Heteronomics Archive

November 05, 2025

Swedish Rate Pause: Recovery Rising, Risks Remain

The Riksbank left rates unchanged at 1.75%, matching consensus. Inflation is easing but is still above target, signalling little chance of cuts or hikes in the near term.
A weak labour market offset stronger-than-expected Q3 growth. Policymakers are watching household demand closely to assess the durability of the recovery before shifting rates.
Ongoing risks from geopolitics, trade, and fiscal policy keep the future rate path uncertain, with market pricing in steady rates through 2026 barring major shocks.

November 05, 2025

Brazil's Copom holds Selic at 15% as expected, but signals a very prolonged pause ahead with rates to stay elevated while inflation expectations remain deanchored above target.
The committee emphasises that a contractionary policy is needed despite moderate growth, citing tariff risks, currency depreciation pass-through, and resilient labour market pressures.
Rate hikes remain optionally available if inflation expectations fail to re-anchor, but markets now price March 2026 easing, contingent on fiscal discipline and external stability.

November 04, 2025

The RBA held its cash rate at 3.6% as anticipated, but its decision marks a shift from easing after September's inflation surprise, signalling an extended pause in rate cuts through at least mid-2026.
Central forecasts now project trimmed mean inflation above 3% for the coming quarters before settling at 2.6% in 2027, requiring mildly restrictive policy rates of 3.4% by mid-2026—materially slower easing than many forecasters anticipated.
Labour market softening provides limited comfort as elevated vacancies and wage pressures persist. Two-sided uncertainty around demand strength and the global outlook creates risks justifying a cautious approach to future cuts.

October 30, 2025

The BOJ held rates at 0.5% as expected, with a 7-2 vote showing continued division. A December hike is now priced at 50-55%, down from 68% pre-Takaichi.
Inflation forecasts are unchanged at 2.7% (FY25), 1.8% (FY26), with sluggish underlying price growth and downside economic risks delaying tightening.
Wage sustainability and trade policy uncertainty dominate the outlook. 2026 labour talks and corporate profit trends will determine the rate path timing.