Japan Weekahead: Factory Output to Slip Back amid Lingering Trade Woes; Retail Sales Sluggish on Waning Inbound Spending Magic, Front-Loaded Air Conditioner Demand

By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Here are the key Japanese economic events for the coming week. The world trade uncertainty has been reduced somewhat by accords between Washington and some U.S. allies, except for Canada, but President Trump’s erratic policymaking is leaving firms wary of making plans. Trump tariffs are taking their toll on Japanese […]

US ISM Manufacturing Stays in Contraction in June as Uncertainty Over Trade Conflicts Keeps Firms on Sidelines, Leading to Weak Demand, More Layoffs

–ISM Manufacturing Index at 49.0 Vs. 48.5 in May, Consensus at 48.8–ISM’s Spence: Production Up but Still Fragile, New Orders Falling–Spence: Orders Unlikely to Pick Up Until Trade, Geopolitical Risks Wane By Max Sato (MaceNews) – U.S. manufacturing activity was in contraction for the fourth straight month in June as the uncertainty over protectionist U.S. […]

ISRAEL-IRAN UPDATE: Pres Trump Gathers Advisers, Says Iran’s Supreme Leader Safe ‘For Now;’ Tells Tehran to Evacuate; Vance Says Action May Come

WASHINGTON (MaceNews) – There are signs Tuesday afternoon that President Trump is weighing whether to finish off Iran’s capability to produce nuclear weapons by authorizing the use of penetrating “Bunker Buster” bombs dropped by American pilots. Top advisers have been seen entering the White House with a meeting reported under way in the White House’s […]

Japan Weekahead: Bank of Japan Set to Keep 0.5% Policy Rate, Focus on Possible Moderation in FY26 Balance Sheet Trim; Exports Hit by Trump Tariffs, Underlying Inflation Still Below 2%

By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Here are the key Japanese economic and political events for the coming week. – Monday, June 16 1400 JST (0500 GMT/0100 EDT) – The Bank of Japan’s nine-member board begins its two-day policy meeting. On day one, board members compare notes on the economic and financial conditions in Japan and […]