Quick Overview

• The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) on Friday lifted its inflation forecasts for the next two years, with a statement saying that further tightening of monetary policy is likely.

• ECB holds rates at 1.25%.

• The number of U.S. people initially applying for unemployment aid last week rose to its highest level in eight months.

• The water level of the drought-stricken Yangtze River has been sharply reduced since February of this year, with its middle reaches decreasing to levels not seen in fifty years. In addition, water levels near the river's Three Gorges Dam are at five-year lows.

• (Bloomberg) Drought conditions may persist in wheat-growing areas from China, the world’s largest grower and consumer, to the U.S. and Western Europe, hurting crops and lifting prices, British Weather Services said.

• The GOP said plan to replace Medicare with vouchers will have to wait.