US consumer spending increased slightly by 0.1% in April, as inflation pressures continued to affect disposable incomes, which have fallen for three consecutive months. The personal consumption expenditures price index saw a 3.8% rise year-on-year, indicating significant financial strain on households. In Europe, inflation surged, with France, Italy, and Spain reporting increases of 2.8%, 3.3%, and 3.6% respectively, driven by escalating energy costs due to the ongoing Iran war. This situation has led to speculation about potential interest rate hikes by the European Central Bank. Meanwhile, China has responded to its economic slowdown by reducing the interest rate on a one-year policy loan to banks to a record low. In Africa, South Africa's central bank has raised borrowing costs to manage inflation, while Zambia anticipates a 28% increase in corn production in 2026, which may help stabilize food prices. Overall, global economic conditions remain precarious as various nations navigate inflationary pressures and adjust their monetary policies accordingly.