July 31, 2026
United States:
US Employment Costs Grew at a Steady Pace in Second Quarter
US labor cost growth remained steady in the second quarter, indicating the job market is doing little to contribute to inflationary pressures.
The employment cost index, which tracks changes in wages and benefits, increased 3.4% in the 12 months ended in June, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics figures out Friday.
Europe:
Euro-Area Inflation Strengthens as US-Iran Strikes Boost Oil
Euro-area inflation picked up in July after the collapse of a US-Iran ceasefire boosted oil prices, reinforcing expectations that the European Central Bank will need to raise interest rates again.
Consumer prices increased an annual 2.9% after 2.8% in June, Eurostat said on Friday.
Asia:
BOJ Keeps September Rate Hike in Play After Hold, FX Action
The Bank of Japan held its policy rate steady and signaled the possibility of a move in September after government officials took the rare step of wading back into the currency market just hours earlier with apparent help from the US.
The BOJ kept its benchmark rate unchanged at 1% on Friday, as expected by all economists surveyed after the bank last month hiked to its highest level since 1995.
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