-
As of September 11, 2025, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has indicated a likely interest rate cut at the Fed's September meeting due to a slowing US economy and rising unemployment risks. Despite inflationary pressures from tariffs, Powell emphasized cautious, data-driven decisions amid political pressure from President Trump, who has escalated attacks on Fed independence by targeting Governor Lisa Cook.
-
The IMF plans to merge its climate, development, inclusion, and gender units into its macro-financial division, signaling a shift away from its previous focus on climate change and gender issues. The move follows criticism from US critics and internal debates about the organization's priorities. The change will be formalized at October's fall meetings.
-
Multiple countries face aging populations and declining fertility, with projections varying widely. China's population may decline sharply, but Chinese researchers suggest a more moderate decrease. Japan's population remains highly aged, while Taiwan introduces policies to boost birth rates amid low fertility. These trends will reshape societies and economies over the coming decades.
-
As of late October 2025, major financial institutions including the Bank of England and IMF warn that soaring valuations in AI-driven tech stocks resemble the 2000 dotcom bubble peak. The S&P 500 is heavily concentrated in a few AI-focused firms, raising risks of a sharp market correction. Despite this, industry leaders emphasize AI's transformative potential and ongoing infrastructure investments.
-
Tyrese Gibson, actor and singer, was charged with animal cruelty after his four Cane Corso dogs escaped and killed a neighbor’s small dog in Georgia. Despite warnings, the dogs repeatedly roamed free, leading to a fatal attack. Gibson has rehomed the dogs and is cooperating with authorities. The incident highlights ongoing issues with large guard dogs and pet management.
-
Market valuations for US tech giants exceed $17 trillion amid concerns over AI stock bubbles. Past episodes of market crashes, like 2000 and 2008, highlight risks. External threats such as regulation and competition could trigger a sharp correction, undermining valuations and impacting the global economy.
-
On October 8, 2025, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that global economic resilience is untested amid rising uncertainty. Despite 3% growth forecasts and easing tariffs, gold prices hit $4,000 an ounce as investors seek safe havens. She urged the US to address federal debt and highlighted risks from trade tensions and geopolitical instability ahead of IMF-World Bank meetings.
-
Four months after a £40bn investment announcement, the UK government faces scrutiny over its heavy reliance on Amazon Web Services (AWS). A major outage affected thousands of UK and global users, highlighting risks linked to concentrated cloud services and raising questions about resilience and working conditions within Amazon.
-
A 2023 report highlights that 59 of the world's poorest nations paid $37bn in debt service but received only $32bn in climate finance. This debt-climate cycle hampers their ability to invest in health, education, and resilience, worsening their vulnerability to climate disasters.
-
President Trump’s renewed tariff threats against China have reignited fears of a global economic slowdown, amid rising debt levels and stock market resilience. Key international meetings in Washington will focus on trade tensions, Argentina’s debt, and global economic stability, as policymakers grapple with uncertain prospects.
-
The IMF reports UK inflation will rise more sharply than expected in 2025 and 2026, reaching the highest in the G7. Despite this, the IMF has increased its growth forecast for 2025 but lowered it for 2026, amid concerns over the labour market and global trade pressures. UK households face rising costs, especially food and hospitality, impacting consumer spending and retail. Policymakers face a challenge in balancing inflation control with economic growth.
-
The IMF reports that the global economy is expected to grow by 3.2% in 2025, slightly higher than July forecasts, amid ongoing trade tensions and tariffs. While growth is better than feared, uncertainties from tariffs and protectionism continue to weigh on long-term expansion.
-
Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares for her November 26 budget amid warnings of a £50 billion fiscal gap, driven by high inflation, Brexit, and global conflicts. The IMF forecasts the UK will have the highest inflation among G7 nations in 2025 and 2026, complicating economic recovery efforts.
-
China's recent political meetings have resulted in a military leadership reshuffle and a new five-year economic blueprint. The military purge aims to strengthen party control and combat corruption, while the economic plan emphasizes high-quality growth, technological innovation, and resilience amid global uncertainties. Full details are expected in March.
-
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering tax increases on the wealthy and spending cuts to address a a350 billion public finance gap, partly due to Brexit. She aims to avoid austerity while managing economic challenges, with a budget announcement scheduled for November 26, amid warnings of a prolonged economic downturn.
-
Egypt has announced a freeze on fuel price increases for at least one year, amid ongoing inflation and economic challenges. The government cited stability efforts, following recent hikes and economic pressures from global events, including the Ukraine conflict and regional tensions. The move aims to stabilize costs and support economic reform efforts.
-
Recent UK economic data shows sluggish growth, with a 0.1% rise in August and downward revisions for July. Public finances are under pressure, with a widening deficit and high borrowing, complicating the upcoming budget. Political and global uncertainties add to the economic outlook's fragility.
-
UN Secretary-General Guterres warns of climate change's existential threat amid US political pushback. Recent reports highlight record CO2 levels and environmental devastation in Gaza, threatening health, food security, and regional stability. The stories underscore urgent global environmental and geopolitical crises today.
-
Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to announce tax increases targeting high earners and partnerships, alongside spending cuts, in her November budget. The measures aim to address a £30-50 billion fiscal gap worsened by Brexit and austerity, with proposals including a partnership charge, mansion tax, and inflation measures.
-
Bitcoin stabilised near US$109,000 after recent declines, reflecting ongoing volatility. The market remains fragile amid US-China trade tensions, credit worries, and regulatory scrutiny of stablecoins. Major cryptocurrencies have struggled to recover, with futures trading volumes shrinking sharply, indicating heightened risk aversion among investors.
-
Greece has approved legislation allowing 13-hour workdays, up from eight, aiming to increase labor market flexibility. The law has sparked protests and union opposition, amid stagnant wages and ongoing economic recovery from the debt crisis. The legislation limits overtime application and offers more short-term hiring options.
-
Travel industry leaders warn that upcoming UK tax increases could raise holiday prices and reduce affordability. Chancellor Reeves plans to address a £50 billion deficit with potential tax rises and spending cuts, sparking concerns about economic growth and consumer costs.
-
Rising borrowing costs and aid cuts are worsening debt crises in the global south, with countries like Ethiopia, Zambia, and South Sudan struggling to restructure debt. Meanwhile, France faces a political deadlock over its budget, raising concerns about its economic stability. Both stories highlight urgent need for reform and international cooperation.
-
The US national debt has reached $38 trillion, marking the fastest trillion-dollar increase outside of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts warn this trajectory is unsustainable, with rising interest costs and inflation threatening future economic stability. The debt growth reflects ongoing fiscal challenges and political inaction.
-
UK food prices fell 0.4% in October, the largest decline since late 2020, driven by lower sugar costs. Overall shop prices decreased 0.3%, with discounts in electricals and health and beauty. Food inflation remains high, especially for fresh foods, but non-food prices are now slightly lower than a year ago.
-
Rachel Reeves faces a £20bn fiscal gap in next month’s budget due to a downward revision of UK productivity forecasts by the Office for Budget Responsibility. The downgrade, driven by Brexit, austerity, and the pandemic, increases pressure on tax rises and spending decisions amid economic challenges.
-
New documents reveal JP Morgan flagged over $1bn in transactions linked to Jeffrey Epstein in 2019, including wire transfers to Russian banks. The reports also mention connections to prominent figures, raising questions about regulatory oversight and bank accountability following Epstein's death and subsequent legal actions.
-
European governments are increasingly restricting Chinese investments in strategic sectors amid US-led tensions with Beijing. The Netherlands seized a Chinese-owned chipmaker, Nexperia, citing national security concerns, reflecting broader efforts to safeguard critical assets amid rising geopolitical rivalry and recent US and Chinese export restrictions.
-
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica on October 28, causing widespread destruction, at least 32 deaths, and economic losses estimated at up to $7 billion. The storm also impacted Haiti and Cuba, with ongoing relief efforts and concerns about future resilience.
-
On November 3, 2025, Argentina's President Javier Milei's party, La Libertad Avanza (LLA), secured a decisive victory in midterm congressional elections, buoyed by a $40bn US bailout led by Donald Trump. Despite deep austerity measures, inflation reduction, and rising poverty, Milei's coalition strengthened its congressional presence, enabling him to advance free-market reforms amid ongoing economic and social challenges.
-
Eurozone growth remains weak, hindered by US tariffs and sluggish German and Italian economies. The ECB keeps rates steady despite the US Federal Reserve cutting rates. Meanwhile, the US faces rising debt levels, with the IMF warning of surpassing Greece and Italy in debt-to-GDP by 2030.
-
Stock markets declined on Tuesday amid fears of overvaluation, especially in AI stocks like Palantir, which fell despite strong earnings. Major banks forecast a possible 10-20% correction within the next year, but some investors see recent dips as healthy pullbacks in a long-term bull trend.
-
EU negotiations on a reparations loan backed by frozen Russian assets are delayed due to Belgium's legal and financial concerns. Disagreements over guarantees and legal risks threaten to push back Ukraine's funding, with EU leaders set to discuss the issue in December.
-
Cuba is conducting a closed-door trial of former deputy prime minister Gil, accused of corruption, espionage, and embezzlement. The case is the most significant since 1989, with charges stemming from a nearly two-year investigation. Gil's whereabouts were unknown until his recent detention.
-
Saudi Arabia welcomed 115.9 million tourists in 2024, surpassing its Vision 2030 goal six years early. The kingdom is expanding its tourism infrastructure, including giga-projects and new airports, to attract more visitors and diversify its economy. Meanwhile, the Philippines and Egypt are also boosting tourism with new initiatives and investments.
-
Mali has reformed its mining code to increase state benefits amid ongoing disputes with foreign companies. Meanwhile, Ghana combats illegal mining with grassroots patrols, amid economic struggles and environmental damage. Both stories highlight Africa's complex resource management issues today.
-
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica on October 28, causing extensive damage, displacing 30,000 households, and resulting in at least 32 deaths. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with international aid and infrastructure rebuilding underway amid economic losses estimated at up to $7 billion.
-
UK GDP increased by 0.1% in Q3, hindered by a cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover that caused factory shutdowns and a sharp decline in car manufacturing. The data signals a weakening economy ahead of the November 26 budget, with rising unemployment and lower industrial output.
-
Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies have uncovered a scheme involving kickbacks and embezzlement within key energy companies, including Energoatom. The investigation, ongoing for 15 months, has led to arrests, resignations, and calls for reforms amid Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure.
-
ECB President Lagarde advocates for reforms in EU governance, corporate law, and mutual recognition to reduce internal barriers and boost growth. She praises recent increases in defense and infrastructure spending, emphasizing their positive impact on Europe's economy.
-
UK inflation fell to 3.6% in October, easing pressure on the Bank of England to cut interest rates. Markets anticipate a rate cut in December amid slowing growth and a weakening labor market, with the upcoming budget expected to influence policy decisions.
-
A year after Reeves' tax hikes, the UK economy shows signs of slowdown, with weak Q3 growth, rising borrowing, and consumer uncertainty. Despite initial strong start, recent data indicates limited growth prospects for 2026 amid inflation and political pressures.
-
Tanzania's election results sparked protests and a government crackdown, while Bulgaria withdrew its 2026 budget amid mass demonstrations over tax hikes and spending. Both countries are experiencing political instability linked to economic and electoral issues, with international concern mounting.