Analysis: U.S. sanctions on Iran have a big impact, but not necessarily in the intended places
Sanctions are a long-used tool designed as an alternative to military force and with the objective of changing governments’ behaviour, but they also...
The Central Bank of Azerbaijan has reduced the refinancing rate from 7.25% to 7%, the interest rate corridor floor from 6.25% to 6%, and the ceiling from 8.25% to 8%.
The Central Bank said that the decision was made based on several factors: the alignment of actual inflation with the forecast trajectory and its position within the target range (4±2%), recent global economic developments, the domestic macroeconomic environment, continued stability in the foreign exchange market, and the effective transmission of monetary policy decisions.
As of June 2025, 12-month inflation stood at 6%. Price growth was recorded at 7% for food, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco products; 7.2% for services; and 2.8% for non-food products. Core inflation for the same period was 4.8%.
Although some external uncertainties persist, their impact on inflation has remained limited according to the Central Bank. According to the International Monetary Fund, the global commodity price index declined by 0.6% year-on-year in June 2025, including a 4.2% decrease in the food price index.
During the current year, supply has exceeded demand in the foreign exchange (FX) market overall, including both cash and non-cash segments. The continued decline in the dollarization of resident individuals’ deposits reflects positive expectations regarding the exchange rate, Bank's statement reads. External sector indicators—the key drivers of the FX market—remain favourable. According to the State Customs Committee, a foreign trade surplus of $1.4 billion was recorded in the first half of 2025.
Azerbaijan's Central Bank stated that global trade continued to contribute to volatility in commodity and financial markets. In this context, imported inflation remains an external risk factor, influenced by inflation in key trading partner countries and changes in the nominal effective exchange rate.
On the domestic front, the main source of inflationary pressure is the potential intensification of cost-push factors and rapid growth in aggregate demand. This underscores the importance of closely monitoring the medium-term effects of government spending and consumer lending on demand and price levels.
Under the baseline scenario, annual inflation is expected to stay within the target range throughout 2025 and 2026.
The July forecast projects inflation at 5.7% in 2025 and 5.3% in 2026. The consistency of these forecasts with the target range, combined with ongoing FX market stability, provides justification for a further easing of monetary policy, according to the Central Bank.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has activated the state’s National Guard following the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis, an incident that has triggered protests and intensified tensions between state and federal authorities.
Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez said on Sunday the country should not fear pursuing energy ties with the United States, as Caracas seeks to expand oil and gas production and attract foreign investment.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly rejected a U.S. magazine report on the death toll during January unrest. Nationwide protests erupted in response to soaring inflation and a national currency crisis.
A mosaic portrait of Pope Leo XIV was illuminated on Sunday at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, continuing a centuries-old Vatican tradition marking the election of a new pope.
Diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine remain stalled after talks in Abu Dhabi ended without an agreement. Moscow has since ruled out dialogue with the EU’s top diplomat.
Argentina's economic activity shrunk 0.3% in November compared with the same month last year, marking the first monthly contraction of 2025, data from Argentina's national statistics agency showed on Wednesday.
Wall Street closed sharply lower on Tuesday as global markets fell after U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariff threats against Europe unsettled investors and revived fears of renewed volatility.
Global markets are rattled after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on eight European countries over Greenland, sending the euro to a seven-week low and raising concerns about renewed transatlantic trade tensions.
Hong Kong and Shanghai will sign a memorandum of understanding next week to establish a cross-border gold trade clearing system, a move aimed at boosting Hong Kong’s role as an international gold trading hub, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said.
Elon Musk is seeking up to $134 billion from OpenAI and Microsoft, arguing that the companies profited unfairly from his early support of the artificial intelligence firm, according to a court filing made public on Friday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment