SOCGEN says the dollar’s strength is likely to persist into H2 2026, noting the US is the only G10 economy whose average growth forecast for this year is higher than at the start of the year. The bank warns that if US growth keeps inflation above target, rate cuts would be politically difficult even under President Trump. SOCGEN projects the dollar index (DXY) at 103.6 and EUR/USD at 1.11 by year-end.

On June 24 the CHINA STATE PLANNER Price Cost and Certification Center convened the kick‑off for a technical‑economic study of virtual power plant (VPP) participation in power system regulation. The project will assess VPP participation pathways, construction and operating costs, and cost transmission/allocation mechanisms. Experts from the China Society for Economic System Reform, North China Electric Power University and China Southern Power Grid exchanged views and made recommendations; Zhejiang University faculty and staff from the center’s new‑energy price and cost division also participated.

NZIER’s shadow monetary policy committee was nearly split but narrowly preferred the RBNZ leave the OCR at 2.25% in July, describing the hold as a close call versus a 25bp hike. Those favoring an earlier lift to neutral cited rising inflation; opponents flagged weak demand and elevated unemployment as reasons for caution. Committee members were divided on the oil-price shock—some saw its inflationary impact as transitory and fading, others warned of more persistent price pressure. Several members said the next key policy assessment point is the Q2 CPI release. The panel unanimously judged the OCR should reach 3.0–3.25% over the next year and advocated a gradual return of policy to neutral, while noting weak demand and high unemployment argue for cautious tightening.