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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.
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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.
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Recent political developments in France, Japan, and the US have heightened market volatility. France's bond risk rose after a government resignation, Japan's yen plunged amid a new prime minister's election, and gold prices hit record highs amid inflation fears. These events signal increased economic uncertainty.
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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.
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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.
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As of late October 2025, the US administration, led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and President Donald Trump, is intensifying pressure on allies like Japan and India to halt imports of Russian energy. Japan continues limited LNG imports from Russia’s Sakhalin-2 project, while China receives shipments from blacklisted Russian LNG facilities. Trump also seeks to involve Europe in tariffs on Chinese imports linked to Russian oil purchases.
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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.