Bloomberg Surveillance

The International Monetary Fund said South Africa is restoring fiscal credibility despite geopolitical risks, but needs to deliver faster economic reforms to lift investment and growth.

Thailand’s central bank held its benchmark interest rate on Wednesday and boosted economic growth forecasts for the second time this year as the artificial intelligence boom drives exports.

When it comes to wrongfooting investors, Asia’s central banks are on a roll.

Rome can best preserve the character of its 3,000-year-old city center with measures like restricting short-term rentals and higher tourist taxes instead of imposing an entrance fee, mayor Roberto Gualtieri said.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia now sees the Reserve Bank raising interest rates to 4.85% in November, economist Belinda Allen said in a research note on Wednesday.

New Zealand’s central bank unexpectedly kept its key interest rate unchanged, citing global uncertainty that is weighing on domestic demand, in a split decision that sent the kiwi dollar tumbling.

Hotter-than-expected Australian inflation and hawkish comments from Reserve Bank officials on Wednesday have raised expectations of a fifth interest-rate hike this year when policymakers convene next week.

Upside risks to Australia’s inflation outlook are materializing, Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock told a parliamentary hearing on Wednesday, less than a week before policymakers meet to consider raising interest rates further.

Thailand’s central bank is expected to keep interest rates unchanged for a fourth straight meeting, with the debate shifting from further easing to when policymakers may eventually start raising borrowing costs.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said his first budget would deliver “breathing space” for Britain, as Andy Burnham’s new administration seeks to sustain a poll bounce at minimal cost.

The International Monetary Fund reached a staff-level agreement with Argentina on the third review of its $20 billion loan program, toning down language around the nation’s return to international capital markets.

Plus: Cliffs versus Mélanie Joly, again

Chile’s central bank held its benchmark interest rate steady Tuesday as it warned that external shocks have substantially raised inflation risks and consumer price forecasts.

Bullish bets in US Treasuries are vulnerable to a sharp reversal if the Federal Reserve takes a more aggressive stance at its upcoming monetary policy meeting.

South African commercial corn farmers plan to cut plantings to the smallest area since 2019, squeezed by higher input costs and expectations of a drought during the nation’s summer months.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella faces his first major test in Congress as he seeks support for deep spending cuts to reassure investors and pave the way for a deal with the International Monetary Fund.

Stifel Chief Economist Lindsey Piegza argues that returning inflation to its longstanding 2% target would require firm conviction and more than two rate hikes. She speaks on "Bloomberg Surveillance." (Source: Bloomberg)

US consumer confidence unexpectedly rose in October for the first time in four months on brighter views about the job market and business conditions.

Sales of new homes in the US edged lower last month as homebuilders’ efforts to trim prices and offer sales incentives failed to offset a surge in mortgage rates.

US orders for durable goods rose in September by the most in five months, on stronger bookings for aircraft and other business equipment, adding to evidence of momentum in manufacturing.