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)

United States S&P Global Composite PMI: 51.7 (May)

Commerzbank’s Dr. Vincent Stamer argues that weak Euro area PMI data and rising input costs leave the ECB in a policy dilemma.

Russia Central Bank Reserves $ declined to $768.9B from previous $771B

HSBC’s Willem Sels highlights that global equities remain supported by robust earnings growth, led by US Technology and Communications, with AI-driven capex and productivity gains at the core.

According to a report from the US Department of Labour (DOL) released on Thursday, the number of US citizens submitting new applications for unemployment insurance increased to 209K for the week ending May 16.

United States Continuing Jobless Claims registered at 1.782M, below expectations (1.79M) in May 8

United States Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Survey came in at -0.4 below forecasts (18) in May

United States Building Permits Change rose from previous -10.8% to 5.8% in April

United States Building Permits (MoM) came in at 1.442M, above forecasts (1.39M) in April

United States Housing Starts (MoM) came in at 1.465M, above expectations (1.41M) in April

United States Initial Jobless Claims 4-week average dipped from previous 203.75K to 202.5K in May 15