Latest Finance-Economy News
Bank of Japan signals further monetary normalisation, yen volatility rises
BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda is expected to continue normalising policy with rate rises, which markets fear could reverse the carry trade and trigger volatility in equities and bonds. Analysts warn repatriation of yen liquidity could strain US Treasuries, UK assets and global risk markets given large cross-border yen positions
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US growth in 2025 concentrated in AI investment, economy otherwise sluggish
Studies and reporting show that AI-related capital expenditures by big tech accounted for the vast majority of US GDP growth in 2025, with a narrow set of firms driving most gains. Economists note the rest of the economy was near-stagnant despite large investments and policy pushes supporting data‑centre construction
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Nasdaq launches new index to track market developments
Nasdaq announced the launch of a new index effective Dec. 19, 2025 to expand its index offerings and market data products, part of ongoing market structural updates. The index launch reflects exchanges’ efforts to provide new benchmarks amid shifting sector leadership
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IMF approves first review of Mali's Staff‑Monitored Program
IMF Management approved the first review of Mali’s SMP, citing security shocks, lower gold production and constrained activity that slowed growth to 4.1% in 2025. The IMF forecasts recovery in 2026 but flags continued downside risks to external and fiscal stability
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KPMG: Global growth to accelerate in 2025 then moderate through 2027
KPMG Economics forecasts global growth of 3.4% in 2025 before moderation in 2026–27, noting regional divergences and AI investment boosting US output in 2025. The report highlights Europe’s slower growth and divergent central‑bank stances across advanced economies
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US Treasury publishes October TIC data amid sanctions enforcement actions
The US Treasury released Treasury International Capital data for October alongside statements on enforcement targeting sanctions‑evading maritime activity, underscoring external sector monitoring. TIC flows remain a key metric for foreign demand for US assets as global liquidity shifts
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Consumer inflation in US eases to lower levels, surprising forecasts
Government data showed consumer inflation cooled in recent months, with readings below some economists' expectations and offering partial relief for households. The moderation in inflation influences central‑bank policy outlooks and market expectations for rate cuts
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IMF and multilateral monitoring highlights fragile recoveries and commodity risks
Multilateral updates emphasise that many emerging markets face shocks from security, commodity and fiscal stresses, with policy conditionality and monitoring in place for programmes like Mali’s. These assessments shape lending, reserves and market confidence for vulnerable countries
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AI and fintech fundraising, M&A continue reshaping financial‑technology landscape
Weekly coverage of AI & Finance notes multiple funding rounds and strategic deals — from AI credit platforms raising seed rounds to OnCorps AI securing $55M — highlighting fintech’s rapid evolution. Investors are channeling capital into autonomous credit, fund‑ops AI and specialised fintech infrastructure in 2025
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Labour, trade and policy moves reshape regional outlooks (Mexico, Turkey, Brazil)
KPMG highlights improvements and risks: Mexico’s manufacturing competitiveness and Turkey’s mixed recovery raise their index rankings, while Brazil’s central bank navigates high rates amid inflation concerns. Policy shifts and tariffs (including Mexico’s recent tariffs on some Chinese goods) alter trade and investment patterns
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BEA updates schedule as US releases upcoming GDP and corporate profits data
The US Bureau of Economic Analysis updated its post‑shutdown release schedule, confirming GDP and corporate profits preliminary releases for Dec. 23, 2025, which will be market‑moving datapoints. These releases will inform Q3–Q4 macro assessments and Fed policy speculation
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