose further to close about 0.8% firmer at 25,557 on Friday, halting a two-day decline, helped by falling oil prices and tech strength. However, investors remained concerned about inflation and the prospect of higher rates, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions Latest data showed US inflation remains stubbornly high due to energy price pressures stemming from the Middle East. Traders are increasingly anticipating a 25 bps rate hike next week, similar to the ECB's recent move. Infineon Technologies outperformed, jumping 4.8%, supported by Oracle’s strong AI demand. Siemens Energy and Hochtief followed, rising 2.4% and 1.7%, respectively. Other top performers included Siemens, Deutsche Telekom, Sccout24 and Airbus. Commerzbank rose 1.5% after the German government set conditions for UniCredit’s proposed takeover. On the flip side, BASF (-2.8%), Rheinmetall (-2.5%) and Henkel (-1.9%) emerged as the biggest laggards. For the week, the index posted a 1.9% loss.

Trading Economics-


India’s BSE Sensex pared early losses to close 0.2% lower at 74,872 on Friday, hovering near three-month lows and reversing modest gains in the previous session. Sentiment remained pressured by elevated crude prices, inflation concerns, geopolitical tensions and sustained foreign outflows. Investors also stayed cautious ahead of key US inflation data, which could influence next week’s Fed decision and capital flows into domestic equities. Several sectors declined, led by metals and financials, although gains in technology stocks provided some cushion. Tata Steel was the biggest laggard (-1.7%), followed by Reliance Industries (-1.3%), Sun Pharma (-1.2%), Bajaj Finance (-1.1%), Power Grid (-1.1%) and L&T (-1%). Banking stocks were mixed, with HDFC Bank (+2%) and Kotak Mahindra Bank (+0.4%) gaining, while Axis Bank (-1%) and ICICI Bank (-0.4%) declined. Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech and Infosys were among the top performers, rising 0.6%-1.4%. For the week, the index dropped around 2.1%.

Trading Economics-


The FTSE 100 rose 0.4% on Friday, recovering from a seven-week low reached in the previous session, after stronger-than-expected economic data boosted sentiment. UK GDP expanded 0.4% in July following 0.3% growth in June, well above economists’ expectations for no growth and marking the third consecutive month in which activity exceeded forecasts. The figures suggest the UK economy may prove more resilient than expected in the second half of 2026. Sentiment was also supported by a decline in oil prices, with Brent falling below $105 a barrel and crude slipping under $100, although prices remain elevated. In the US, stronger-than-expected core CPI reinforced expectations of a potential rate hike. Banks led gains, with HSBC Holdings up 1.4%, Barclays 1.7% and Lloyds Banking Group 1.3%, while Rolls-Royce added 1.7%. BAE Systems fell more than 1%. Despite Friday’s recovery, the FTSE 100 ended the week around 1.7% lower.

Trading Economics-


European stocks closed higher on Friday as energy prices eased off their peaks and halted the surge in long-term sovereign yields. The Euro STOXX 50 gained 0.8% to 6,323 and the STOXX Europe 600 added 0.5% to 639.1. Banks and industrial surged as the pullback in energy prices and borrowing costs softened the tightening margins in their respective sectors. Santander, BBVA, and UniCredit jumped nearly 2% each, while Siemens and Safra added 2.5%. Meanwhile, Intesa Sanpaolo rose 2.6% as Rome stated it would refrain from interfering in the lender's takeover bid for Banca MPS. Tech stocks also advanced, with Infineon surging 5% Still, the STOXX 50 fell 1% and the STOXX 600 dropped 1.6% on the week on broader concerns of macro headwinds from higher energy prices and rates. The ECB hiked its rates yesterday, and markets price more tightening.

Trading Economics-


US stock indices closed higher on Friday, halting four sessions of losses as oil prices and Treasury yields paused their surge. The S&P 500 gained 0.9%, the Dow added 509 points, and the Nasdaq 100 rose 0.9%. Long-dated Treasury yields eased from multi-year highs as fuel prices refrained from extending this week’s rally,High energy prices were expected to worsen an already elevated inflation outlook, with headline inflation at 3.4% in August, reinforcing bets that the Fed will raise rates on Wednesday. Credit-sensitive sectors gained as the oil rally paused, with Alphabet up 1.5% and Amazon adding 1.9%, while JPMorgan rose 0.8%. Oracle erased earlier gains, down 1.8% despite reporting strong results. Chipmakers gained, with AMD up 2.5% and Intel up 2.6%. Dell surged 11.9% to all-time high on RBC Outperform initiation. On the week, the S&P 500 lost 0.6%, the Nasdaq fell 0.7%, and the Dow shed 426 points.

Trading Economics-


The S&P/TSX Composite Index rose 0.5% to close at 35,697 on Friday as oil prices pulled back on prospects for diplomatic efforts to ease tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf foreign ministers are expected to meet their Iranian counterpart in Oman on Monday as part of efforts to secure support for a temporary arrangement to manage shipping through the strait. The pause in the oil rally allowed equities to enjoy some respite. Credit-sensitive stocks posted gains, with TD Bank and BMO up 0.8% each, while Scotiabank added 0.9%. Gold prices rebounded, supporting heavyweight mining stocks, with Agnico Eagle rising 2.2%, while WPM and Franco-Nevada gained 2.4% each. Tech stocks advanced, tracking strength in US hyperscalers and chipmakers, with Shopify up 1.9%, Constellation Software adding 2.5%, and Celestica jumping 6.6%. Descartes Systems surged 6.9% after reporting second-quarter revenue slightly above estimates. Still, the S&P/TSX Composite Index lost 1.7% on a weekly basis.

Trading Economics-


The Ibovespa fell 0.6% to close at 187,207 on Friday as the Supreme Court crisis continued to fuel political uncertainty, weighing on the country’s economic outlook. Chief Justice Edson Fachin ordered Justice André Mendonça to remove, within 24 hours, the secrecy surrounding proceedings related to investigations into Banco Master. This includes possible irregularities involving the financing of the film “Dark Horse,” which could affect Flávio Bolsonaro’s electoral prospects. Markets view Bolsonaro as more fiscally restrictive, while elevated domestic yields and weak business activity continue to weigh on the economic outlook. State-controlled financial stocks traded lower, with Banco do Brasil down 1.4%, BB Seguridade shedding 4.1%, and Caixa losing 2.4%. Utilities also posted losses, with Axia down 1.6%. CSN plunged 7.4% as investors booked profits, with the stock still up 4.2% on the week following a CEO change. The Ibovespa rose 1.1% on a weekly basis.

• General Consumer Price Index for whole of Republic reached (289.8) points for month of August 2026, maintaining general level of prices for month of July 2026.

• This stability is attributed to a mix of price decreases and increases across basket of goods and services comprising index. Price declines were observed in following groups: cereals and bread (-0.1%), meat and poultry (-1.5%), fish and seafood (-0.1%), vegetables (-7.0%), and organized tours (-0.4%). Conversely, price increases were recorded for: dairy, cheese, and eggs (1.3%); oils and fats (0.3%); fruit (0.2%); sugar and sugary foods (0.3%); coffee, tea, and cocoa (0.4%); tobacco (0.2%); fabrics (0.8%); ready-made clothing (0.5%); footwear (0.4%); actual housing rent (0.8%); housing maintenance and repair (0.5%); electricity, gas, and or fuels (4.3%); household furnishings (0.2%); household appliances (0.3%); household and garden tools and equipment (0.9%); goods and services for routine household maintenance (0.8%); medical products, appliances, and equipment (0.2%); outpatient services (0.5%); vehicle purchases (0.9%); transport services (0.1%); postal services (4.0%); telephone and fax equipment (0.2%); and audio-visual, photographic, and information processing equipment (0.4%). newspapers, books, and stationery group (0.2%); ready-made meals group (0.5%); hotel services group (0.5%); and personal care group (0.3%). annual inflation rate for total of Republic was recorded (12.7%) for month of August 2026 compared to (13.0%) for July 2026.

1. Food and Beverage segment recorded a decrease of (-1.2%) due to decrease in prices of cereals and bread group by (-0.1%), decrease in prices of meat and poultry group by (-1.5%), decrease in prices of fish and seafood group by (-0.1%), and decrease in prices of vegetables group by (-7.0%) . ... This is despite increase in prices of dairy, cheese and eggs group by (1.3%), increase in prices of oils and fats group by (0.3%), increase in prices of fruit group by (0.2%), increase in prices of sugar and sugary foods group by (0.3%), increase in prices of or food products group by (0.4%), and increase in prices of coffee, tea and cocoa group by (0.4%).%), prices of mineral water, carbonated water and natural juices increased by (2.7%).

2. Alcoholic Beverages and Smoke segment recorded an increase of (0.2%) due to increase in prices of alcoholic beverages group by (12.7%) and smoke group by (0.2%).

3. clothing and footwear section recorded an increase of (0.5%) due to increase in prices of fabric group by (0.8%), ready-made clothing group by (0.5%), or clothing and accessories group by (0.6%), and cleaning and repair and clothing rental group by (1.3%)%), group of shoes by (0.4%).

4. Housing, Water, Electricity and Gas section recorded an increase of (1.9%) due to increase in prices of actual rental group of house by (0.8%), group of maintenance and repair of house by (0.5%), and group of electricity, gas and or fuels by (4.3%).

5. Furniture, Fittings and Home Equipment section recorded an increase of (0.7%) due to increase in prices of home furnishings group by (0.2%), home appliances group by (0.3%), and glassware, tableware and household utensils group by (0.5%). Home and Garden Tools and Equipment Group by (0.9%), Goods and Services Used in Home Maintenance by (0.8%).

6. Healthcare Division recorded an increase of (0.4%) due to increase in prices of Medical Products, Devices and Equipment Group by (0.2%), Outpatient Services Group by (0.5%), and Hospital Services Group by (0.6%).

7. Transport and Communications Section recorded an increase of (0.2%) due to increase in prices of Vehicle Purchase Group by (0.9%), and Transport Services Group by (0.1%).

8.Restaurants & Hotels segment recorded an increase of (0.5%) due to increase in prices of Ready Meals Group by (0.5%), and Hotel Services Group by (0.5%).

9. Miscellaneous Goods and Services section recorded an increase of (0.7%) due to increase in prices of personal care group by (0.3%), and personal effects group by (4.0%).

Second: Annual Change (August 2026 compared to August 2025):
1. Food and Beverages section recorded an increase of (6.5%) due to: increase in prices of cereals and bread by (2.7%), increase in prices of meat and poultry group by (3.8%), increase in prices of fish and seafood group by (4.8%), increase in prices of oils and fats group by (5.4%), and increase in prices of fruit group by (8.1%).%), increase in prices of vegetables by (27.7%), increase in prices of sugar and sugary foods by (0.4%), increase in prices of or food products by (5.6%), increase in prices of coffee, tea and cocoa by (9.8%), and increase in prices of mineral and carbonated water and natural juices by (8.6%). ... This is despite decrease in prices of dairy, cheese and eggs by (-0.5%).

2. Alcoholic Beverages and Smoke section recorded an increase of (7.7%) due to increase in prices of alcoholic beverages group by (14.0%) and tobacco group by (7.7%).

3. clothing and footwear section recorded an increase of (12.6%) due to increase in prices of fabric group by (14.3%), ready-made clothing group by (13.4%), or clothing and accessories group by (8.4%), and cleaning and repair and clothing rental group by (15.7%)%), Shoe Group by (9.7%), Shoe Repair Group by (10.8%).

4. Housing, Water, Electricity and Gas Section recorded an increase of (33.0%) due to increase in prices of actual rental group of house by (28.0%), group of maintenance and repair of house by (12.1%), and group of water and miscellaneous services related to house by (3.5%). Electricity, Gas and Or Fuels Group (22.4%).

5. Furniture, Fittings and Home Equipment section recorded an increase of (14.8%) due to increase in prices of home furnishings group by (8.0%), home appliances group by (6.3%), and glassware, tableware and household utensils group by (8.8%), Home and Garden Tools and Equipment Group by (13.7%), Goods and Services Used in Home Maintenance by (18.2%).

6. Healthcare Department recorded an increase of (5.2%) due to increase in outpatient services group by (14.0%) and hospital services group by (18.9%).... This is despite decrease in prices of medical products, devices and equipment group by (-1.2%).

7. Transport and Communications Section recorded an increase of (21.7%) due to increase in prices of Vehicle Purchase Group by (11.7%), and Transportation Services Group by (24.9%).

8. Telecommunications Division recorded an increase of (10.5%) due to increase in prices of Postal Services Group by (9.9%), Telephone and Fax Services Equipment Group by (11.7%), and Telephone and Fax Services Group by (10.4%).

9. Culture and Entertainment Section recorded an increase of (15.3%) due to increase in prices of audio-visual equipment, photography and information processing equipment by (9.7%), group of or entertainment items and equipment and ir accessories by (10.2%), and group of cultural and entertainment services by ((2.5%), Newspapers, Books and Stationery (14.7%), Organized Tourist Trips (18.9%).

10. Education Department recorded an increase of (20.0%) due to increase in prices of pre-primary and basic education by (22.0%), general and technical secondary education by (15.3%), post-secondary and technical education by (364.5%), and higher education by (17.0%).

11. Restaurants & Hotels segment recorded an increase of (13.4%) due to increase in prices of Ready Meals group by (13.4%), and Hotel Services Group by (12.7%).

12. Miscellaneous Goods and Services section recorded an increase of (11.8%) due to increase in prices of personal care group by (13.8%), and personal effects group by (20.5%).

Monthly urban headline CPI inflation, released today by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, recorded 0.1 percent in August 2026 compared with 0.4 percent in August 2025 and 0.0 percent in July 2026. On an annual basis, urban headline CPI inflation recorded 14.5 percent in August 2026 compared with 14.9 percent in July 2026.

Monthly core CPI inflation, computed by the Central Bank of Egypt, recorded 0.3 percent in August 2026 compared with 0.1 percent in August 2025 and 0.0 percent in July 2026. On an annual basis, core CPI inflation recorded 14.9 percent in August 2026 compared with 14.7 percent in July 2026.

Inflation statistics are available on the CBE’s website. The monthly inflation note will be published on September 15, 2026.

Business Today-


Egypt’s annual headline inflation rate eased to 12.7% in August 2026, down from 13% in July, according to data from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS).

On an annual basis, food and beverage prices rose by 6.5% in August, while prices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco increased by 7.7%.

Housing, water, electricity, gas and fuel recorded one of the largest annual increases, rising by 33%. Clothing and footwear prices increased by 12.6% year-on-year.

Prices of furnishings, household equipment and routine maintenance rose by 14.8%, while healthcare costs increased by 5.2%.

Transportation prices climbed by 21.7% year-on-year in August 2026.

Egypt’s overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) reached 289.8 points in August.

Despite the monthly slowdown in the annual inflation rate from July, headline inflation remained above the 11.2% recorded in August 2025, according to CAPMAS data.