Why ‘Premium Privilege’ Is Getting Harder to Defend
January 31, 2026
Regional demand gaps, rising competition, and value-led behavior are reshaping
MARKETS
US inflation rebounded to 2.7% in November and the jobs market, while cooling, remains strong. Markets have been re-pricing the prospect of Federal Reserve rate cuts this year in the wake of more hawkish Fed commentary, per ING Bank.
Eurozone headline inflation rose to 2.4% in December, with core inflation stabilising at 2.7%. This is likely to result in a slowing of rate cuts by the European Central Bank (ECB).
Germany’s December inflation rose to 2.6% year-on-year, with consumer prices up 0.4% the previous month, per the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).
This Week in Currencies | Jan 08, 2025
The dollar weakened on rumours that the Trump administration would scale back his promise to impose broad tariffs on imported goods. Mr. Trump has said that it was ‘fake news’.
The euro was supported by stronger-than-expected inflation data in the Euro Area. Annual inflation accelerated to 2.4% in December, its highest level since July
The British pound rose from an eight-month low, as the dollar weakened following reports that President-elect Donald Trump was considering targeted tariffs instead of broader levies.
The Indian rupee weakened to 85.8 per USD, nearing its record low of almost 86 hit in early January, weighed down by a stronger dollar.
Markets
Regional demand gaps, rising competition, and value-led behavior are reshaping
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