Higher prices explain most of the rise in US consumer outlays

US real spending rises less than 0.1% as real after-tax income falls

US consumer spending barely increased after inflation in September, while after-tax purchasing power declined. Higher dollar outlays largely reflected rising prices; the next income and spending estimates are scheduled for 25 November.

Vietnam’s government suspends gasoline tax and cuts electricity tariff

Vietnam’s government suspends gasoline special consumption tax and lowers the average electricity tariff to reduce household and business costs. Customers pay electricity rates set for their customer groups, rather than one uniform average rate. The government says it will consider extending the gasoline tax suspension depending on circumstances.

EU Commission says Canada–EU digital trade talks end before signature

Canada and the EU concluded digital trade negotiations, but the European Commission says formal signature remains ahead. The proposed rules cover cross-border data and online consumer protection, while a separately signed investment framework allows the European Investment Bank to consider financing Canadian resource projects.

France’s economy shrinks in third quarter of 2026 as inflation rises

France’s economy contracted in the third quarter of 2026 while inflation rose more than anticipated. Finance Minister Roland Lescure warns that the economy could face serious trouble if parliament does not soon approve a budget to reduce the deficit.

Australia’s annual inflation rises to 4.3% in September

Australia’s September inflation accelerated, with housing contributing most to the annual increase and transport next. The cash rate remains unchanged pending the central bank’s next decision; economists expect another increase as officials warn about persistent price pressures.

Trump gives notice of intent to end Rwanda and South Africa trade benefits

President Donald Trump has notified Congress, Rwanda and South Africa that he intends to end the countries’ AGOA eligibility. The move would remove duty-free treatment for qualifying exports under the program. South Africa’s government says it remains open to talks to address US concerns.

Armenia’s net personal transfers top $2 billion, central bank says

Armenia’s net personal-transfer inflows through banks nearly doubled, with higher incoming transfers and lower outgoing transfers contributing to the rise. The Central Bank’s schedule provides for the October update on the last working day of November.

European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde to step down on 7 February 2027

Christine Lagarde plans to leave the European Central Bank presidency. The European Council will make the appointment through the treaty process.

Armenia’s tax receipts rise 14.5%, revenue committee chairman says

Armenia collected more in taxes and state duties over the first ten months of the year, revenue committee chairman Eduard Hakobyan says. Refunds to taxpayers also increased, and he pledged further work to strengthen voluntary tax compliance and improve predictability, transparency and competitive conditions.

Trump removed extra 50% tariff on some Canadian goods on 30 October

Trump removed an additional tariff from some Canadian products and extended it to others. His proclamation ties the change to customs entry from 30 October 2026, while the White House says covered goods remain subject to the levy even if they qualify under the countries’ trade agreement.

Updated

Anthropic plans up to $3.5 billion share sale in Japan

Anthropic disclosed a first-half net loss ahead of its planned public offering. Its updated quarterly results show slower revenue growth and a return to operating loss, which the company primarily attributes to more expensive short-term computing capacity. SiliconANGLE reported a third-quarter operating loss of $536 million, a figure that differs from those reported by Fortune and CNA.

US court dismisses $1 billion defamation case against Elsevier

A US court dismissed Global Plasma Solutions’ defamation case against Elsevier because the evidence could not support a finding of actual malice. The ruling ends the claim at the trial-court level; the company’s attorney says it expects to appeal.