Investment Institute
Macroeconomics

Take Two: US inflation eases; France to begin new parliamentary session


What do you need to know?

US annual inflation eased to 3.0% in June from 3.3% in May. The latest reading marks the joint slowest pace of US price rises for three years. Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell said ahead of the data’s release that the central bank has made “considerable progress” in bringing inflation further towards the Fed’s 2% target, but that “more good data” would be necessary before interest rates could be cut. Powell also said last week that the US is “no longer an overheated economy”. The week also saw both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit record highs on the hopes of an interest rate cut.


Around the world

France’s new parliamentary session begins this week with newly elected members of the National Assembly taking their seats amid political uncertainty. The second round of the French parliamentary election brought a surprise victory for left-wing alliance, the New Popular Front, but no single party won an absolute majority, resulting in a hung parliament. President Emmanual Macron’s centrist party came second, and the far-right National Rally third – despite having taken the lead in the first round. France’s CAC Index fell 0.9% in the week to Thursday’s close.1

Figure in focus: €220m

An accelerator programme that supports start-ups to find carbon dioxide removal solutions has helped projects throughout Europe raise more than €220m and is now turning to India to help businesses there mitigate global warming. The Amsterdam-based programme, called remove, is backed by organisations including the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, the Sustainability in Business Lab and Carbon Removal Partners. Meanwhile average global temperatures have risen at least 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for 12 consecutive months, new data from the European Union’s climate change service showed. Temperatures between July 2023 and June 2024 were the highest on record, sitting at 1.64°C greater than their pre-industrial average.

  • SW4gZXVybyB0ZXJtcy4gU291cmNlOiBGYWN0U2V0LCBkYXRhIGFzIG9mIDExIEp1bHkgMjAyNA==

    Disclaimer

    This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment research or financial analysis relating to transactions in financial instruments as per MIF Directive (2014/65/EU), nor does it constitute on the part of AXA Investment Managers or its affiliated companies an offer to buy or sell any investments, products or services, and should not be considered as solicitation or investment, legal or tax advice, a recommendation for an investment strategy or a personalized recommendation to buy or sell securities.

    Due to its simplification, this document is partial and opinions, estimates and forecasts herein are subjective and subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee forecasts made will come to pass. Data, figures, declarations, analysis, predictions and other information in this document is provided based on our state of knowledge at the time of creation of this document. Whilst every care is taken, no representation or warranty (including liability towards third parties), express or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information contained herein. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the recipient. This material does not contain sufficient information to support an investment decision.

    Issued in the UK by AXA Investment Managers UK Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. Registered in England and Wales, No: 01431068. Registered Office: 22 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ.

    In other jurisdictions, this document is issued by AXA Investment Managers SA’s affiliates in those countries.

    © 2024 AXA Investment Managers. All rights reserved