The US President Donald Trump administration said that Trump will swear in Kevin Warsh as ‌the chair of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) on Friday at the White House, Reuters reported on Thursday.

Japan National CPI ex Food, Energy (YoY) declined to 1.9% in April from previous 2.4%

Japan’s National Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 1.4% YoY in April, compared to the previous reading of 1.5%, according to the latest data released by the Japan Statistics Bureau on Friday.

Japan National CPI ex Fresh Food (YoY) below forecasts (1.7%) in April: Actual (1.4%)

Japan National Consumer Price Index (YoY) fell from previous 1.5% to 1.4% in April

United Kingdom GfK Consumer Confidence above forecasts (-28) in May: Actual (-23)

New Zealand Retail Sales ex Autos (QoQ) declined to 1% in 1Q from previous 1.5%

New Zealand’s Retail Sales, a measure of the country’s consumer spending, climbed 0.9% QoQ in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, compared to 0.9% in the previous reading, according to the official data published by Statistics New Zealand on Monday.

New Zealand Retail Sales (QoQ) came in at 0.9%, above expectations (0.5%) in 1Q

South Korea Consumer Sentiment Index increased to 106.1 in May from previous 99.2

BNY’s Geoff Yu highlights that South Korean equities, especially AI and semiconductor names, face tightening financial conditions even as the KOSPI remains a top global performer. iFlow shows heavy institutional selling and extended outflows, which could now weigh on the Korean Won.

Bank of Richmond Federal Reserve (Fed) President Thomas Barkin said on Thursday that he doesn't think it's the right time for offering strong forward guidance in light of uncertainty surrounding inflation, US employment, and the long-term impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the labor market.

DBS Group Research economist Radhika Rao notes that Bank Indonesia (BI) surprised markets by raising its benchmark rate 50bp to 5.25%, prioritising macroeconomic stability and Rupiah support.

Commerzbank’s Dr. Vincent Stamer notes that the Euro area composite PMI fell further into contraction territory in May, suggesting a weak second quarter for the economy. Both manufacturing and services sentiment deteriorated, with services notably weaker.

Bank of Richmond Federal Reserve (Fed) President Thomas Barkin said on Thursday that "current monetary policy is in a good place to respond to ongoing shocks." Speaking about the US economic outlook and monetary policy, Barkin added that future rate decisions will depend on how businesses and consum

Iranian media reports, citing Al-Arabiya, suggest that the final draft of a US–Iran agreement has reportedly been completed with Pakistani mediation, with an official announcement potentially coming within hours.

ABN AMRO’s Georgette Boele notes that Sterling has weakened alongside the Euro versus the US Dollar, with energy prices a key driver. She argues UK political uncertainty could temporarily lift volatility in Sterling and gilts, but expects this phase to be short-lived.

Banco de Mexico (Banxico) released its latest meeting minutes on Thursday, in which the Middle East conflict dominated the board's discussion.

An X post from Al Jazeera reporter Ali Hashem hit newswires with statements from an unnamed source that earlier reports of an Iranian decree limiting the removal of high-grade nuclear material are false.

HSBC maintains an optimistic but selective stance on Asia, favouring markets with strong growth, innovation and improving shareholder returns.

Swiss National Bank (SNB) Vice Chairman Martin Schlegel said on Thursday that the central bank maintains an “elevated willingness” to intervene in foreign exchange markets if necessary.

Standard Chartered Bank economists Anubhuti Sahay and Saurav Anand now expect the Reserve Bank of India’s repo rate to rise by 50bps to 5.75% in FY27, starting in June.

United States 4-Week Bill Auction up to 3.61% from previous 3.605%

United States Kansas Fed Manufacturing Activity declined to 9 in May from previous 10

OCBC’s Christopher Wong says USD/IDR should find near‑term support after Bank Indonesia’s larger‑than‑expected 50bp hike to 5.25%, aimed at stabilising FX sentiment.

United States EIA Natural Gas Storage Change above forecasts (96B) in May 15: Actual (101B)

BNY’s Geoff Yu argues that Hungarian asset positioning is stretched after elections, with markets now watching the central bank of Hungary Magyar Nemzeti Bank's (MNB) upcoming decision.

Eurozone Consumer Confidence above expectations (-20.8) in May: Actual (-19)

United States S&P Global Manufacturing PMI registered at 55.3 above expectations (54) in May

United States S&P Global Services PMI below forecasts (51) in May: Actual (50.9)