Doha: The Bank of Japan has decided to keep its interest rates unchanged, maintaining its current monetary policy stance. This decision comes amid ongoing economic challenges and global financial uncertainties. The central bank's move is seen as a measure to support economic recovery while keeping inflation in check.
According to Qatar News Agency, France has reported an increase in its annual inflation rate to 2.1% in July 2026, up from 1.8% in June. This rise is attributed to higher energy and services prices, with significant contributions from gas and petroleum products. The French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) has released data indicating a 12.4% year-on-year increase in energy prices for July, influenced by the military escalation in the Middle East.
Additionally, the INSEE reported that accommodation and telecommunications services costs have risen. The decline in manufactured goods prices has slowed compared to the previous month, while food prices have continued to rise at the same annual pace of 0.9% recorded in June. France's harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP), a measure to compare inflation across eurozone countries, also increased to 2.4% year-on-year in July, up from 2% in June.