Fitch Ratings, based in London, has reported that a significant increase in global energy prices is starting to influence inflation figures for March, as evidenced by data from several leading economies, including the United States and the eurozone.
In the major developed economies where data has been collected, prices experienced an average monthly increase of 0.8%, marking the most substantial rise since 2022. The overall annual inflation rate across these markets climbed by an average of 0.3 percentage points, although the full impact of this surge on consumer prices has yet to be realized. Notably, variations were observed, with some nations implementing fuel price controls that mitigated the increase in consumer costs.
In contrast, yields on government bonds have risen universally as market participants anticipate potential fiscal and monetary actions in response to inflationary pressures. The increase in yields for 10-year US government bonds has remained relatively subdued.
The quarterly report known as the ‘Fitch-20 Economic Monitor’ (previously titled ‘20/20 Vision’) provides an overview of the 20 primary economies that are central to Fitch’s Economics team’s macroeconomic analysis. This report presents five years of high-frequency economic data across 20 different variables, ensuring consistent coverage among the countries involved.
The latest edition, ‘Fitch-20 Economic Monitor: March 2026,’ can be accessed through the provided link or directly at www.fitchratings.com.
For editorial purposes, it is noteworthy that Fitch’s Economics team, headed by Chief Economist Brian Coulton, specializes in examining global macroeconomic trends and their implications for credit markets worldwide. The team regularly publishes research, forecasts, and insights focused on 20 key advanced and emerging economies. Their flagship publication, ‘Global Economic Outlook,’ along with other economic research and commentary, is accessible at www.fitchratings.com/site/economics.
