Data
Russian ruble value surges to become world's best performing currently YTD
The Russian ruble strengthened to RUB82.3 to the dollar on April 16, making it the best performing currency in the world YTD and outperforming other assets like gold as well.
IMF: Migration and refugee policies steer people, and economies, in new directions
When destination countries tighten migration and refugee policies, it has economic ripple effects elsewhere, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in a blog. Migration has always been an integral part of humanity’s history and success.
Polish inflation rate confirmed at 4.9% y/y in March
Although inflation remains above the National Bank of Poland’s target range of 1.5%-3.5%, the continued stability in price growth so far in 2025 has shifted the central bank’s monetary policy outlook.
Abdi Ipekci remains most expensive shopping avenue in Istanbul
Monthly prime rent on luxury retail street $250 per square metre.
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Russia’s inflation still above 10% in March
Russia's consumer prices rose by 0.65% month on month and 10.3% year on year in March, according to the latest RosStat statistics agency data. (chart)
Fertility rate crashes to critical levels in Turkey
President Erdogan has warned problem could reach “irreparable proportions”.
Foreign investors still selling Turkish papers
FX firepower Erdogan regime has at its disposal declines further, but is still a substantial distance from hitting previous lows.
Romania’s public debt takes a break and stays flat in January at 54.8% of GDP
Romania’s rapidly rising public debt (chart) remained steady through January, ending the month at RON964.4bn (€193.8bn), or 46.8% of GDP, according to data published by the Finance Ministry.
Romania’s trade deficit expands 32% in February as exports falter and imports surge
Romania’s foreign trade (chart) deficit widened by 32% year on year in February 2025, reaching €2.74bn, as export volumes declined and imports continued to rise, according to figures published by the National Institute of Statistics.
Bank of Korea expected to lower rates in April despite currency slide
South Korea's central bank is leaning towards reducing interest rates this April, even as the national currency hits its weakest point since 2009.
Consumer inflation in India holds steady in March, says poll
Consumer price inflation in India held largely steady in March, following four straight months of decline, as surging gold prices offset stable food costs.
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Russia posts RUB500bn budget surplus in March but hard landing risks increase
Russia posted a RUB500bn ($5.4bn) federal budget surplus in March 2025 amid falling oil revenues, according to preliminary data from the Ministry of Finance.
Global executions reach highest level since 2015, with Iran, Saudi Arabia and Iraq responsible for 91%
Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia were responsible for the overall rise in known executions, accounting for 1,380 recorded executions, or 91% of the global total.
Bank Indonesia: Rupiah slide won’t trigger debt or inflation crisis
Bank Indonesia has assured the public that the recent depreciation of the rupiah will not lead to increased debt burdens or inflationary pressures.
Moldova’s current account deficit hits 16% of GDP in 2024, but BoP correction cannot be avoided
Moldova’s current account deficit (chart) widened by 54% year on year to $2.9bn in 2024, driven primarily by an 18% increase in the trade deficit, which reached $4.7bn, according to data published by the National Bank of Moldova.
Turkey still burning through reserves to keep lira at 38.00 against USD
Excess lira liquidity in banking system on April 7 turned negative for first time since September.
Hungarian CPI posts surprise slowdown in March as fuel costs ease
Hungary's consumer price growth slowed more than expected in March to 4.7% (chart) from 5.6% from the previous month, marking the first decline after five consecutive months of acceleration.
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Czech industry returns to growth of 1.5% y/y in February
Czech industrial production increased by 1.5% year on year and by 1.7% month on month, returning to mild growth after a series of unconvincing results.
South Korean markets hit hard following global trade tensions
South Korea's financial markets suffered a significant blow, as stocks tumbled over 5.5% on April 7, marking a fourth straight working day of declines.
Indonesian industry leaders urge government to shield SMEs from US tariff fallout
Indonesia’s footwear and textile sectors are raising alarm over the newly announced import duties by the United States, citing serious risks for local businesses—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.