BOJ: Japan's economy is recovering moderately.

Bai Xue, senior deputy director at Oriental Jincheng, said on Sept. 18 the odds of one more Fed rate hike this year have risen materially, but this does not signal the start of a sustained consecutive‑hike cycle. She cited three drivers: the US economy is resilient but shows pronounced K‑shaped divergence, household savings are low and consumption sustainability is weakening, and the AI investment cycle may soften. Long‑end US Treasury yields are near 2007 highs, producing a spontaneous tightening in financial conditions that is materially constraining rate‑sensitive sectors, so the Fed must weigh cumulative tightening effects. The intended purpose of the move is to anchor inflation expectations and guard against re‑anchoring—a tactical, phase‑specific adjustment rather than system‑wide tightening to counter an overheating economy or wage‑price spiral. Current inflation appears a cyclical rebound, not a sustained wage‑price loop, and fundamentals do not support prolonged hikes. If a September hike is implemented and December inflation remains strong, another hike is possible; thereafter the Fed would observe inflation progress at a 4.00%–4.25% policy range before deciding whether to hold, tighten further or pivot to cuts.

Ten ministries and agencies jointly released the Pharmaceutical Industry Development "15th Five-Year Plan", targeting average annual growth of China's innovative-drug industry above 20% through 2030.