FW Desk News
FreightWatch.News
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
U.S. consumer spending jumped in August at its strongest rate in more than a year, propelling economic growth. Core price increases held at 0.2 percent month-over-month, reflecting persistent cost pressures on households. The spending surge contrasted sharply with diverging central bank responses globally. European central banks face mounting pressure to raise rates as German inflation reached near three-year highs and Polish price growth exceeded target ranges, with fuel costs accelerating at four-year rates. Meanwhile, Suez Canal transits climbed 27 percent year-over-year in August as shipping lines gradually resumed Red Sea-Suez routing. Zambia bucked the broader tightening trend, delivering its deepest interest rate cut in 15 years as officials forecast inflation will stabilize within target.
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