Topic
inflation
Business UK Inflation Holds at 2.8% in May, Beating Forecasts as Transport Costs Rise Fastest
UK inflation remained at 2.8% in the year to May 2026, matching the prior month and narrowly missing analyst expectations. The Office for National Statistics reported transport costs as the fastest-rising category, while food and non-alcoholic beverage prices fell slightly. Economists expect inflation to continue rising over the coming months due to the ongoing effects of the Iran war, with a projected peak between 3.5% and 4% in the second half of 2026.
Commodities Brent Drops Below $80/Barrel: Relief for Indian Consumers and Government Finances
Brent crude fell under $80 per barrel for the first time in three months, providing relief to Indian consumers and the government. Analysts from Crisil, HDFC Bank, and Bank of Baroda discuss implications for inflation, fiscal deficit, and oil marketing company losses.
Business India's Wholesale Inflation Rises for Eighth Month; New PPI Series Debuts
India's wholesale inflation rose for the eighth consecutive month to 9.7% in May, driven by high crude oil and manufactured product prices. The DPIIT released a new WPI series with an updated base year and also debuted the producer price index (PPI) at 9.4%.
Business India launches producer price index; wholesale inflation gauge to be phased out in five years
India on Monday launched its producer price index (PPI) for goods and services, replacing the wholesale price index (WPI) over five years. The new index, with a base year of 2022-23, covers 957 items and provides both output and input PPI data. Output PPI inflation stood at 9.4% in May 2026, in line with rising wholesale inflation.
Business India inflation likely rose to 4% in May as food, fuel costs climb
A Reuters poll of 38 economists forecasts India's consumer price inflation rose to 4.0% in May, up from 3.48% in April, driven by rising vegetable prices and four fuel price hikes by state-owned retailers. The Reserve Bank of India kept rates unchanged last week, but raised its inflation forecast for the fiscal year to 5.1%. Economists warn that wholesale price inflation, which accelerated to a 3-1/2-year high of 8.3% in April, will feed through to consumer prices gradually.
Business Dalal Street Outlook: Inflation, Fed Verdict, Crude Oil, and US-Iran Deal Hopes to Steer Indian Markets
Indian equity markets face a week shaped by domestic inflation data, the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, crude oil price movements, and progress on the proposed US-Iran agreement. Foreign portfolio investor outflows remain a pressure point, while a strong previous week saw the Sensex gain 1,284.61 points.
Commodities Gold Prices Slide to 6-Month Low Before Recovering on US-Iran Peace Talks, Strait of Hormuz Reopening Possible
Gold touched its lowest level in more than six months on Thursday before recovering to settle at $4,219.69, driven by US President Donald Trump's indication of a possible peace agreement with Iran that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz for shipping. The decline was fueled by high inflation stoking rate hike fears. Iran stated no final decision has been made on any agreement.
Business US-Iran Conflict Drives India's Wholesale Inflation to 9.68% in May as Fuel, Food, Power Costs Surge
India's Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation surged to 9.68% in May from 8.26% in April, reflecting the economic impact of the US-Iran conflict. Fuel, power, food, and manufactured goods prices all rose sharply. The Reserve Bank of India has raised its inflation forecast for the current financial year to 5.1%.
Business At 4.2%, US Inflation Posts Biggest Gain in Three Years, Fed Rate Path Affected
The US consumer price index increased 4.2% in the 12 months through May, the largest gain since April 2023, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics. Surging energy prices amid the West Asia conflict and renewed US-Iran tensions contributed to the rise, giving the Federal Reserve cover to keep interest rates unchanged into 2027. Wall Street indexes fell, with the S&P 500 tech index down 1.6%.
Trade Inflation Fuels Unconventional Consumer Behaviour in India with Stockpiling and Premium Home Spending
The article by Harish Bhat in The Hindu BusinessLine outlines seven counter-intuitive consumer responses to inflation in India, including accelerated stockpiling of essentials, a shift to larger packs, increased spending on premium home groceries, and a preference for domestic products. These trends have direct implications for import demand, packaging, and supply chain strategies.
Business US-Iran War Impact: India's Retail Inflation Rises Marginally to 3.93% in May, Food Inflation Edges Up to 4.78%
According to a Business Today report, India's retail inflation edged up to 3.93% in May 2026 from previous months, while food inflation rose to 4.78%. The report attributes the marginal rise to impacts from the US-Iran conflict, though no detailed trade or customs data was provided.
Supply Chain HUL, Colgate, Dabur, Marico Hike FMCG Prices 4-11% After Fuel Price Revision
A fresh round of price hikes by major FMCG companies, ranging from 4-11%, will make everyday essentials costlier. HUL, Colgate-Palmolive, Emami, Dabur, and Marico are increasing prices on soaps, detergents, toothpaste, and edible oils following the fuel price revision in mid-May, driven by higher crude prices, freight costs, and commodity inflation linked to the West Asia conflict.
Commodities International Gold Prices Drop as Rate Hike Fears on Higher Inflation Reduce Safe Haven Appeal
International gold prices dropped as rate hike fears on higher inflation reduced safe haven appeal, according to The Times of India. Physical demand remained subdued in India while China's central bank expanded gold holdings for a nineteenth straight month. Speculative investors increased net long exposure in gold by 14,409 contracts to 111,341 contracts during the week ended June 2.
Commodities Oil shock to inflation risk: How Middle East war is reshaping India's economic outlook
The Iran war is causing a severe oil shock for India, the world's third-largest oil importer. Benchmark crude surged to nearly $120/barrel, and natural gas prices rose 75%. The RBI now expects inflation to average 5.1% in FY27, up from 3.48% in April, and economic growth to slow to 6.6% from 7.7%. Supply disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz and higher fertiliser costs are compounding risks for key crops like wheat amid a potential El Nino.
Business Why the US economy keeps defying the odds: corporate investment and energy resilience drive outperformance
The US economy continues to grow at a steady pace despite global shocks such as trade tariffs, immigration changes, and Middle East conflict. Corporate capital expenditure remains high at 13.9% of GDP, productivity has risen, and energy independence from fracking has reduced vulnerability to oil price spikes. Cultural attitudes toward risk-taking and structural differences with Europe further explain the divergence.
Business Trump's Inflation Remarks Amid Economic Tensions
President Donald Trump expressed unexpected enthusiasm for rising inflation rates, citing energy costs linked to the Iran conflict. His administration claims to stabilize oil markets through operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
Business India's Retail Inflation Quickens to 3.93% in May, Stays Below RBI Target for 16
India's retail inflation accelerated to 3.93% in May, driven by higher food and fuel prices, marking the highest reading under the revamped CPI series. Despite the rise, inflation has stayed below the RBI's 4% target for 16 straight months, giving policymakers room to support growth. However, risks from rising energy costs and a below-normal monsoon could complicate the outlook.
Commodities Feed Makers Worry as Soyameal Prices Surge Over 40%
Soybean meal prices in India have surged over 40% in recent weeks to around ₹65-66 per kg, according to CLFMA. The price spike is putting pressure on feed manufacturers and farmers, especially in aquaculture where feed costs account for 50-60% of production. CLFMA urges government action to ensure supply and stabilize prices.
Commodities Gold Set for Weekly Loss as Inflation, Rate Hike Fears Persist
Gold prices declined on Friday, heading for a weekly loss as concerns over inflation and potential US Federal Reserve interest rate hikes pressured the market. Spot gold fell 0.5% to $4,191.17 per ounce, while US gold futures rose 2.4% to $4,212.70. The price action was driven by geopolitical headlines, including President Trump's decision to call off military strikes on Iran.
Commodities UK Pint Prices Surge 36% Amid Rising Costs
The price of a pint in UK pubs has increased by 36% since the last World Cup, driven by rising costs and taxes. Energy price hikes and increased national insurance contributions have significantly impacted pub operations.
US Inflation Hits Three-Year High at 4.2%
US inflation has surged to a three-year high of 4.2%, primarily due to rising energy costs. This increase raises the likelihood of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates.
Business Boston Church Increases Free Meals Amid Rising Living Costs
The Centenary Methodist Church in Boston, Lincolnshire, has increased its free meal services by 50% due to rising living costs. This initiative supports the local community struggling with inflation and high utility bills.
Commodities Gold and Silver Prices React to Global Tensions and Economic Data
Gold and silver prices are experiencing volatility due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and key economic data from the US and India. Analysts are closely monitoring these developments for future price movements.
Business India to Launch Producer Price Index on June 15
India will introduce the Producer Price Index (PPI) on June 15, marking a significant shift from the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). This transition aims to provide a more comprehensive measure of inflation by including services alongside goods.
Finance RBI MPC Meeting: Rate Decision Amid Inflation and Geopolitical Tensions
The Reserve Bank of India's MPC is expected to maintain the repo rate amid inflation concerns and geopolitical tensions. Economists predict potential rate hikes later in FY27.
Commodities Crude Oil Price Surge: Impact on Inflation and Transport Costs
Crude oil prices on the NYMEX have surged to $112 per barrel, impacting inflation and transport costs. Crisil warns of potential increases in CPI inflation by up to 48 basis points.
Commodities Gold Prices Dip Amid Inflation and Geopolitical Uncertainty
Gold prices fell as inflation concerns and geopolitical tensions, including US-Iran talks, weighed on the market. A stronger US dollar and rising crude oil prices also pressured gold.
Business RBI MPC to Adjust Inflation and Growth Forecasts Amid Rupee Slide
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee is expected to adjust its inflation and growth forecasts in response to ongoing geopolitical tensions and a depreciating rupee. The central bank may raise its inflation forecast to 5% and lower GDP growth to 6.5%.