There could be some bad news for the US economy. A noted forecaster claims that the country is already in recession. Danielle Dimartino Booth adds that the US may be following the footsteps of China, where the government is collecting more debt to prop up economic growth.

Top Forecaster: US may be following China's footsteps

The US Economy grew at its slowest pace in nearly two years in the first three months of 2024. A surge in imports and a small build-up of unsold goods at businesses, together with an acceleration in inflation, reinforced expectations that the federal reserve would not cut interest rates before September.

US economy grows at its slowest pace in nearly two years

The US economy grew at its weakest pace in nearly two years as imports increased to meet still-strong consumer spending, widening the trade deficit, while inflation accelerated, reinforcing predictions that the Federal Reserve would not lower interest rates before September.

US economic growth slows: Inflation remains a concern

Euro zone inflation is likely to decline further and the European Central Bank may cut interest rates soon. However, a rate cut, European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde said, will depend on the pace of price growth.

Lagarde: Geopolitical tensions & higher wage growth upside risks

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Kazakhstan floods: 117,000 evacuated - UK: Inflation at lowest in 2.5 years - 'Operation true promise' revealed - Scholz urges China to use Russia 'influence' - Cameron, Bearbock meet Israel President

Kazakhstan floods: 117,000 evacuated | UK: Inflation at lowest in 2.5 years

Argentina's booming tourism industry, fueled by an attractive exchange rate for foreign visitors, appears to be fading. This comes as the country grapples with soaring inflation, reaching 288% in March 2024.

Argentina loses tourist boom as inflation soars 288%

The US economy is currently experiencing a rare phenomenon: Strong growth alongside persistent inflation. The latest data shows GDP expanding at 2.4%, fuelled by a surge in hiring with over 300,000 new jobs added in march. However, inflation remains stubbornly high, well above the federal reserve's 2% target for the march quarter.

FED policy uncertainty casts shadow on global outlook

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - US economic growth vs Inflation - Iran: Willing to exercise restraint - Olympic flame lit for Paris 2024 - Israel demands sanctions on Iran's missile project - Israel weighs response to Iran attack - UN Watchdog: Iran closed nuclear facilities - Sunak faces rebellion over smoking ban

Olympic flame lit for Paris 2024 | US economic growth vs Inflation

Country's wholesale price inflation WPI has come down for first time in four months, wholesale inflation has marginally declined to 15.18 % in June compared to 15.88% in May.

Wholesale price inflation in India

Inflation data is out and there are mixed signals for India's economy. There is some good news on India's inflation. March saw inflation hitting a 5-month low of 4.85%, largely due to falling fuel prices. But economists warn this relief might be temporary. Food prices, a major concern for households, remain high, rising over 8% year on year.

India releases inflation data, inflation reaches 5-month low

A recent survey by the Bank of Japan shows that Japanese families now think prices will go up more in the next three months up to early March.

According to a Reuters report, the survey, conducted from February 8 to March 5, finds more people worry about future price rises.

Over 83 per cent of the families think prices will climb a year from now. This is up from 79.3 per cent in the last check three months ago.

The survey also finds a jump in how many see prices going up in five years, at 80.6 per cent, higher than 76.5 per cent before.

The Bank of Japan watches what families think about price rises to see if inflation will stay at its 2 per cent goal.

Governor Kazuo Ueda told the Asahi newspaper last week that price rises might pick up from "summer towards autumn" due to expected big pay raises pushing prices up.

The new survey highlights how Japanese families feel sure that prices will keep rising soon and later on.

This puts more pressure on the Bank of Japan's policymakers to keep their money plans in line with their price rise goals.

As Japan moves through economic uncertain, the central bank's moves will remain key in setting the country's price rise path.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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A recent survey by the Bank of Japan shows that Japanese families now think prices will go up more in the next three months up to early March. According to a Reuters report, the survey, conducted from February 8 to March 5, finds more people worry about future price rises.

A recent survey by the Bank of Japan shows that Japanese families now think prices will go up more in the next three months up to early March. According to a Reuters report, the survey, conducted from February 8 to March 5, finds more people worry about future price rises. Over 83 per cent of the families think prices will climb a year from now. This is up from 79.3 per cent in the last check three months ago. The survey also finds a jump in how many see prices going up in five years, at 80.6 per cent, higher than 76.5 per cent before. The Bank of Japan watches what families think about price rises to see if inflation will stay at its 2 per cent goal. Governor Kazuo Ueda told the Asahi newspaper last week that price rises might pick up from "summer towards autumn" due to expected big pay raises pushing prices up. The new survey highlights how Japanese families feel sure that prices will keep rising soon and later on. This puts more pressure on the Bank of Japan's policymakers to keep their money plans in line with their price rise goals. As Japan moves through economic uncertain, the central bank's moves will remain key in setting the country's price rise path. (With inputs from Reuters) 

Japanese household inflation expectations surge. Here is what it means for the economy

US Inflation came at 0.4% for the third consecutive month in March and higher than the 0.3% predicted widely. The March price pressures data is more than double the rate needed to bring inflation down to the Federal Reserve's 2% target.

US Inflation comes in at 0.4% for third consecutive month

The US economy is struggling with a fresh surge in inflation, as consumer prices rose 3.5 per cent over the 12 months leading up to March, up from 3.2 per cent in February, according to data released by the US Labour Department. <o:p></o:p>

As per reports, this unexpected rise, driven by escalating costs in fuel, housing, dining out, and clothing, is indicative of a challenging road ahead for the Federal Reserve in its battle against inflation.<o:p></o:p>

The unexpected spike in prices has caught analysts off guard, forcing them to revise their predictions on when the Federal Reserve might start lowering borrowing costs. <o:p></o:p>

The Federal Reserve's key interest rate currently stands at 5.25-5.5 per cent, the highest in over two decades. <o:p></o:p>

As per the BBC, experts had initially anticipated rate cuts to begin this year, but recent economic indicators, including strong job creation figures, have cast doubts on the timeline for these reductions.<o:p></o:p>

According to a Times of India (ToI) report, Wall Street responded sharply to the news, with the S&amp;P 500 witnessing a decline of 0.9 per cent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping by 422 points (1.1 per cent), and the Nasdaq composite decreasing by 0.8 per cent. <o:p></o:p>

This downturn marks the third consecutive report suggesting that the efforts to rein in high inflation may be losing steam.<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;“There are still embers of inflation here and there in the economy,” ToI quoted Joe Davis, Vanguard’s chief global economist as saying.<o:p></o:p>

This persistent inflationary pressure has heightened concerns among investors that the Federal Reserve might delay the anticipated interest rate cuts, which had been a major factor behind the S&amp;P 500's 20 per cent surge since Halloween.<o:p></o:p>

The bond market also felt the immediate repercussions of the inflation data. <o:p></o:p>

The yield on the 10-year Treasury jumped to 4.54 per cent from 4.36 per cent, prompting traders to drastically reduce their bets on a June rate cut, with the likelihood sharply falling from about 74 per cent a month ago to a mere 17 per cent.<o:p></o:p>

Industries sensitive to high-interest rates bore the brunt of Wednesday's market downturn. <o:p></o:p>

Real estate investment trusts and utilities, for instance, saw their stocks plummet, with real-estate stocks in the S&amp;P 500 falling by 4.1 per cent.<o:p></o:p>

Internationally, the inflation report had a varied impact. <o:p></o:p>

While stocks rose in Hong Kong, they declined in Shanghai following a downgrade in China’s financial outlook by Fitch Ratings. <o:p></o:p>

Moreover, the report contributed to a stronger dollar, pushing the yen to a 33-year low against it.<o:p></o:p>

The US economy is struggling with a fresh surge in inflation, as consumer prices rose 3.5 per cent over the 12 months leading up to March, up from 3.2 per cent in February, according to data released by the US Labour Department.

The US economy is struggling with a fresh surge in inflation, as consumer prices rose 3.5 per cent over the 12 months leading up to March, up from 3.2 per cent in February, according to data released by the US Labour Department. As per reports, this unexpected rise, driven by escalating costs in fuel, housing, dining out, and clothing, is indicative of a challenging road ahead for the Federal Reserve in its battle against inflation. The unexpected spike in prices has caught analysts off guard, forcing them to revise their predictions on when the Federal Reserve might start lowering borrowing costs. The Federal Reserve's key interest rate currently stands at 5.25-5.5 per cent, the highest in over two decades. As per the BBC, experts had initially anticipated rate cuts to begin this year, but recent economic indicators, including strong job creation figures, have cast doubts on the timeline for these reductions. According to a Times of India (ToI) report, Wall Street responded sharply to the news, with the S&P 500 witnessing a decline of 0.9 per cent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping by 422 points (1.1 per cent), and the Nasdaq composite decreasing by 0.8 per cent. This downturn marks the third consecutive report suggesting that the efforts to rein in high inflation may be losing steam. “There are still embers of inflation here and there in the economy,” ToI quoted Joe Davis, Vanguard’s chief global economist as saying. This persistent inflationary pressure has heightened concerns among investors that the Federal Reserve might delay the anticipated interest rate cuts, which had been a major factor behind the S&P 500's 20 per cent surge since Halloween. The bond market also felt the immediate repercussions of the inflation data. The yield on the 10-year Treasury jumped to 4.54 per cent from 4.36 per cent, prompting traders to drastically reduce their bets on a June rate cut, with the likelihood sharply falling from about 74 per cent a month ago to a mere 17 per cent. Industries sensitive to high-interest rates bore the brunt of Wednesday's market downturn. Real estate investment trusts and utilities, for instance, saw their stocks plummet, with real-estate stocks in the S&P 500 falling by 4.1 per cent. Internationally, the inflation report had a varied impact. While stocks rose in Hong Kong, they declined in Shanghai following a downgrade in China’s financial outlook by Fitch Ratings. Moreover, the report contributed to a stronger dollar, pushing the yen to a 33-year low against it.

Inflation surges in the US, dashing hopes of rate cuts

US core CPI exceeded forecasts for the third consecutive month, rising 0.4% from February and 3.8% year-over-year, likely postponing Fed rate cuts. Watch in for more details!

US inflation comes in at 0.4% for third consecutive month

Zimbabwe will soon have a new currency. The southern african nation is replacing its collapsing local currency with a new one backed by gold and foreign currencies. By doing so, its central bank hopes to stabilise and bring down inflation.

Zimbabwe's new currency to be called Zimbabwe Gold

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has said the latest inflation data is "along the lines of what the fed would like to see." his comments appear to keep the central bank's baseline for interest rate cuts this year intact.

Powell: Inflation data along the lines we would like to see

The dollar climbed on Wednesday in the wake of more strong U.S. economic data, nudging the Japanese yen to a 34-year low and into the zone that drew official market intervention in 2022.

The yen traded at 151.97 per dollar in the Asia session, down about 0.2% and weaker than 151.94 where Japanese authorities stepped in during October 2022 to buy the currency and its weakest level since the middle of 1990.

For the quarter ending later this week the yen is the worst-performing major, down more than 7% on the dollar even after Japan's exit last week from negative interest rates.

Officials have been making near daily warnings against speculative moves and markets are jittery about a test of 152 per dollar as Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said Japan won't rule out any steps if it thinks the yen is falling too fast.

"The market is very sensitive to the 152 area," said National Australia Bank strategist Rodrigo Catril.

"If we were to break that level then recent history would suggest that intervention would be much more likely."

BOJ policymaker Naoki Tamura said on Wednesday the central bank must proceed slowly but steadily toward normalising its policies - seemingly giving the yen a little push weaker.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nikkei-225-surpasses-40000-mark-amid-historic-rally-in-japanese-stock-market-696288">Nikkei 225 surpasses 40,000 mark amid historic rally in Japanese stock market</a>

The move set the dollar higher more broadly, with the Chinese yuan and New Zealand dollar sold very close to four-month lows.

The yuan weakened to 7.2285 per dollar despite a strong fix of its trading band by the central bank. The New Zealand dollar &lt;NZD=&gt; fell 0.2% to $0.5988. New Zealand's Treasury revised its economic growth forecasts lower on Tuesday.

Australian data published in the morning showed inflation holding at a two-year low of 3.4% in February, reinforcing market wagers that the next move in interest rates would be down. The Aussie slipped 0.3% to $0.6515.

It is down 4.4% for the quarter. Other moves in Asia were kept in check as markets wait for Friday's release of U.S. core inflation data.

Overnight data showed a bigger-than-expected jump in U.S. durable goods orders in February. While that only partly made up for a large drop in January and came with sub-par consumer confidence data, it pushed the dollar up a little bit.

The euro, at $1.0825 is more or less in the middle of a range it has kept for a year and is down 1.9% for a quarter where expectations for U.S. rate cuts have been scaled back.

Watch:&nbsp;Kanda: Yen's weakness does not reflect the fundamentals

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kanda-yens-weakness-does-not-reflect-the-fundamentals-703966/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Swiss franc, still reeling from a surprise rate cut in Switzerland last week, fell about 0.5% on the dollar to a four-month low of 0.9042 overnight.

It is down about 7% for the first quarter of the year. The U.S. dollar index is up 3% for the quarter to 104.4.

Sterling was steady at $1.2621 and was broadly steady for the quarter, too, down just 0.8%.

On Tuesday Bank of England policymaker Catherine Mann said she changed her mind to vote for a rate hold last week, instead of a hike, due to consumers turning more stingy. But she still believes financial markets have too many cuts priced in.

The dollar climbed on Wednesday in the wake of more strong U.S. economic data, nudging the Japanese yen to a 34-year low and into the zone that drew official market intervention in 2022.

The dollar climbed on Wednesday in the wake of more strong U.S. economic data, nudging the Japanese yen to a 34-year low and into the zone that drew official market intervention in 2022. The yen traded at 151.97 per dollar in the Asia session, down about 0.2% and weaker than 151.94 where Japanese authorities stepped in during October 2022 to buy the currency and its weakest level since the middle of 1990. For the quarter ending later this week the yen is the worst-performing major, down more than 7% on the dollar even after Japan's exit last week from negative interest rates. Officials have been making near daily warnings against speculative moves and markets are jittery about a test of 152 per dollar as Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said Japan won't rule out any steps if it thinks the yen is falling too fast. "The market is very sensitive to the 152 area," said National Australia Bank strategist Rodrigo Catril. "If we were to break that level then recent history would suggest that intervention would be much more likely." BOJ policymaker Naoki Tamura said on Wednesday the central bank must proceed slowly but steadily toward normalising its policies - seemingly giving the yen a little push weaker. Also Read: Nikkei 225 surpasses 40,000 mark amid historic rally in Japanese stock market The move set the dollar higher more broadly, with the Chinese yuan and New Zealand dollar sold very close to four-month lows. The yuan weakened to 7.2285 per dollar despite a strong fix of its trading band by the central bank. The New Zealand dollar <NZD=> fell 0.2% to $0.5988. New Zealand's Treasury revised its economic growth forecasts lower on Tuesday. Australian data published in the morning showed inflation holding at a two-year low of 3.4% in February, reinforcing market wagers that the next move in interest rates would be down. The Aussie slipped 0.3% to $0.6515. It is down 4.4% for the quarter. Other moves in Asia were kept in check as markets wait for Friday's release of U.S. core inflation data. Overnight data showed a bigger-than-expected jump in U.S. durable goods orders in February. While that only partly made up for a large drop in January and came with sub-par consumer confidence data, it pushed the dollar up a little bit. The euro, at $1.0825 is more or less in the middle of a range it has kept for a year and is down 1.9% for a quarter where expectations for U.S. rate cuts have been scaled back. Watch: Kanda: Yen's weakness does not reflect the fundamentals The Swiss franc, still reeling from a surprise rate cut in Switzerland last week, fell about 0.5% on the dollar to a four-month low of 0.9042 overnight. It is down about 7% for the first quarter of the year. The U.S. dollar index is up 3% for the quarter to 104.4. Sterling was steady at $1.2621 and was broadly steady for the quarter, too, down just 0.8%. On Tuesday Bank of England policymaker Catherine Mann said she changed her mind to vote for a rate hold last week, instead of a hike, due to consumers turning more stingy. But she still believes financial markets have too many cuts priced in.

Yen hits 34-yr low ahead of key US inflation test

Nev maker BYD posted its slowest profit growth in two years. The electric vehicle giant reported an 18.6% rise in profit for the October-december quarter, its slowest since the first three months of 2022.

Survey shows inflation worry at a five month-high

South Koreans are feeling the pinch at the grocery store. Inflation, especially for fresh produce, is on the rise. A recent survey shows consumer confidence is down, with worries about higher food prices hitting a five-month high.

Climate change is real, and it has a huge economic cost. New research suggests that climate change is likely to have a greater impact on food prices, leading to higher inflation. That's not good news for global central banks that are trying to tame inflation.

Study: Climate change-led temperature rise to boost inflation

Climate change is real and it has a huge economic cost. New research suggests that climate change is likely to have a greater impact on food prices leading to higher inflation and that's not good news for Global central banks.

World faces 'climateflation' challenge

Central banks around the world are taking different approaches to monetary policy to counter inflation pressures. Swiss National Bank (SNB) became the first major central bank in the developed world to cut interest rates this cycle. The key driver for the snb's action appears to be a sharper-than-expected fall in inflation.

Swiss National Bank makes surprise rate cut

For eight years, Japan's central bank has maintained negative interest rates, a policy aimed at stimulating a stagnant economy. This meant banks charged a fee to hold excess reserves, encouraging them to lend more. However, with inflation exceeding the bank of Japan's 2% target for over a year, a policy shift is imminent. The bank of japan is expected to raise rates as early as this week, marking the first hike since 2007. Watch to know more!

Japanese banks gear up for policy rate shift with training

In India, inflation, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI), dipped further in February. The overall inflation dipped from 5.1% in January to 5.09% in February. Watch to know more!

India's inflation cools further, but food prices remain high

India's Consumer Price Index (CPI) remained unchanged in February, registering a 5.09 per cent inflation rate, mirroring the previous month's figure of 5.1 per cent. <o:p></o:p>

Analysts had anticipated this stability, with a Bloomberg poll projecting a CPI of 5.05 per cent for February.<o:p></o:p>

While the headline inflation remains above the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) target of 4 per cent, core inflation, which excludes food and fuel components, has declined to 3.37 per cent. <o:p></o:p>

This marks the lowest core inflation level since November 2019, indicating a lack of overheating in the Indian economy.<o:p></o:p>

Despite the overall stability, food inflation experienced a slight uptick from 8.3 per cent in January to 8.6 per cent in February. <o:p></o:p>

Notably, prices of eggs, fish, and meat witnessed a sharp increase, contributing to this rise in food inflation.<o:p></o:p>

Additionally, vegetable inflation rose from 27.1 per cent in January to 30.3 per cent in February, reflecting ongoing supply-side challenges.<o:p></o:p>

However, the future trajectory of inflation, particularly for cereals and pulses, hinges on the winter crop harvest. <o:p></o:p>

Reports suggest that recent rains in parts of north and northwest India, driven by western disturbances, may have resulted in crop damage, influencing future price dynamics.<o:p></o:p>

In other economic indicators, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for January fell slightly below analyst expectations, growing at 3.8 per cent. This marks a growth from the 5.8 per cent recorded in January 2023, according to data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO).<o:p></o:p>

Manufacturing, the dominant component of the IIP basket, expanded at a slower rate of 3.2 per cent compared to December 2023. This comes at a slightly lower than the 4.5 per cent growth seen in the same month of the previous year.<o:p></o:p>

Despite this, caution is warranted in interpreting this as a significant decline in economic momentum, as other indicators like the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) suggest continued expansion.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from PTI)<o:p></o:p>

India's Consumer Price Index (CPI) remained unchanged in February, registering a 5.09 per cent inflation rate, mirroring the previous month's figure of 5.1 per cent.

India's Consumer Price Index (CPI) remained unchanged in February, registering a 5.09 per cent inflation rate, mirroring the previous month's figure of 5.1 per cent. Analysts had anticipated this stability, with a Bloomberg poll projecting a CPI of 5.05 per cent for February. While the headline inflation remains above the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) target of 4 per cent, core inflation, which excludes food and fuel components, has declined to 3.37 per cent. This marks the lowest core inflation level since November 2019, indicating a lack of overheating in the Indian economy. Despite the overall stability, food inflation experienced a slight uptick from 8.3 per cent in January to 8.6 per cent in February. Notably, prices of eggs, fish, and meat witnessed a sharp increase, contributing to this rise in food inflation. Additionally, vegetable inflation rose from 27.1 per cent in January to 30.3 per cent in February, reflecting ongoing supply-side challenges. However, the future trajectory of inflation, particularly for cereals and pulses, hinges on the winter crop harvest. Reports suggest that recent rains in parts of north and northwest India, driven by western disturbances, may have resulted in crop damage, influencing future price dynamics. In other economic indicators, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for January fell slightly below analyst expectations, growing at 3.8 per cent. This marks a growth from the 5.8 per cent recorded in January 2023, according to data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO). Manufacturing, the dominant component of the IIP basket, expanded at a slower rate of 3.2 per cent compared to December 2023. This comes at a slightly lower than the 4.5 per cent growth seen in the same month of the previous year. Despite this, caution is warranted in interpreting this as a significant decline in economic momentum, as other indicators like the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) suggest continued expansion. (With inputs from PTI)

India's inflation holds steady in February at 5.09 pc, core inflation declines

Let's look at how markets opened this morning. Asian stocks started Tuesday on a cautious note after a sell-off on Wall Street ahead of key US Inflation data. Investors wait for cues from the price pressures report to understand the timing of the Federal Reserve's pivot to a rate-cut cycle.

Will Tuesday's US Data point to more inflation pain?

As uncertainties lurk around us, insurance serves as a beacon of financial security. It is a shield against the unpredictable storms that life may throw our way. Insurance coverage has become increasingly crucial as the cost of living continues to rise. However, merely having insurance isn't enough; it's essential to ensure that your coverage remains robust in the face of inflation.&nbsp;

Insurance is essentially a contractual agreement between an individual (the insured) and an insurance company (the insurer). In exchange for regular premium payments, the insurer provides financial protection against specified risks. These risks could include health issues, accidents, property damage, or even death, depending on the type of insurance policy.

The primary types of insurance in India include life insurance, health insurance, motor insurance, and property insurance. Each serves a distinct purpose but shares the common goal of mitigating financial risks associated with unexpected events.

Insurance is crucial for several reasons.

Here’s why insurance should be an integral part of your financial planning:

Risk Mitigation&nbsp;

Life is unpredictable, and unfortunate events such as accidents, illnesses, or natural disasters can wreak havoc on your finances. Insurance provides a safety net by covering the associated costs, ensuring that such events don't lead to financial ruin.

Asset Protection

Whether it's your home, car, or health, insurance safeguards your valuable assets against damage or loss. It allows you to repair or replace them without bearing the entire financial burden.Insurance plays a crucial role in long-term financial planning, especially concerning retirement and legacy planning.&nbsp;

Legal Compliance

Certain types of insurance, such as motor insurance, are mandatory as per Indian laws. Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to legal repercussions, making insurance not just a prudent choice but a necessary one.

Making Your Insurance Inflation-Proof

Inflation erodes the value of money over time, diminishing the purchasing power of your insurance coverage. To ensure that your policies remain effective despite inflation, consider the following strategies:

Regular Review&nbsp;

Periodically review your insurance policies to ensure they align with your current needs and lifestyle. As inflation impacts the cost of living and healthcare expenses, it's essential to adjust your coverage accordingly.

Choose Indexed Policies

Opt for insurance policies with inflation protection features, such as indexed plans. These policies adjust the sum assured or premiums periodically based on inflation indices, ensuring that your coverage keeps pace with rising costs.

Invest in Health Insurance Riders

Health insurance riders offer additional coverage for specific medical conditions or treatments not covered by standard policies. Investing in riders that account for inflation in healthcare costs can provide comprehensive coverage against rising medical expenses.

Consider Whole Life Insurance&nbsp;

Whole life insurance policies provide coverage for the insured's entire life, with premiums typically remaining fixed. These policies offer a hedge against inflation as the sum assured and cash value grow over time, keeping pace with rising costs.

Affordability and Claims Settlement&nbsp;

While comprehensive coverage is desirable, ensure that the premiums remain affordable over the long term. Opt for a balance between adequate coverage and affordability to avoid financial strain.

Evaluate the insurer's claims settlement record and reputation before purchasing a policy. A reliable insurer with a history of prompt and fair claims settlement ensures that your insurance serves its intended purpose during times of need.

Policy Exclusions and Limitations

Thoroughly understand the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations of your insurance policies. Be aware of any clauses that may impact coverage during inflationary periods or specific circumstances.

Insurance serves as a cornerstone of financial stability, offering protection against life’s uncertainties.

Inflation-proofing your insurance requires a proactive approach and choosing the right policies. By staying informed, you can ensure that your insurance coverage remains effective, providing peace of mind for you and your family.

As uncertainties lurk around us, insurance serves as a beacon of financial security. It is a shield against the unpredictable storms that life may throw our way.

As uncertainties lurk around us, insurance serves as a beacon of financial security. It is a shield against the unpredictable storms that life may throw our way. Insurance coverage has become increasingly crucial as the cost of living continues to rise. However, merely having insurance isn't enough; it's essential to ensure that your coverage remains robust in the face of inflation. Insurance is essentially a contractual agreement between an individual (the insured) and an insurance company (the insurer). In exchange for regular premium payments, the insurer provides financial protection against specified risks. These risks could include health issues, accidents, property damage, or even death, depending on the type of insurance policy. The primary types of insurance in India include life insurance, health insurance, motor insurance, and property insurance. Each serves a distinct purpose but shares the common goal of mitigating financial risks associated with unexpected events. Insurance is crucial for several reasons. Here’s why insurance should be an integral part of your financial planning: Risk Mitigation Life is unpredictable, and unfortunate events such as accidents, illnesses, or natural disasters can wreak havoc on your finances. Insurance provides a safety net by covering the associated costs, ensuring that such events don't lead to financial ruin. Asset Protection Whether it's your home, car, or health, insurance safeguards your valuable assets against damage or loss. It allows you to repair or replace them without bearing the entire financial burden.Insurance plays a crucial role in long-term financial planning, especially concerning retirement and legacy planning. Legal Compliance Certain types of insurance, such as motor insurance, are mandatory as per Indian laws. Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to legal repercussions, making insurance not just a prudent choice but a necessary one. Making Your Insurance Inflation-Proof Inflation erodes the value of money over time, diminishing the purchasing power of your insurance coverage. To ensure that your policies remain effective despite inflation, consider the following strategies: Regular Review Periodically review your insurance policies to ensure they align with your current needs and lifestyle. As inflation impacts the cost of living and healthcare expenses, it's essential to adjust your coverage accordingly. Choose Indexed Policies Opt for insurance policies with inflation protection features, such as indexed plans. These policies adjust the sum assured or premiums periodically based on inflation indices, ensuring that your coverage keeps pace with rising costs. Invest in Health Insurance Riders Health insurance riders offer additional coverage for specific medical conditions or treatments not covered by standard policies. Investing in riders that account for inflation in healthcare costs can provide comprehensive coverage against rising medical expenses. Consider Whole Life Insurance Whole life insurance policies provide coverage for the insured's entire life, with premiums typically remaining fixed. These policies offer a hedge against inflation as the sum assured and cash value grow over time, keeping pace with rising costs. Affordability and Claims Settlement While comprehensive coverage is desirable, ensure that the premiums remain affordable over the long term. Opt for a balance between adequate coverage and affordability to avoid financial strain. Evaluate the insurer's claims settlement record and reputation before purchasing a policy. A reliable insurer with a history of prompt and fair claims settlement ensures that your insurance serves its intended purpose during times of need. Policy Exclusions and Limitations Thoroughly understand the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations of your insurance policies. Be aware of any clauses that may impact coverage during inflationary periods or specific circumstances. Insurance serves as a cornerstone of financial stability, offering protection against life’s uncertainties. Inflation-proofing your insurance requires a proactive approach and choosing the right policies. By staying informed, you can ensure that your insurance coverage remains effective, providing peace of mind for you and your family.

Expert Voice | How to make your insurance inflation proof

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hinted at the central bank's growing confidence in considering interest rate cuts, stating they are "not far" from the needed assurance that inflation is sustainably moving towards the 2 per cent target, Bloomberg reported on Thursday.<o:p></o:p>

Speaking before the Senate Banking Committee, Powell underlined that the timing of the rate cut remains dependent on the confidence in inflation trends. <o:p></o:p>

His remarks contributed to the anticipation of a possible rate cut in the coming months, with traders adjusting their expectations following Powell's commentary.<o:p></o:p>

Powell highlighted that inflation's sustainable movement towards the 2 per cent mark would be crucial before initiating any rate cut. <o:p></o:p>

While stating that a rate cut might be appropriate "at some point this year," Powell remains cautious. <o:p></o:p>

The Federal Reserve had raised the benchmark federal funds rate significantly since March 2022 but has maintained it at a two-decade high since July. <o:p></o:p>

Powell's comments suggest a careful approach, with the central bank currently holding interest rates in the range of 5.25 per cent to 5.5 per cent. <o:p></o:p>

In December, the Federal Reserve projected three interest rate cuts for 2024, and the committee is set to update its forecasts in the upcoming March meeting.<o:p></o:p>

Following Powell's statements, the market reacted with a decline in two-year Treasury yields, and traders adjusted their expectations, increasing bets on a rate cut in June. <o:p></o:p>

The possibility of a rate cut comes amid strong job growth and a notable rise in prices in January. <o:p></o:p>

Powell's testimony over two days reflects a delicate balance between the need for economic stimulus and a cautious approach, considering the strong&nbsp;economic backdrop. <o:p></o:p>

Christine Lagarde, Powell's European counterpart, provided additional context, saying that the European Central Bank (ECB) may be positioned to lower rates in June. <o:p></o:p>

Lagarde highlighted the need for more evidence and detail before considering rate cuts. <o:p></o:p>

The ECB president said that it was important to gain confidence in the economic trends and added that more information would be available in June. <o:p></o:p>

Lagarde's comments come as the ECB keeps the deposit rate unchanged at 4 per cent for a fourth consecutive meeting.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Bloomberg)<o:p></o:p>

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hinted at the central bank's growing confidence in considering interest rate cuts, stating they are "not far" from the needed assurance that inflation is sustainably moving towards the 2 per cent target, Bloomberg reported on Thursday.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hinted at the central bank's growing confidence in considering interest rate cuts, stating they are "not far" from the needed assurance that inflation is sustainably moving towards the 2 per cent target, Bloomberg reported on Thursday. Speaking before the Senate Banking Committee, Powell underlined that the timing of the rate cut remains dependent on the confidence in inflation trends. His remarks contributed to the anticipation of a possible rate cut in the coming months, with traders adjusting their expectations following Powell's commentary. Powell highlighted that inflation's sustainable movement towards the 2 per cent mark would be crucial before initiating any rate cut. While stating that a rate cut might be appropriate "at some point this year," Powell remains cautious. The Federal Reserve had raised the benchmark federal funds rate significantly since March 2022 but has maintained it at a two-decade high since July. Powell's comments suggest a careful approach, with the central bank currently holding interest rates in the range of 5.25 per cent to 5.5 per cent. In December, the Federal Reserve projected three interest rate cuts for 2024, and the committee is set to update its forecasts in the upcoming March meeting. Following Powell's statements, the market reacted with a decline in two-year Treasury yields, and traders adjusted their expectations, increasing bets on a rate cut in June. The possibility of a rate cut comes amid strong job growth and a notable rise in prices in January. Powell's testimony over two days reflects a delicate balance between the need for economic stimulus and a cautious approach, considering the strong economic backdrop. Christine Lagarde, Powell's European counterpart, provided additional context, saying that the European Central Bank (ECB) may be positioned to lower rates in June. Lagarde highlighted the need for more evidence and detail before considering rate cuts. The ECB president said that it was important to gain confidence in the economic trends and added that more information would be available in June. Lagarde's comments come as the ECB keeps the deposit rate unchanged at 4 per cent for a fourth consecutive meeting. (With inputs from Bloomberg)

Fed Chair Jerome Powell signals potential interest rate cuts. Here are the details

Australia's consumer price inflation has maintained a two-year low in January, defying expectations of a slight increase, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday. <o:p></o:p>

According to Reuters, the monthly consumer price index (CPI) revealed an annual pace of 3.4 per cent in January, consistent with December figures and below market predictions of 3.6 per cent. <o:p></o:p>

The trimmed mean, a key indicator of core inflation, also witnessed a slight decrease, falling from 4.0 per cent in December to 3.8 per cent in January. <o:p></o:p>

With inflation figures remaining subdued, market expectations lean towards the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) refraining from further interest rate hikes.<o:p></o:p>

"Inflation excluding volatile items and holiday travel slowed to 4.1 per cent from 4.2 per cent," noted the Australian Bureau of Statistics. <o:p></o:p>

The data highlighted a monthly CPI decline of 0.3 per cent in January, driven by notable decreases in holiday travel, clothing, and petrol prices. <o:p></o:p>

Holiday travel, in particular, witnessed a substantial slump of 5.2 per cent compared to the previous month. <o:p></o:p>

These patterns indicate challenges in specific sectors and contribute to the overall stability of inflation at a lower rate, discouraging the need for immediate rate adjustments.<o:p></o:p>

Despite the Reserve Bank of Australia's previous efforts to combat rising inflation by increasing interest rates, the persistently low inflation figures indicate that further rate hikes may not be imminent. <o:p></o:p>

The RBA, which has elevated interest rates by 425 basis points since May 2022, currently stands at a 12-year high of 4.35 per cent. <o:p></o:p>

However, the central bank has not ruled out the possibility of additional hikes if necessary to align with its target inflation band of 2-3 per cent. <o:p></o:p>

Financial markets, however, express confidence that the RBA is concluding its tightening phase, with swaps implying a 60 per cent chance of a first rate cut in August and an overall easing of 38 basis points by year-end.<o:p></o:p>

As inflation remains subdued, the Australian dollar saw minimal change at $0.6547, reflecting the market's steady stance. <o:p></o:p>

Three-year bond futures also held at 96.26, indicating a cautious yet stable outlook. <o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

Australia's consumer price inflation has maintained a two-year low in January, defying expectations of a slight increase, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday.

Australia's consumer price inflation has maintained a two-year low in January, defying expectations of a slight increase, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday. According to Reuters, the monthly consumer price index (CPI) revealed an annual pace of 3.4 per cent in January, consistent with December figures and below market predictions of 3.6 per cent. The trimmed mean, a key indicator of core inflation, also witnessed a slight decrease, falling from 4.0 per cent in December to 3.8 per cent in January. With inflation figures remaining subdued, market expectations lean towards the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) refraining from further interest rate hikes. "Inflation excluding volatile items and holiday travel slowed to 4.1 per cent from 4.2 per cent," noted the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The data highlighted a monthly CPI decline of 0.3 per cent in January, driven by notable decreases in holiday travel, clothing, and petrol prices. Holiday travel, in particular, witnessed a substantial slump of 5.2 per cent compared to the previous month. These patterns indicate challenges in specific sectors and contribute to the overall stability of inflation at a lower rate, discouraging the need for immediate rate adjustments. Despite the Reserve Bank of Australia's previous efforts to combat rising inflation by increasing interest rates, the persistently low inflation figures indicate that further rate hikes may not be imminent. The RBA, which has elevated interest rates by 425 basis points since May 2022, currently stands at a 12-year high of 4.35 per cent. However, the central bank has not ruled out the possibility of additional hikes if necessary to align with its target inflation band of 2-3 per cent. Financial markets, however, express confidence that the RBA is concluding its tightening phase, with swaps implying a 60 per cent chance of a first rate cut in August and an overall easing of 38 basis points by year-end. As inflation remains subdued, the Australian dollar saw minimal change at $0.6547, reflecting the market's steady stance. Three-year bond futures also held at 96.26, indicating a cautious yet stable outlook. (With inputs from Reuters)

Australia's inflation remains at two-year low in January, dampening rate hike expectations

Nigeria's inflation rate accelerated further in January and reached almost 30% in annual terms, driven by soaring food costs and the fall of the country's naira currency to record lows. Watch in for more details!

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Amid China's economic slowdown and record-low foreign investment, India's stock market is riding high, with billions of dollars pouring in from investors. With over $20 billion in foreign inflows last year alone, India's equity market is witnessing significant growth. While China's Shanghai composite exchange declined by 13% over the past year, India's benchmark BSE Sensex index surged approximately 17%.

China’s slump triggers India’s growth

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