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August 24, 2026
The volume of retail sales in New Zealand was down 0.5% in the second quarter of 2026, coming in at NZ$26 billion. Core retail sales climbed 0.7% in the quarter. By industry, the largest movements were electrical and electronic goods retailing up 9.2%; fuel retailing down 13%; motor vehicle and parts retailing down 2.3%; accommodation down 8.0%; and food and beverage services down 2.8%. 08/23/2026 - 18:56:00 (RTTNews)
Singapore's consumer price inflation increased for the second straight month in July to the highest level in nearly two years. The consumer price index (CPI) climbed 2.2% year-over-year in July, faster than the 1.9% rise in June. Further, this was the highest inflation rate since August 2024, when prices had risen by the same 2.2%. Core inflation also accelerated from 1.6% in June to 2.0% in July, led by higher costs for utilities and food.
Electricity and gas prices surged 8.7% annually in July, following a 2.9% decline in June. Services’ inflation rose from 1.5% to 1.7% due to larger increases in airfares and point-to-point transportation services prices. Accommodation costs also grew at a faster pace of 0.8% versus 0.6% a month ago, and food inflation edged higher from 2.1% to 2.2%. On the other hand, private transport inflation eased from 8.4% to 8.0% as the pace of increase in petrol and diesel prices moderated. 08/24/2026 - 02:50:00 (RTTNews)
The unemployment rate in Taiwan held steady in July. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate came in at 3.33% in July, the same as the previous month. In the same period last year, the rate was also 3.33%. On an unadjusted basis, the jobless rate rose from 3.34% in June to a 1-year high of 3.39% in July. Unemployment increased by 9,000 from the previous month to 409,000. Total employment rose by 14,000 from last year to 11.651 million in July. 08/24/2026 - 06:54:00 (RTTNews)
This market update is prepared by Cathay Bank for informational purposes only and does not constitute any form of legal, tax or investment advice, nor should it be considered an assurance or guarantee of future exchange rate movements or trends. This information is provided without regard to the specific objectives, financial situations or needs of any recipient. Cathay Bank does not make any representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of this market update.
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