China's economy grew 5% in the first quarter, beating analyst expectations and matching the upper bound of Beijing's full-year target range. The result arrives as the government had already set its most cautious growth goal on record, targeting a band of 4.5% to 5%, a floor that reflects persistent structural pressures including weak domestic consumption, a prolonged property sector contraction, and deflationary trends. Robust export volumes drove the outperformance, suggesting external demand absorbed some of the slack that domestic engines have failed to fill. The quarterly beat is significant less for the absolute number and more for what it reveals about the composition of growth: an export-led surge carries a different risk profile than consumption-driven expansion, particularly given mounting trade friction with the United States and Europe. Investors and policymakers will watch whether Beijing accelerates stimulus to rebalance demand inward, or allows export momentum to carry the year, a choice that carries direct implications for global supply chains and commodity flows.
Pakistan's economy grew 3.7 percent in FY2026, its fastest rate in four years, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey presented by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Growth beat last year's 3.18 percent but missed the 4.2 percent target, with floods, regional conflict, and weaker food exports cited as key drags.
The Union government released an additional Rs 1,09,019 crore in tax devolution to states on August 1, 2026, separate from the regular monthly transfer. The lump-sum release aims to accelerate state capital spending in the July-September quarter, with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh among the top recipients.
US mortgage rates have risen to a one-year high as markets weigh Federal Reserve rate uncertainty and Middle East conflict-driven inflation fears. Higher rates increase monthly payments for new buyers and are likely to further suppress housing market activity and refinancing.
Pakistan's Sensitive Price Index rose 13.52 percent year on year for the week ending July 2, 2026, marking 45 consecutive weeks of annual gains. Electricity up 49 percent, wheat flour up 68 percent, and LPG up 44 percent year on year are the main drivers.
