Economics

Central Banks Keep Surprising With Hikes as Inflation Fears Soar

  • Canada, Korea accelerate interest-rate hikes, others surprise
  • Fed seen possibly raising by full percentage point this month

A member of the media outside the Bank of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario, on July 13. 

Photographer: David Kawai/Bloomberg
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Central banks across the globe are speeding up interest-rate hikes, seeking to crush an inflation surge partly of their own making.

Wednesday saw Canada’s central bank hike a greater-than-expected full percentage point following two half-point moves, South Korea raise by a half point after several quarter-point moves, and New Zealand increase by a half point for a third straight meeting.