Section
Economics
The legacy of Powell at the Fed
Jay Powell has concluded his term as Federal Reserve chair, having managed significant inflation and banking challenges while maintaining the Fed’s independence amid political pressure.…
Central bank constraints mean the ‘policy put’ is no longer a given
Central banks and governments have historically intervened during market sell-offs and crises to stabilize financial markets, fostering a widespread belief in predictable policy support. However,…
This is the reality of European-style social spending
A new analysis reveals that adopting European-style social welfare programs in the U.S. is complicated by existing tax structures, spending patterns, and a national debt…
The infantilism of an ‘ungovernable’ Britain
The UK has seen unprecedented political instability since 2010, with six prime ministers and the potential loss of Labour leader Keir Starmer, prompting concerns about…
The Gulf crisis may just be starting
Since late February, no tankers carrying critical commodities like oil, LNG, and refined products have transited the Strait of Hormuz due to armed conflict and…
Near-impossible revenue challenge amid mounting debt, say experts
Experts have criticized Bangladesh’s proposed 2026-27 budget for setting an overly ambitious revenue growth target above 20 percent amidst rising debt, subsidy pressures, and growing…
How can Trump turn things around on inflation?
U.S. workers experienced a decline in purchasing power as consumer prices rose 3.8 percent over the past year while wages increased by just 3.6 percent,…
Housing nightmare: Massive migration hurting young Aussies
Australia’s budget projects an additional 55,000 migrants over the next two years, raising concerns about housing supply and affordability for younger Australians. To meet rising…
Fed Official Flags Conditions for Possible Rate Hike
Boston Federal Reserve President Susan Collins signaled that the Fed might raise interest rates if inflation spreads beyond energy prices, although she currently expects inflationary…
'Workers on treadmill' despite pay rise
Average wages in Australia rose by 3.3 percent over the past year, but a 4.6 percent inflation rate driven by soaring oil prices has caused…
Experts urge swift rollout of household income plan
China's household income growth slowed in the first quarter, increasing by 4.9 percent nominally but lagging behind overall economic expansion and consumption growth. Experts urge…
Wholesale Inflation Surges Amid Iran Conflict Disruptions
Wholesale inflation in the U.S. rose sharply in April, with the producer price index increasing 1.4% from March and reaching a 6.0% annual rate, driven…
Labour’s wishful thinking problem
The UK Labour Party is considering a leadership change amid pressing economic challenges that require confronting budgetary limits rather than relying on optimistic policy assumptions.…
「不可能」を「可能」に 政府・日銀が為替介入
On April 30, the Japanese government and the Bank of Japan intervened in the foreign exchange market to halt the yen’s rapid depreciation amid sharp…
米財務長官発言 市場注視 利上げ支持、日銀を信頼
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen supported raising interest rates while expressing trust in the Bank of Japan’s continued monetary easing. This stance highlights ongoing coordination…
Peril Ahead for Pakistan’s Economy
Pakistan’s economy showed improvement in the first half of fiscal year 2026 with lower inflation, a fiscal surplus, and resumed growth, according to the State…
Australia economy hostage to Iran war, says Treasurer
Australia’s federal budget includes a controversial reform ending negative gearing for existing rental properties to improve homeownership affordability, alongside measures to bolster energy security amid…
Fine-tuning RON95 eligibility cut-off
Malaysia is revising its fuel subsidy system to better target RON95 petrol assistance by using a data-driven approach that considers income, fuel use, and other…
US Consumer Prices Rise as Iran War Drives Energy Costs Higher
Consumer prices in the U.S. rose sharply in April 2025, with a 0.6% monthly increase driven primarily by soaring energy costs linked to Middle East…
How the UK can use the markets’ ‘kindness of strangers’
The UK government spends over £100 billion annually on debt interest due to high borrowing costs driven by elevated gilt yields and currency risk concerns.…
Inflation ‘Creeping Up’ on Food Prices
Food prices are rising across the country due to import restrictions on rice and potatoes from West Asia and flooding in key river areas affecting…
Warsh would be wise to listen to Fed dissenters
Fuel prices in the U.S. have sharply increased due to the conflict involving Iran, which disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil and…
Bullock sends Jim a message, but budget will undo the work
The Reserve Bank of Australia increased its cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.35 percent, marking the third hike this year as it seeks…
Philippine Inflation Hits Three-Year High
Philippine inflation soared to 7.2 percent in April, the highest in over three years, primarily due to surging fuel prices linked to the Middle East…
Imbalances are back on the global agenda
Global economic imbalances have re-emerged as a key concern, driven by persistent trade surpluses in countries like China and deficits in the U.S., alongside rising…
Iran War to Push Further 200,000 UK Households Into Poverty
Economists at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research warn that rising energy and food costs linked to the conflict in Iran could push…
Asia fears growth shock from Iran conflict
The Asian Development Bank has lowered growth forecasts for developing Asian economies in 2024 and 2027 due to rising inflation and energy costs linked to…
Lebanon needs help to secure its economic recovery
Lebanon's economic crisis is rooted in prolonged fiscal mismanagement, central bank errors, and banking sector distortions, with recent government measures aiming to stabilize but unable…
New paradigm needed to unlock consumption
Chinese economist Bai Chongen outlined a strategy to boost consumption by implementing coordinated fiscal, monetary, and structural reforms, particularly targeting social service overhauls such as…
Why the Oil Surge Threatens a US Recession
Rising oil prices, with Brent crude climbing above $110 per barrel, have heightened fears of a potential U.S. recession despite recent economic resilience. This surge…