Fashion
Australia holds cash rate at 3.6% as inflation risks rise
The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the cash rate unchanged at 3.60 per cent, as policymakers weighed a firmer-than-expected economic recovery against signs of a fresh pick-up in inflation. The Monetary Policy Board said the decision was unanimous.
Australia’s central bank has kept the cash rate at 3.60 per cent, citing mixed signals.
Inflation has eased but recently picked up, with some signs of broader price pressures.
Economic momentum has strengthened, while the labour market is softening.
With risks to inflation shifting upward, the Board opted for caution and will closely monitor global and domestic developments.
Inflation has eased significantly from its 2022 peak, but recent data show a renewed rise. The bank noted that part of the increase in underlying inflation appears temporary, and emphasised uncertainty around the monthly CPI series given its relative newness. Even so, there are emerging signals of a more broadly based acceleration in prices that could prove persistent, warranting close monitoring.
Economic momentum has strengthened, with private demand recovering through improved consumption and investment. Effects of earlier rate cuts have yet to fully filter through the economy. However, the bank acknowledged that money market rates and government bond yields have climbed recently, tightening conditions at the margin.
Labour market indicators show a gradual softening, though conditions remain somewhat tight overall. Unemployment has edged higher and employment growth has slowed, but underutilisation is still low and capacity utilisation remains above its long-run average. Many businesses continue to report difficulty sourcing labour. Wage Price Index growth has moderated from its peak, yet broader wage measures remain strong, and unit labour cost growth is still elevated.
The Board highlighted considerable uncertainty in the domestic outlook. The rebound in activity, particularly in the private sector, has been stronger than anticipated and could increase capacity pressures if maintained. Global risks also remain significant, though Australia’s key trading partners have so far experienced limited impact on their growth and trade performance, the Reserve Bank of Australia said in a release.
Given these mixed signals, the Board judged it appropriate to stay cautious while reassessing the persistence of inflationary pressures. It said risks to inflation had recently shifted to the upside, even as a modest further easing in labour market tightness is expected.
The bank reiterated that it will closely watch global and financial market developments, domestic demand trends, and the evolution of inflation and employment conditions. It reaffirmed its commitment to achieving price stability and full employment, stating it will take whatever actions are necessary to fulfil its mandate.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
The goal, however, is challenging due to external pressures, including stricter technical barriers, reciprocal tariffs on goods exported to the United States, and the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) for selected industrial products.
Therefore, major export industries in the country have started restructuring and adjusting strategies early in the year to seize market opportunities.
Following a record export value of $475 billion achieved in 2025—up by 17 per cent YoY—Vietnam aims at adding nearly $38 billion to the figure in 2026.
Major export industries in the country have begun restructuring and adjusting strategies early in the year to seize market opportunities.
The textile and garment sector, which earned $46 billion in 2025, has set a target of $50 billion in exports in 2026.
The textile and garment sector, which earned $46 billion in 2025, has set a target of $50 billion in exports in 2026.
The sector is focusing on strengthening domestic supply chains, raising localisation rates and making more effective use of free trade agreements (FTAs), Vu Duc Giang, chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), was cited as saying by a domestic media outlet.
Exports may grow by 15-16 per cent this year, driven by market expansion and a shift towards higher-value products, according to MB Securities’ Vietnam Outlook 2026 report.
Fibre2Fashion (DS)
The data showed that the decline was driven mainly by weaker domestic exports, with goods produced in the Netherlands down 8 per cent YoY. In contrast, re-exports to the US rose 3.9 per cent during the period. Exports to the US have fallen every month on a YoY basis since July, CBS said in a press release.
Trade flows were influenced by uncertainty around US import tariffs. In the first half of 2025, trade between the two countries continued to grow, possibly as companies advanced shipments ahead of announced tariff measures.
Goods exports from the Netherlands to the United States fell 4.7 per cent YoY to €27.5 billion (~$33 billion) in the first ten months of 2025, driven by an 8 per cent drop in domestic exports, according to CBS.
Re-exports rose 3.9 per cent, while tariff uncertainty weighed on trade.
Imports from the US increased 1.9 per cent to €48.1 billion (~$57.7 billion).
Meanwhile, imports from the United States rose 1.9 per cent YoY to €48.1 billion (~$57.7 billion) in the first ten months of 2025.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
The Philippines’ economic growth for the third quarter (Q3) of 2025 has been revised slightly lower, with gross domestic product (GDP) expanding 3.9 per cent year on year (YoY), down from the preliminary estimate of 4 per cent.
Gross national income growth for the quarter was also revised to 5.4 per cent from 5.6 per cent, while net primary income from the rest of the world was adjusted to 16.2 per cent from 16.9 per cent.
The Philippine Statistics Authority has revised down the country’s third-quarter 2025 GDP growth to 3.9 per cent from an earlier estimate of 4 per cent.
Gross national income growth was also lowered to 5.4 per cent, while net primary income from abroad eased to 16.2 per cent.
The PSA said the adjustments reflect its standard, internationally aligned revision policy.
The Philippine Statistics Authority said the revisions were made in line with its approved revision policy, which follows international standards for national accounts updates.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
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