Newswatch Economics National
Inflation
Bond Market Yields Rise as US Debt and Inflation Concerns Push Borrowing Costs Higher - NewsBreak
August 21, 2026 03:40 PM EDT
News Break, Inc
It was a tough week for the bond market. And the US government’s attempt to help offered only temporary relief.A global rate spike in long-dated government
Inflation
TRT World - Selloff resumes despite US Treasury's effort to buy back its own bonds
August 20, 2026 08:00 PM EDT
TRT World.
Rising inflation, war on Iran, and US national debt surpassing $40 trillion are driving investors to sell off government bonds, prompting Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to step in with a buyback measure.
Inflation
US Fed Minutes signal rate hike debate as inflation risks persist; 3 officials favoured 25-bps increase - www.lokmattimes.com
August 20, 2026 02:18 PM EDT
Lokmat Media Pvt. Ltd
US Fed Minutes signal rate hike debate as inflation risks persist; 3 officials favoured 25-bps increase - Washington DC [US], August 20 : The US Federal Reserve could face growing pressure to raise interest rates in ... Get Latest News on Business only on lokmattimes.com
Inflation
Can Iran's fragile economy survive Trump's 'Economic D-Day'?
August 20, 2026 01:00 PM EDT
Iran International
Donald Trump has promised an “Economic D-Day” against Iran, a threat Tehran dismissed as another failed US policy. But with inflation, shipping costs and supply strains already biting, how much more pressure can Iran’s fragile economy absorb?
Inflation
What the Treasury's Buyback Surprise Says About the Bond Market | Council on Foreign Relations
August 20, 2026 12:30 PM EDT
the Council on Foreign Relations
Actions by advanced economies to limit rising government bond yields are unlikely to be durable without additional policy change or a material economic slowdown—but the first is unlikely and the second is unwanted.
Inflation
SA Inflation Eased in July, But Interest Rates Will Likely Move
August 19, 2026 11:00 PM EDT
The Common Sense.
A sharp petrol price cut lowered headline inflation, but firmer core inflation and pressure from the US Fed suggest that the SARB may hike interest rates...
Inflation
Many US Fed policymakers back interest rate hikes if inflation stays high
August 19, 2026 03:17 PM EDT
France 24
Many US Federal Reserve policymakers believe that interest rate hikes will be necessary if inflation does not decline, minutes of their July meeting showed on Wednesday, firming up expectations of monetary…
Inflation
U.S. Fed's inflation worries increased at July meeting, minutes show
August 19, 2026 02:12 PM EDT
The Globe and Mail
‘Several’ policymakers were ready to raise interest rates and ‘many’ said a hike in borrowing costs would be needed if inflation does not decline, minutes show
Inflation
Global bond markets put governments on notice over fiscal, inflation risks
August 18, 2026 09:50 AM EDT
Kitco Metals Inc
LONDON, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Long-term borrowing costs from the U.S. to Germany and Japan hit their highest levels in decades on Tuesday due to ballooning government debt and geopolitics, raising borrowing costs for companies and households and complicating policy.Bond markets are entering an era where the inflation and interest rate outlook is more uncertain and the upside risks are greater, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies — from tariffs to war — upend the global order.Debt levels in developed countries are reaching levels that look increasingly unsustainable, with the U.S. debt pile nearing $40 trillion.The war in Iran is dragging on, pushing up oil prices and inflation and hitting global growth.In addition, massive borrowing by technology companies to fund a buildout of artificial intelligence infrastructure is competing with demand for government bonds.Taken together, that means the post-financial crisis period of low rates and subdued inflation might be behind us, said Kjersti Haugland, chief economist at investment bank DNB Carnegie."It coincides with the very high level of government debt in many countries, particularly Japan, the U.S., France and the UK," she said.Thirty-year bond yields in the United States, the world's deepest and most systemically crucial government bond market, hit their highest since 2007 as oil prices rose back above $90, fanning inflation worries as U.S.-Iran peace hopes faded.In Japan, inflation angst and expectations that Japan could hike interest rates as early as September pushed 10-year borrowing costs to a three-decade high just under 3%.In Europe, Germany's 10-year Bund yield touched its highest since 2011 , French yields were at their highest since 2008 and Britain's 30-year borrowing costs neared peaks hit in May that marked the highest levels since 1998. When a bond's yield rises, its price falls.Rising yields hit other assets, with major stock markets such as Nasdaq and Europe's STOXX 600 in the red on Tuesday.The selloff in government bond markets matters because the repercussions ripple through economies. Sovereign debt sets the benchmark for borrowing costs for companies and other loans, including household mortgages.ENTERING A DANGER ZONE?Competition for capital from AI hyperscalers — the technology giants building huge data centres — has coincided with rising budget deficits and, in the United States, concern about clear communication from the Federal Reserve under new Chair Kevin Warsh, have exacerbated the selling, analysts said.For some, the higher yields reflect investor worries about how risky the securities have become because of the growing debt pile and uncertainty over policymaking, more than inflation concerns per se.U.S. dollar bank notes at a money changer in JakartaA teller counts U.S. dollar bank notes at a money changer in Jakarta, Indonesia, April 9, 2025. Picture taken through glass.The New York Fed estimates that the additional compensation that investors require for lending to the government for 10 years — at around 80 bps — is close to its highest level in 12 years.U.S. 10-year Treasury yields, at around 4.73% , are now trading at levels that in the past have attracted the attention of U.S. officials, with 5% now in focus."This will be very important, not just for bond markets, but also other financial assets as any break higher is likely to undermine confidence," said Zurich Insurance Group's chief market strategist Guy Miller."Given the importance of this level, we are likely to see it defended by the U.S. Treasury."A Treasury spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.What's more, analysts reckon the Treasury's unusual decision to sell euros and not dollars in recent joint intervention with Japan to bolster a weak yen suggests it does not want bond market strains worsened by foreign central banks selling Treasuries to fund currency-support operations.Foreign holdings of U.S. Treasuries slid in June, Treasury Department data showed on Monday, led by declines in the holdings of Japan — the biggest foreign holder of U.S. bonds — the UK and China.Two recent Treasury auctions also drew attention for their yields as the sale of 10-year notes cleared at a yield of 4.683%, the highest in 19 years, while the 30-year bond auction stopped at 5.216%, a 25-year peak.Rising tariff refunds have meanwhile put U.S. public finances under further strain, after the Supreme Court struck down the emergency tariffs imposed by Trump last year.CHANGING DYNAMICS IN JAPANRising bond yields in Japan, where 30-year borrowing costs are just above 4% , are also starting to draw in Japanese investors, traditionally big buyers of U.S. debt, creating another headwind for the U.S. bond market.Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo Bank in Singapore, said the move in Japanese bonds makes them more attractive, making it harder for Washington to count on foreign demand.For some bond investors, rising yields were making the market attractive, which could support prices from here.“We are long on duration. I don't expect it (the current bond selloff) will last," said Pictet senior investment adviser Christopher Dembik.Still, in Europe, where high government spending and debt have weighed on France and Britain, concern that climate events will add to spending pressures has also been a factor.“It's not just oil that people are looking at, but there's a broader inflation picture that kind of keeps the ECB (European Central Bank) hawkish," said ING senior rates strategist Benjamin Schroeder.Reporting by Dhara Ranasinghe, Samuel Indyk and Harry Robertson in London, Stefano Rebaudo in Milan, and Gregor Stuart Hunter in Singapore and David Lawder in Washington; Editing by Elisa Martinuzzi, Susan Fenton and Hugh Lawson
Inflation
Bond markets from US to Japan whacked as inflation, fiscal worries take hold
August 18, 2026 08:46 AM EDT
The Business Times
US 30-year Treasury yields hit highest since 2007, above 5%; Japan’s 10-year borrowing costs reach three-decade high just under 3% Read more at The Business Times.
Inflation
Canada's inflation hits 3% as new US tariffs loom
August 17, 2026 06:19 PM EDT
Free Malaysia Today
The economy remains under pressure from US tariff threats, with no deal yet to prevent 50% tariffs taking effect on Aug 19.
Inflation
US stocks edge further from their record after oil prices rise | Chattanooga Times Free Press
August 17, 2026 05:00 PM EDT
Chattanooga Times Free Press
U.S. stocks edged further from their record heights on Monday after rising oil prices cranked up the pressure on inflation and financial markets.
Inflation
Trump's promised tariffs on Canada threaten higher inflation on both sides of the border.
August 17, 2026 02:07 PM EDT
NBC News
The duties would hit a wide swath of goods, including hockey sticks, building materials, clothing and dairy products.
Inflation
US-Iran war: 134% food inflation bites hard — meat, coffee and dairy quietly disappear from Iranian households | Today News
August 16, 2026 08:44 PM EDT
HT Media Limited
US-Iran war: Families slash meat, dairy and coffee as Tehran’s war‑hit economy drives food inflation to 134%, with overall prices rising 60-88% year on year and households struggling to afford basics.
Employment
Bay Area adds 2,300 jobs even as tech sector sheds 4,400
August 21, 2026 11:38 AM EDT
The Mercury News.
California loses 20,500 jobs as hiring falters statewide.
Employment
Mississippi employment hits record as hiring demand rises 20%
August 21, 2026 11:22 AM EDT
Yahoo! Inc.
Video above: ‘News 5 Now’ — Top Stories from Aug. 20, 2026 MISSISSIPPI (WKRG) — Mississippi’s nonfarm employment has hit a record high for July, according to state officials. According to a news relea...
Employment
Factory Jobs, Charted - Alliance for American Manufacturing
August 21, 2026 10:33 AM EDT
the American Manufacturing Association
A clear-eyed look at U.S. manufacturing employment shows a sector not too hot, and also not nearly as cold as the critics suggest.
Employment
Official program | The U.S. is seeking volunteers to relocate and offering up to $12,000 plus employment
August 18, 2026 01:24 PM EDT
El Cronista.
The plan allows people to settle in a state with a low cost of living and receive monthly payments for two years, although it requires meeting certain prior requirements
Poverty
Solutions-based programs filling resource gaps in SD schools
August 21, 2026 05:00 AM EDT
San Diego News Watch.
South Dakota efforts that help disadvantaged students provide support for districts with high poverty rates.
Economic Development
Commissioners narrowly allow economic development option for voting
August 21, 2026 02:00 AM EDT
RDR News.
Chaves County Commissioners provided citizens with two public hearing periods to express their views about the proposed 0.125% Local Option Gross Receipts Tax (GRT). After starting the hearing on Wednesday
Economic Development
S&P Global US PMIs expected to ease slightly in August, still showing solid growth
August 20, 2026 09:45 PM EDT
TMGM.
S&P Global will release the preliminary figures of August’s United States Purchasing Managers' Indices (PMIs), a report collecting top private sector executives' opinions about business conditions, to provide an early indication of momentum in the world’s largest economy.
Economic Development
Minnesota annual job growth outpaces rest of U.S.
August 20, 2026 01:05 PM EDT
KTTC Television
MNDEED is reporting that state job growth outpaced the national average over the past year.
Economic Development
US debt hits $40 trillion: Who does Washington owe and why does it matter?
August 20, 2026 09:18 AM EDT
Al Jazeera Media Network
Heavy borrowing, increased spending and tax cuts by Democratic and Republican administrations have long raised concerns.
Economic Development
U.S. national debt climbs to record $40 trillion. How we got here and why it matters
August 20, 2026 03:12 AM EDT
NBC 6 Miami.
The debt has exploded over several presidential administrations, as the nation's leaders spend more money than it collects in taxes.
Economic Development
AI Investment Accounts for About a Third of US Economic Growth, ING Report Says - News and Statistics - IndexBox
August 20, 2026 02:41 AM EDT
IndexBox Inc
ING estimates AI tech investment accounts for about a third of US GDP growth in 2026, driven by data centre and software spending, with wealth effects boosting consumer spending.
Economic Development
The US national debt now stands at $40 trillion
August 19, 2026 07:07 PM EDT
WBOY-TV
WASHINGTON (AP) — The national debt surpassed a record $40 trillion on Wednesday, a staggering milestone as defense costs, social programs like Social Security and Medicare and interest on the burg…
Economic Development
The U.S. national debt now stands at $40 trillion
August 19, 2026 05:51 PM EDT
Public Broadcasting Service.
The national debt surpassed a record $40 trillion on Wednesday, a staggering milestone as defense costs, social programs like Social Security and Medicare and interest on the burgeoning deficit to make up an enormous share of federal spending.
Economic Development
Health outcomes in rural America: A prevention-to-crisis view on determinants of health, chronic diseases, and economic consequences | Brookings
August 19, 2026 04:00 PM EDT
The Brookings Institution
This America's Rural Future symposium explores the interconnections between health outcomes and economic development in rural areas.
Economic Development
Gov. Lee, NGA Spotlight Workforce Development Solutions and Investments
August 19, 2026 11:13 AM EDT
nga
Nashville event hosts employers and workforce development leaders from across the nation to focus on job training and AI solutions NASHVILLE – The National Governors Association (NGA) Workforce Development Policy Institute met this week in Nashville, bringing together governors’ workforce advisors from 40 states and territories. Across two days of conversations, participants examined forces shaping […]
Economic Development
US urged to follow China's lead in treating data as an economic asset
August 18, 2026 07:27 PM EDT
The South China Morning Post
Congressional advisory panel urges Washington to develop national strategy as Beijing’s data push gives Chinese firms edge in AI, robotics.
