Latest Finance-Economy News
Central banks signal âhigher for longerâ interest-rate stance into 2026
Major central banks have repeatedly indicated they will keep policy rates elevated amid sticky core inflation and resilient labor markets, dampening hopes for rapid cuts and increasing borrowing costs for governments and firms.
US reciprocal tariffs continue to reshape global trade and raise inflation concerns
The USâs 2025 reciprocal tariffs (10â49%) sparked supply-chain adjustments and retaliatory measures, prompting higher import prices, renewed trade negotiations, and uncertainty for exporters and manufacturers worldwide.
AI investment boom fuels markets and geopolitical competition
Surging private and public investment into generative AI and critical chips has become a major economic driver in 2025, accelerating productivity bets while raising strategic competition between the US, China and allies for technology leadership and critical minerals.
Global growth outlook mixed but resilient at roughly 3%
Multilateral agencies and analysts reported a resilient global economy in 2025 with growth near 3% as countries adapted through digitalisation and policy shifts, though downside risks from trade tensions and energy shocks persist.
Energy and Middle East geopolitics keep oil and gas markets volatile
Ongoing Middle East tensions and supply-side constraints contributed to periodic spikes in oil prices during 2025, complicating inflation and fiscal planning for energy-importing economies.
Gold hits record highs on trade tensions and safe-haven demand
Uncertainty from tariffs and geopolitical risks pushed investors into gold, which saw dramatic price moves in 2025 as markets priced elevated risk premia and currency swings.
Banking-sector stress and regulatory scrutiny rise after episodic failures
A string of bank troubles and tighter liquidity conditions in 2025 prompted regulators to increase oversight, with markets pricing higher funding costs and greater caution in corporate lending.
Chinaâs post-COVID recovery shows uneven momentum, weighing on global demand
Chinaâs 2025 growth remained fragile and uneven across regions and sectors, slowing commodity demand and complicating export-led recoveries in several emerging markets.
Fiscal pressures mount as governments juggle tariffs, stimulus and aging populations
Higher borrowing costs and policy uncertainty forced many governments to reassess fiscal trajectories in 2025, with some countries delaying tax or spending plans amid market scrutiny.
Mergers & acquisitions and corporate restructuring accelerate into year-end
Corporates responded to higher rates and strategic shiftsâespecially in tech and energyâby accelerating M&A, divestitures, and balance-sheet adjustments to secure scale and critical supply-chain assets.