Peru’s Central Reserve Bank (BCRP) raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 bps to 4.50% in November 2026, its first hike in nearly four years. The move reflected supply shocks, higher inflation expectations and strong domestic demand. Annual inflation accelerated to 5.3% in October from 4.5% in September, mainly due to higher food and energy prices. Inflation excluding food and energy rose to 4.6% from 4.5%, while the measure excluding food, energy and transportation stood at 2.0%, within the 1%-3% target range. Twelve-month inflation expectations remained at 3.1%, above the target ceiling. The BCRP expects inflation to return to target and converge toward 2% as supply shocks fade, but warned that El Niño and Middle East tensions could prolong price pressures. Activity indicators remained robust in October, while business expectations slowed but stayed optimistic. The bank said the hike does not necessarily mark a tightening cycle. Its next policy meeting is scheduled for December 10.

Peru Raises Rate for First Time in Almost 4 Years

The NZX 50 dropped 80 points, or 0.6%, to 14,179 in Friday morning trade, tracking a downbeat session on Wall Street overnight amid a plunge in Nvidia shares following the resignation of CEO Huang, while rising oil prices lifted Treasury yields. Traders also took profit after the broader index hit a record high a day earlier, supported by strong earnings reports from heavyweight stocks. Fresh data also pressured sentiment, as growth in New Zealand's manufacturing sector eased in October amid rising fuel prices, the cost of living, and concerns over election uncertainty. Rising oil prices further pressured the index, as inflation concerns and expectations of interest rate hikes increased. Almost all sectors traded in the red, led by industrials, with notable losers including Auckland International Airport (-3.4%), Turners Automotive (-1.9%), Fletcher Building (-1.6%), and Brisco Group (-1.2%). However, the index was up 1.3% for the week, marking its third straight weekly gain.

NZX 50 Retreats from Record High but Poised for 3rd Weekly Gain

New Zealand’s BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index eased to 54.9 in October 2026 from 56.3 in September, marking a 16-month streak of expansion. Respondents cited fuel prices, the cost of living, and election uncertainty as concerns, though many pointed to the Christmas build-up and steady orders as positive factors. Employment was the weakest sub-index at 51.9, though still expanding, while Deliveries (61.4) and Finished Stocks (58.0) were the strongest. New Orders (54.3) and Production (53.9) eased from the previous month but remained comfortably in expansion. The Christmas build-up and steady infrastructure work suggest manufacturers are ending the year on a solid footing, even as input prices and the cost of living continue to weigh on the sector.

NZ Manufacturing PMI in Expansion for 16th Straight Month

The Dow Jones Index decreased 189 points or 0.36 percent on Thursday to close at 52297 points. The decline was led by Nvidia (-4.54%), Honeywell International (-1.81%) and Boeing (-1.71%). On the upside, the strongest performers were Alphabet (1.82%), Chevron (1.44%) and Cisco Systems (1.24%).

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Peru Raises Rate for First Time in Almost 4 Years

NZX 50 Retreats from Record High but Poised for 3rd Weekly Gain

NZ Manufacturing PMI in Expansion for 16th Straight Month

The Dow Jones Index Closes 0.36% Lower