Korea Development Institute (KDI) forecasts average inf of 2.7% in 2026 and 2.2% in 2027, both unchanged from its prior estimates.

Iran foreign ministry spokesman Baghaei on the 19th denied UAE allegations that Iran launched ballistic missiles, calling the claims unfounded and urging states to avoid baseless accusations while saying the situation is complicated by what he described as ongoing malicious actions and a history of false‑flag operations by the United States and Israel. The UAE defence ministry said on the 18th its air-defence systems detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran, with one falling outside and one inside UAE territorial waters; the UAE foreign ministry early on the 19th said it will suspend all trade, commercial and financial transactions with Iran until further notice, citing a regional escalation that undermines regional and international peace and security.

US July industrial production m/m +0.2% vs expected +0.3%; June revised up to +0.3% from +0.1%.