May 29, 2026
United States:
US Merchandise-Trade Deficit Narrows on Rise in Exports
The US merchandise-trade deficit narrowed in April, reflecting an increase in the value of exports of capital and consumer goods.
The shortfall in goods trade shrank 3.4% from the prior month to $82.4 billion, Commerce Department data showed Friday.
Europe:
Inflation Above ECB Comfort Zone in Top Economies Backs Hike
Inflation stayed well above 2% in the euro zone’s four top economies, backing the case for the European Central Bank to raise interest rates for the first time since 2023.
Propelled by the war-induced surge in energy costs, May readings for France, Italy and Spain quickened to 2.8%, 3.3% and 3.6%, data Friday showed. While moderating in Germany, the headline number of 2.7% held far beyond the ECB’s comfort zone.
Asia:
Japan Used Record $73.6 Billion to Support Yen in Past Month
Japan used a record of almost $74 billion over the past month to prop up the yen after the currency slid past 160 per dollar, according to Finance Ministry data confirming the government’s first market intervention since 2024.
The ministry disclosed figures Friday for the month from April 28 to May 27 showing total intervention of ¥11.73 trillion ($73.6 billion) over a period marked by several spikes in the yen.
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