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Japan Posts June Trade Deficit 406.9B Yen

Japan posted a June 2026 trade deficit of about 406.9 billion yen, the second consecutive shortfall as imports surged 25.4% and exports rose 19.3%, underscoring the impact of a weaker yen and higher oil costs on trade. The result surpassed forecasts for a 120 billion yen deficit and reflects robust import demand alongside resilient export activity, including semiconductors, amid ongoing global pressures.

13 sources

Photo: ADPDigital / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

US Private Payroll Growth Slows in June

ADP reported June private-sector hiring rose 98,000, below the 110,000 consensus, signaling cooling in payroll growth, while early July figures point to a continued slowdown at roughly 16.5k per week. Markets reacted with dollar moves as wage trends and payroll data continue to shape expectations for upcoming inflation and policy actions.

7 sources

ZEW Sentiment Surges to 26.3 in Germany

Germany’s ZEW Economic Sentiment jumped to 26.3 in July 2026, driven by stronger export-oriented industries and resilient domestic demand, while the automotive sector remained weak and upside risks from Iran tensions and higher oil prices linger. The Eurozone mood also improved, with the euro-area ZEW sentiment at 23.4, signaling broader optimism alongside Germany’s ongoing reforms, though uncertainties remain.

10 sources

Photo: Ilya Grigorik / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Britain's June borrowing falls, government under fiscal pressure

UK June borrowing came in at 16 billion pounds, down from a year earlier and below forecasts as stronger tax receipts and lower interest costs partly ease near-term fiscal pressure under the new government. However, overall debt remains around 3 trillion pounds and the administration is still navigating fiscal rules while signaling cost-cutting measures and taxes to ease living costs.

8 sources

UK unemployment holds at 4.9% in May

UK unemployment stayed at 4.9% for the three months to May 2026, even as payroll data showed a drop in company payrolls and vacancies continued to ease, pointing to a mixed jobs picture. Wages remained firm, with regular pay at about 3.4% and total pay higher, while employment rose overall and second jobs increased, underscoring a still-tight but gradually softening labor market.

17 sources