<p>India's Wholesale Price Index-based inflation for August has risen to 9.92 per cent from 9.78 per cent in July, while Consumer Price Index- based inflation has risen to 4.82 per cent in August from 4.45 per cent in July, according to the data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation remained above 9 per cent for the fourth consecutive month. Meanwhile, CPI-based inflation remains above the 4 per cent target of the Reserve Bank of India for the third straight month.&nbsp;</p><h2>What is driving the prices high?</h2><p>The Fuel and Food category in WPI is by far the highest in August, jumping by 22.9 per cent last month from 20 per cent in July. Among the Fuel and Food basket, mineral oils/petroleum products climbed sharply by 38.48 per cent and crude petroleum and natural gas by 34.41 per cent. While the top five items in the CPI- based inflation are Silver Jewellery 107.11 per cent, ginger 73.82 per cent, onion 48.27 per cent, garlic 43.60 per cent, and gold/diamond/ platinum jewellery at 35.53 per cent.</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-anthropic-ceo-ai-slowdown-cold-war-playbook-china-1789384960101"><strong>China hits back at Anthropic CEO’s AI slowdown call, calls it a ‘Cold War playbook’</strong></a></p><h2>Will the RBI raise interest rates?</h2><p>Before these numbers came out, the market widely expected the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to remain on a comfortable "hold" pattern. The RBI had left the rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent last month. But reports suggest that, at the MPC meeting, some members, including the governor Sanjay Malhotra, favoured a rate hike if inflation spread across segments. Now, with Brent Crude futures pushing $108 per barrel internationally, and both WPI and CPI soaring higher makes a case for an interest rate hike. &nbsp;SBI Research stated that they now strongly advocate for a 25-bps rate hike in October, and another 25-bps in December. India's Bond market is also signalling the same; the benchmark 10-year government bond yield recently breached the 7 per cent mark, suggesting institutional investors are anticipating a rate hike in the coming months.&nbsp;</p>

India’s WPI inflation rose to 9.92% in August while CPI inflation climbed to 4.82%, raising questions over whether the RBI could hike interest rates.

India's Wholesale Price Index-based inflation for August has risen to 9.92 per cent from 9.78 per cent in July, while Consumer Price Index- based inflation has risen to 4.82 per cent in August from 4.45 per cent in July, according to the data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation remained above 9 per cent for the fourth consecutive month. Meanwhile, CPI-based inflation remains above the 4 per cent target of the Reserve Bank of India for the third straight month. What is driving the prices high? The Fuel and Food category in WPI is by far the highest in August, jumping by 22.9 per cent last month from 20 per cent in July. Among the Fuel and Food basket, mineral oils/petroleum products climbed sharply by 38.48 per cent and crude petroleum and natural gas by 34.41 per cent. While the top five items in the CPI- based inflation are Silver Jewellery 107.11 per cent, ginger 73.82 per cent, onion 48.27 per cent, garlic 43.60 per cent, and gold/diamond/ platinum jewellery at 35.53 per cent. Also Read: China hits back at Anthropic CEO’s AI slowdown call, calls it a ‘Cold War playbook’ Will the RBI raise interest rates? Before these numbers came out, the market widely expected the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to remain on a comfortable "hold" pattern. The RBI had left the rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent last month. But reports suggest that, at the MPC meeting, some members, including the governor Sanjay Malhotra, favoured a rate hike if inflation spread across segments. Now, with Brent Crude futures pushing $108 per barrel internationally, and both WPI and CPI soaring higher makes a case for an interest rate hike. SBI Research stated that they now strongly advocate for a 25-bps rate hike in October, and another 25-bps in December. India's Bond market is also signalling the same; the benchmark 10-year government bond yield recently breached the 7 per cent mark, suggesting institutional investors are anticipating a rate hike in the coming months.

<p>India’s WPI inflation rose to 9.92% in August while CPI inflation climbed to 4.82%, raising questions over whether the RBI could hike interest rates.</p>

India’s WPI inflation hits 9.92% as CPI rises to 4.82%; will RBI hike rates?

Iran's currency has plunged to a new record low, with the rial reportedly weakening beyond 2.02 million to the U.S. dollar on the open market. The slide comes as Iranian households grapple with soaring inflation, rising living costs and the economic fallout of conflict and sanctions. Despite mounting pressure, Tehran says it is implementing a two-year economic recovery plan aimed at stabilising markets, boosting production and reducing the impact of sanctions.


Iranian Rial hits record low as inflation and sanctions bite

Just as UK inflation eased to 2.6% in June, a new threat looms on the horizon: "chipflation." A global memory chip shortage, driven by AI data centres gobbling up DRAM and NAND supply, is pushing up costs for smartphones, laptops, and other everyday electronics.


AI 'chipflation' hits UK: Memory chip shortage threatens to reverse falling inflation 

India's retail inflation ticked higher in July as food prices surged across categories.


India's retail inflation ticks higher

President Donald Trump’s promises of an economic "golden age" collide with a more modest reality, as second-quarter 2026 GDP growth registers at a slow 1.5%, stubborn inflation hovers around 3.5%, and high consumer costs challenge the administration's optimistic narrative.


Trump's 'golden economy' claim faces reality check

India's demand for gold has fallen by 6%, even as total spending on the precious metal reached a record high, according to the World Gold Council.

The latest figures suggest that while Indians continue to value gold for weddings, festivals, and investments, soaring prices are changing buying behavior. Consumers are increasingly opting for lighter jewellery, delaying purchases, or waiting for discounts and festive offers. Meanwhile, investment preferences are also evolving, with digital gold and other alternatives gaining traction as physical gold purchases slow.

India's Gold Demand Falls 6% Despite Record Spending | Why Indians Are Buying Less Gold

Japan has unveiled one of its biggest economic transformation plans in decades, announcing a massive 370 trillion yen ($2.5 trillion) investment strategy through 2040. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government aims to strengthen Japan's leadership in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, defense, clean energy, and shipbuilding while boosting long-term economic growth.

The ambitious blueprint is designed to improve productivity, reduce dependence on China, and keep Japan competitive in the global AI race. However, economists and investors are raising concerns over how the government plans to finance the enormous spending package, especially with Japan already carrying one of the world's highest public debt burdens.

Japan Unveils $2.3 Trillion Economic Plan | AI, Semiconductors & Defense Push | Wion News 

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has unveiled his first major policy after taking office, announcing the removal of VAT on household electricity bills to help ease the cost of living crisis. The new government says the tax cut will provide financial relief to families while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Burnham also outlined plans for regional decentralization and promised further measures to reduce everyday living costs across the United Kingdom.

New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces tax relief and cost of living measures

Inflation has become the Democrats' biggest campaign issue as the battle for control of the U.S. Senate intensifies. With rising grocery bills, fuel prices, housing costs, and utility expenses continuing to burden American families, Democrats are accusing President Donald Trump of failing to fulfill his promise to lower prices. In North Carolina, Democratic Senate candidate Roy Cooper has centered his campaign on affordability, hoping to flip one of the key seats needed for Democrats to regain control of the Senate.

Democrats target Donald Trump over inflation ahead of crucial US Senate elections

India's trade numbers are out, and the headline looks good. However, inflation data points to a surge above the Reserve Bank of India's 4 percent target for the first time in 16 months.


Make in India gains, but imports rise faster

South Korea’s central bank is warning of a new and unusual inflation risk, not just from global energy prices but from massive performance bonuses being paid in the country’s tech sector. Workers at major chipmakers are receiving payouts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and economists say this could push wages and consumer prices higher across the economy.


South Korea Warns of Bonus-Led Inflation 

America spends nearly twice what it earns in a single month. The latest US Treasury released its may monthly statement, with the numbers showing stark deficit figures. 


US Borrows $5 Billion Daily as Deficits Spiral 

Inflation rose above 2% in March 2021 and has persisted above target ever since. It has not come back down, not once. 63 consecutive months and counting. That is how long US Inflation has stayed above the Federal Reserve's 2 percent target.


The Fed's Broken Promise: 63 Months and Counting 

US inflation hits 4.2%, mortgage rates near 7% and purchasing power down is about 20% since 2020. The data draws an uncomfortable parallel to America's worst economic decade.


America's Inflation Trap Tightens Again

Inflation remains a major concern for the U.S. economy as Americans continue to face elevated prices. Despite efforts to control rising costs, many households are still feeling the impact of inflation.

US Inflation Remains Stubborn As Prices Stay High 

The price pressures across Europe are accelerating, with the latest data pointing to firms forced to pass on higher costs to consumers. The longer the West Asia crisis persists, the higher the inflation surge pressure in the eurozone. In this next report, we dive into the details of eurozone's price pressures based on the latest P-M-L business survey data. 

Eurozone Inflation Trends Under Close Watch 

Oil prices have fallen, but the risk of a rebound remains as global market volatility continues. In the US, inflation is accelerating while real incomes are declining, putting pressure on household purchasing power. Meanwhile, the eurozone is also experiencing rising inflation, prompting the European Central Bank to consider tighter monetary policy to stabilize prices. At the same time, the European Union is responding to increasing competitive pressure from China across key industries. In East Asia, artificial intelligence is emerging as a major driver of economic growth, boosting productivity and reshaping regional economic momentum.


Global Economic Health: Market Moves in June 1 Week

Food price pressures are intensifying globally, with rice inflation surging since the start of the Iran war, driven by soaring fertiliser costs. In this next report of news in numbers, we dive into the details.


Global Food Price Inflation: Key Highlights

Inflation is re-accelerating across nearly every major category of the U.S. economy. And the red-hot reading shows a bigger challenge for the Federal Reserve under new chief Kevin Warsh.

US Inflation is Red Hot

Prices have surged sharply this decade. The 2020s are now one of the most inflationary periods in modern American history.

U.S. retail inflation has averaged 4 percent so far in the 2020s. That is the highest decade average since the 1980s.


The Inflation Decade: Historic Cost of Living 

 Inflation in the United States has accelerated to its fastest pace in three years. This raises fresh concerns over the strength of the economy and the outlook for interest rates. Watch the full video to know more on this!

Americans Pay More For Food & Fuel As U.S. Inflation Hits 3-Year High

U.S. economic confidence has plummeted to near four-year lows, driven by surging inflation and higher gas prices. Major indicators reveal households are grappling with severe pessimism regarding the cost of living, with the Gallup Economic Confidence Index dropping to -45, its lowest reading since late 2022. 

Confidence in US Economy Drops Sharply, Economic Pessimism Grips US Households

Global interest rate hikes are looming as persistent inflation and Middle East energy shocks force central banks to pivot to hawkish stances. Markets are pricing in further tightening to anchor price pressures, pushing conventional bond yields higher globally and triggering a shift toward floating-rate debt.


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When inflation spikes, comparisons to the 1970s are never far away. The similarities are striking, but so are the differences. In this next report, we dive into  details and decode the LinkedIn influencer crowd, offering up a harbinger of doom. Watch the full video to know more on this. 

Is Inflation Returning To 1970s Levels? Global Economy Faces Fresh Fears 

Dating in America is becoming significantly expensive. According to BMO 2026 real financial progress index, the average all-in cost of a date has climbed to 189 dollars this year, up 12.5 percent from 2025.

Date-Flation’ Hits America: How Inflation Is Killing Date Nights Explained

Fuel prices across India have surged sharply, with petrol touching its highest level since 2022 after oil marketing companies announced the fourth price hike in just 10 days. The latest increase has pushed petrol up by nearly ₹7.5 per litre, adding fresh pressure on households and transport costs. The repeated hikes are raising concerns that inflationary stress could spread beyond fuel, impacting food prices, logistics, and everyday essentials across the country.


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Indian Rupee hits a record low as global fuel crisis intensifies pressure on emerging market currencies. Rising crude oil prices, dollar strength, and widening import bills are shaking investor confidence and adding strain on India’s forex reserves.


Indian Rupee Slides to Record Low Amid Global Fuel Crisis 

As oil stays above 100 dollars a barrel, bond yields and inflation expectations around the world are rising as well.
Few advanced economies are feeling the pain more than Japan, and fewer still are as poorly equipped to handle it.

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The oil war in the Gulf is now being fought on a quieter front—insurance. Even as movement resumes through the Strait of Hormuz, the cost of transporting crude has surged sharply.


Oil Crisis: Insurance Costs Surge in Gulf Oil Routes 

Inflation in Argentina has come in higher than expected for March, as the global energy shock triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict feeds into domestic prices. Rising fuel costs, transport expenses, and education fees are adding fresh pressure on households, even as policymakers signal a possible slowdown in the months ahead.

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The cost of the Iran war is no longer just a government problem it’s hitting American households directly. From billions in daily military spending to soaring fuel prices and rising inflation, the economic impact is growing fast. The IMF has already warned of a global slowdown, and experts say Americans could face long-term financial strain. Here’s how this war is affecting your wallet.


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