MONEY MASTER

Singapore’s consumer prices edged down in July, though annual inflation picked up modestly, signalling continued mixed pressures in the economy. According to the  Department of Statistics , the  Consumer Price Index (CPI) slipped 0.4% month-on-month , but rose  0.6% year-on-year . Categories Driving Inflation Health:  +2.4% YoY, the sharpest rise Transport:  +2.1% YoY Food:  +1.1% YoY Education:  +0.7% YoY Housing & Utilities:  +0.3% YoY Categories in Decline Information & Communication:  -2.6% YoY, biggest fall Clothing & Footwear:  -2.3% YoY Recreation, Sport & Culture:  -1.2% YoY Household Durables & Services:  -0.5% YoY Miscellaneous Goods & Services:  -0.4% YoY The mixed CPI print reflects  resilient demand in essential services  such as healthcare and transport, while discretionary categories including apparel and entertainment continue to see  deflationary trends .

Canada  and the  European Union  have announced  retaliatory tariffs  in response to  Donald Trump’s  latest trade measures, intensifying the  global trade war . Key Developments : Canada’s Response :  Canada  has imposed  25% tariffs  on about  C$30 billion  ($20.8 billion) worth of  U.S.-made goods , including  steel, aluminum , and consumer products like  computers  and  sporting goods . This measure directly counters Trump’s tariffs aimed at revitalizing  America’s steel industry .  Canada  matched the tariffs  “dollar for dollar”  but delayed implementation, offering Trump a window to avoid further economic damage. EU Retaliation : The  European Union  has also retaliated with its own duties on up to  €26 billion  ($28.3 billion) worth of  American goods . While the  U.K.  remains a steadfast ally of the U.S. in trade talks, the ...

Japan's wholesale inflation accelerated for the fifth straight month in January, reaching 4.2% , further solidifying  market expectations for a Bank of Japan (BOJ) rate hike  in the near term. 📈 Key Inflation Figures & Market Impact 🔹  Wholesale inflation (CGPI) rose 4.2% y-o-y , exceeding the  4.0% market forecast  and up from  3.9% in December . 🔹  Prices rose across key sectors , including  food, textiles, plastics, and non-ferrous metals . 🔹  Yen-based import prices climbed 1.5% , reversing a 0.7% decline in December—highlighting the  yen's continued weakness . 📌  Why It Matters:  The BOJ is now under increased pressure to  raise interest rates further  to contain inflation. 💰 Market Reactions: Bond Yields & Currency Shifts 📌  The two-year Japanese government bond (JGB) yield surged to 0.805% , its highest level since  October 2008 . 📌  The yen weakened sharply , with the  dolla...

Singapore's consumer price inflation showed a slight uptick in November, with overall  CPI rising 1.6%  year-over-year, compared to  1.4%  in October. However,  core CPI , which excludes private road transport and accommodation, slowed to  1.9%  from October’s  2.1% , reflecting moderating price pressures in key areas. Key Inflation Metrics Overall CPI: MoM:  No change. YoY:  Increased by  1.6% . Below the  1.85%  forecast in a Wall Street Journal survey. Core CPI: YoY Growth:  Slowed to  1.9%  from  2.1%  in October. Sectoral Breakdown Housing & Utilities:  +2.6% YoY (24.80% index weight). Food:  +2.4% YoY (21.10% index weight). Transport:  +0.5% YoY (17.07% index weight). Recreation & Culture:  +1.4% YoY. Education:  +3.0% YoY. Miscellaneous Goods & Services:  +0.4% YoY. Communication:  -1.3% YoY (only sector with negative growth). Implications for M...