Business & Finance Lookahead: Trump-Putin Meeting, US Inflation, and Global Rate Decisions

Key Geopolitical and Economic Events to Watch

• 🤝 A potential meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin is a major focus, with Trump seeking a breakthrough in the Ukraine war and considering new sanctions on Russia.
• 📈 The outcome of this encounter could significantly impact global markets, particularly due to potential secondary tariffs affecting Russia and other nations.

US-China Trade Relations and Tariffs

• ⚖️ Progress is reportedly being made on a trade deal between Washington and Beijing, according to Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
• ⏳ However, the August 12th deadline for a tariff truce is approaching, and an agreement has yet to be signed, despite talks in Stockholm to extend a pause on tariffs.
• 📊 US inflation data, specifically the July consumer price index, will be crucial for determining the Federal Reserve's next moves on interest rates.
• ⚠️ Higher-than-expected inflation could challenge the narrative for a September rate cut by the Fed.

Central Bank Rate Decisions

• 🇦🇺 In Australia, markets anticipate a quarter-point interest rate reduction from the Reserve Bank of Australia on Tuesday, with potential for further cuts later in the year.
• 🇳🇴 Conversely, Norway's central bank is expected to hold its rates steady on Thursday, with a rate cut not fully priced in until November.
• 📉 Both Australia and Norway have been cautious in their approach to rate cuts this cycle, with Australia making two quarter-point cuts and Norway one.