The Bank of Japan's 1 October 2026 Summary of Opinions says Japan's economy is expected to keep growing moderately, while policymakers continue to watch upside risks to inflation and the case for further policy adjustment.
U.S. personal consumption expenditures rose 0.9% in August 2026 and real spending increased 0.6%, while the PCE price index was 3.4% higher than a year earlier.
Minutes from the Bank of Japan's 30–31 July 2026 meeting show members agreed that further policy-rate increases would be appropriate if economic activity and prices develop in line with the Bank's outlook.
The Henry Hub natural gas spot price averaged $2.93 per million British thermal units from June to August 2026, 6% below the same period in 2025 despite exceptionally hot weather.
U.S. real GDP grew at a 1.5% annualised rate in the second quarter of 2026, down from 2.1% in Q1, as faster consumer spending was offset by weaker government spending, investment and exports.
VAT on household electricity will fall to 0% from 1 October 2026; the government estimates an average household saving of about £45 a year, a 2026-27 cost of around £850 million and a direct 0.10 percentage-point reduction in CPI inflation.
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D1600&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D1600&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D1600&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D1600&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D1600&w=3840&q=75)
