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News Ticker
  • [ April 29, 2025 ] Sugar Tax Shake-Up: UK Plans to Target Milkshakes and Dairy Drinks Economic News
  • [ April 21, 2025 ] China’s Economy Grows 5.4% — But Can It Withstand Trump’s Tariff Tsunami? Economic News
  • [ April 15, 2025 ] U.K. Government Seizes Control of British Steel Plant Economic News
  • [ April 10, 2025 ] U.S. Tariffs on China Surge Past 100% as Trump Escalates Trade War – but why? Economic News
  • [ March 28, 2025 ] Can Defense and Housing Turn the Tide on Sluggish GDP Growth in the UK? Economic News
HomeThe Global Economy

The Global Economy

Balance of Payments

China’s Export Surprise: A 7.5% Plunge in May Shakes Economic Predictions

June 7, 2023 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on China’s Export Surprise: A 7.5% Plunge in May Shakes Economic Predictions

In an unexpected economic twist, China’s exports fell by 7.5% in May, a far more significant drop than the predicted 0.4%. This is the first decline since February, raising concerns about the health of the […]

Consumer and Business Behaviour

China’s Economic Recovery Boosts Sales for U.S. Companies

May 15, 2023 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on China’s Economic Recovery Boosts Sales for U.S. Companies

China’s economy is recovering from a slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and this is good news for U.S. companies that do business in China. Starbucks, Yum Brands, MGM Resorts, and Tapestry are just a […]

Economic Growth

Germany’s Controversial Proposal to Subsidise Electricity for Industry

May 10, 2023 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Germany’s Controversial Proposal to Subsidise Electricity for Industry

Germany’s economy ministry has proposed to cover 80% of electricity costs for energy-intensive companies until 2030, aiming to support industries like chemicals, steel, and glass. The plan, estimated to cost €25-30 billion, also seeks to […]

Consumer and Business Behaviour

China’s Green Investment Wave Electrifies Europe’s EV Industry

May 9, 2023 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on China’s Green Investment Wave Electrifies Europe’s EV Industry

China’s investment in Europe has taken a “green” turn, as they increasingly fund eco-friendly ventures like electric vehicle battery production. In 2022, over half of Chinese investment in Europe was in new projects rather than […]

Curious?

The AI Revolution: A Double-Edged Sword for the Job Market?

May 5, 2023 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on The AI Revolution: A Double-Edged Sword for the Job Market?

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna disclosed that the company expects around 7,800 jobs to be replaced by AI within the next five years. This change could affect nearly one-third of IBM’s non-customer-facing roles, which currently involve […]

Aggregate Demand and Supply

Debt Ceiling Dilemma: US Economy Teeters on the Brink

April 26, 2023 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Debt Ceiling Dilemma: US Economy Teeters on the Brink

The US federal debt has skyrocketed to a jaw-dropping $31.4 trillion, dangerously close to the legal borrowing limit known as the “debt ceiling.” As divisions within the Republican party deepen, a solution to raise the […]

Balance of Payments

Thai Exports Struggle: Western Demand Slumps, China Begins Recovery

April 18, 2023 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Thai Exports Struggle: Western Demand Slumps, China Begins Recovery

Thai exports faced a 4.7% year-on-year (YOY) decline in February 2023, marking the fifth consecutive month of contraction. The drop in exports to the US and Europe was fueled by worsening economic conditions and growing […]

Consumer and Business Behaviour

Green power surge: Renewables shatter records in 2022

April 14, 2023 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Green power surge: Renewables shatter records in 2022

A renewable energy renaissance swept the globe in 2022, with wind and solar power propelling worldwide electricity generation to its greenest level yet. Ember, an independent climate think tank, reveals that 12% of global power […]

Climate change
Aggregate Demand and Supply

Africa’s Economic Decline: Devastating Impact of Climate Change

March 21, 2023 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Africa’s Economic Decline: Devastating Impact of Climate Change

Africa could be facing a significant economic decline, and climate change is playing a crucial role. Severe weather conditions like cyclones, floods, and droughts are devastating African countries, forcing them to spend between 2% and […]

Consumer and Business Behaviour

UBS to the Rescue! Swiss Bank Saves Rival Credit Suisse in Multi-Billion Dollar Deal

March 20, 2023 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on UBS to the Rescue! Swiss Bank Saves Rival Credit Suisse in Multi-Billion Dollar Deal

UBS has agreed to buy its rival Credit Suisse for 3 billion Swiss francs ($3.2 billion) in a bid to save the troubled bank from financial collapse. This move comes as Swiss regulators and governments […]

Consumer and Business Behaviour

Starbucks to launch the Oleato… coffee with olive oil!

February 27, 2023 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Starbucks to launch the Oleato… coffee with olive oil!

Milk and sugar in your coffee? Pretty normal… How about some olive oil? Not so much! Well that is exactly what Starbucks are offering in their latest line of beverages! The coffee giant, with over […]

Aggregate Demand and Supply

Food prices at a 14-year high as the UK battles inflation

November 14, 2022 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Food prices at a 14-year high as the UK battles inflation

Annual food prices in the UK went up by 14.7% in October, representing the largest increase since records began in 2008.  Driven largely by the knock-on effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine, food inflation is […]

Consumer and Business Behaviour

Elon Musk, AKA Chief Twit, has bought Twitter for $44 billion

October 28, 2022 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Elon Musk, AKA Chief Twit, has bought Twitter for $44 billion

Elon Musk has officially become the owner of Twitter, or Chief Twit as he likes to call himself, after completing a $44 billion buyout.  The world’s richest man began his interest in Twitter earlier in […]

Aggregate Demand and Supply

Dark days for the UK economy…

September 29, 2022 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Dark days for the UK economy…

The UK economy has been plunged into economic turmoil since the announcement of the mini-budget last week.  Since the new chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, announced the largest tax cuts in 50 years the economy seems to […]

Government Policy

The “mini” budget which is going to have maximum impact

September 29, 2022 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on The “mini” budget which is going to have maximum impact

The UK government has announced the largest tax cuts in 50 years as part of their mini budget to deal with the cost of living crisis and boost the wavering British economy.  The UK economy […]

automated container port
Economic Growth

Singapore boasts the world’s largest fully automated port

September 19, 2022 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Singapore boasts the world’s largest fully automated port

Phase one of what will be the world’s largest fully automated port is now complete and the Singaporean government are loving it. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong sees the port as a jewel in Singapore’s […]

Aggregate Demand and Supply

UK prices spiraling upwards as inflation hits 40-year high

June 23, 2022 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on UK prices spiraling upwards as inflation hits 40-year high

The UK inflation rate is rising at its fastest rate in 40 years. This is predominantly a result of soaring fuel and energy prices, as well as recent pressure on food costs. Year-on-year inflation for […]

Basic Economic Concepts

Tesla has its own law of demand – profits soaring despite higher prices!

April 22, 2022 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Tesla has its own law of demand – profits soaring despite higher prices!

Price goes up, quantity demanded goes down – it is the law of demand and economics 101. Not in the case of Tesla apparently! The electric car manufacturer has recently announced soaring profits of $3.3 […]

Filipino drivers to receive fuel subsidies as oil prices rise
Consumer and Business Behaviour

Filipino drivers to receive fuel subsidies as oil prices rise

March 15, 2022 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Filipino drivers to receive fuel subsidies as oil prices rise

Filipino drivers to receive fuel subsidies as oil prices rise […]

Inflation in Sri-Lanka
Economic News

Central Bank of Sri-Lanka raises the interest rate to curb inflation

March 7, 2022 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Central Bank of Sri-Lanka raises the interest rate to curb inflation

As inflation spikes throughout the Sri-Lankan economy, the central bank has responded by increasing the interest rate from 5.5% to 6.5%. This tightening of monetary policy follows three consecutive months of double-digit inflation, with the […]

Basic Economic Concepts

World’s major economies to release oil reserves to lower soaring oil prices

November 24, 2021 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on World’s major economies to release oil reserves to lower soaring oil prices

In an attempt to lower the price of oil the US is leading an international effort of other major economies to release oil reserves. The price of crude oil reached a 7-year high of $81.93 […]

Aggregate Demand and Supply

Pakistan registers a Q3 current account deficit of $3.4 billion

October 24, 2021 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Pakistan registers a Q3 current account deficit of $3.4 billion

The economy of Pakistan has released figures showing there was a current account deficit of $3.4 billion in Q3. This is up by just under $1 billion from their Q2 figure. Although such a large […]

Basic Economic Concepts

Gas price surge leaving businesses bankrupt and consumers uncertain

September 26, 2021 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Gas price surge leaving businesses bankrupt and consumers uncertain

The gas price surge across Europe has led to the collapse of two small UK gas providers.  Avro Energy and Green, who between them serve just under a million customers, have gone bust due to […]

Basic Economic Concepts

Saudi Aramco profits increase by almost 300%

August 15, 2021 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Saudi Aramco profits increase by almost 300%

Saudi Aramco, a state-owned energy company in Saudi Arabia and the world’s most valuable company, has seen year-on-year profits almost quadruple in the second quarter of 2021. The firm, which is also the world’s largest […]

Balance of Payments

El Salvador adopts Bitcoin as a legal tender

June 13, 2021 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on El Salvador adopts Bitcoin as a legal tender

El Salvador has become the first country in the world to officially adopt a cryptocurrency as a form of legal tender. A law was passed in the Central American nation on the 9th June allowing […]

Balance of Payments

China US trade tensions relaxing under Biden Administration

May 12, 2021 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on China US trade tensions relaxing under Biden Administration

THINK LIKE AN ECONOMIST! Click here for the source article

Balance of Payments

Australia likely to go to the WTO if China extends wine tariffs

March 26, 2021 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Australia likely to go to the WTO if China extends wine tariffs

Following the introduction in China of temporary tariffs on Australian wine imports last year, the Australian wine industry is now expecting an imminent announcement of both an increase and expansion of the tariffs.   Already […]

Economic News

China’s new goal of growing productivity at a higher rate than GDP depends on rural education

March 14, 2021 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on China’s new goal of growing productivity at a higher rate than GDP depends on rural education

After the recent ‘two sessions’ in Beijing, a series of high-level meetings which determine the economic and social policy for the next five years, the Chinese government announced that there will not be a specific […]

Pound on a high as over 20% of the UK gets vaccinated
Balance of Payments

Pound on a high as over 20% of the UK gets vaccinated

February 16, 2021 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Pound on a high as over 20% of the UK gets vaccinated

With over 15 million people having now received their first of two Covid-19 jabs, there appears to be a rising sense of optimism in the UK economy. This has resulted in the pound hitting its […]

Consumer and Business Behaviour

China takes the number one spot for the most ‘new’ foreign direct investment in 2020

January 26, 2021 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on China takes the number one spot for the most ‘new’ foreign direct investment in 2020

According to the latest UN figures, the Chinese economy attracted $163 billion in foreign direct investment last year. This 4% year-on-year increase is in contrast to the US economy’s 46% decline from $251 billion in […]

China records 2.3% GDP growth in 2020
Aggregate Demand and Supply

China records 2.3% GDP growth in 2020

January 18, 2021 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on China records 2.3% GDP growth in 2020

2020 is a year to forget, but we won’t… and despite the economic woes from all over the world, the Chinese economy still managed to finish the year slightly bigger than it was 365 days […]

$900 billion COVID-19 relief bill
Aggregate Demand and Supply

US Congress passes $900 billion Covid-19 relief bill – so where’s all that cash going?

December 22, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on US Congress passes $900 billion Covid-19 relief bill – so where’s all that cash going?

After months of intense negotiations, the American government looks finally set to inject billions of dollars into the US economy. The so-called “Covid-19 relief bill” should do exactly what it says on the tin: providing […]

Aggregate Demand and Supply

Japan to lend $414 million to Myanmar for huge infrastructure project and corporate financing

November 14, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Japan to lend $414 million to Myanmar for huge infrastructure project and corporate financing

A deal has been agreed between the governments of Japan and Myanmar to sign off on ¥42.78 billion (US$414 million) worth of low-interest loans. Over half of the money will be directed towards a huge […]

Economic News

China makes pledge to be ‘carbon neutral’ by 2060

October 20, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on China makes pledge to be ‘carbon neutral’ by 2060

In what some commentators are calling a bold and audacious pledge, President Xi announced to the UN that China will be carbon neutral by the year 2060. That gives the world’s second largest economy, and […]

Container ship from above
Consumer and Business Behaviour

An online shopping boom is fueling ships across the Pacific

September 22, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on An online shopping boom is fueling ships across the Pacific

In the last few months, American consumers have been going mad for online shopping, with the result being a buoyant shipping industry across the transpacific. In these coronavirus times, consumer demand for household goods has […]

South Korea’s economy is outperforming all other OECD members. Here’s why.
Aggregate Demand and Supply

South Korea’s economy is outperforming all other OECD members. Here’s why.

August 28, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on South Korea’s economy is outperforming all other OECD members. Here’s why.

According to the latest research on the economic impact of Covid-19, the OECD has announced that the South Korean economy is likely to “only” shrink by -0.8% this year.  Whilst all negative GDP growth is […]

an image to show the global economic impact of covid 19
Aggregate Demand and Supply

UK hit the hardest amongst the world’s largest economies

August 14, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on UK hit the hardest amongst the world’s largest economies

The results are out for the economic impact that Covid-19 has had on the world’s major economies in the first six months of the year… and unsurprisingly, they are showing unprecedented levels of global economic […]

World trade decreasing at an unprecedented rate
Balance of Payments

Corona and customs: World trade decreasing at an unprecedented rate

July 2, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Corona and customs: World trade decreasing at an unprecedented rate

As economies around the world continue their lockdowns and domestic battles against Covid-19, world trade has been declining at an unprecedented rate. According to a report by the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis, the […]

The global economic impact of Covid-19
Aggregate Demand and Supply

IMF announces that the economic woes of 2020 are likely to be even worse than expected!

June 30, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on IMF announces that the economic woes of 2020 are likely to be even worse than expected!

As Covid-19 shows no sign of abating, the damage it has caused to the global economy continues to grow. As a result, the IMF is now predicting a global economic contraction of almost 5% this […]

Aggregate Demand and Supply

South Africa: an economy in lockdown is an economy in freefall

June 2, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on South Africa: an economy in lockdown is an economy in freefall

The economic impact of Covid-19 has been devastating and wide-reaching. One country which is suffering significantly is South Africa, where going into lockdown has stifled almost all economic activity. As South Africa, the second largest […]

an image of a worker in India with a facemark on during Covid-19
Aggregate Demand and Supply

Indian economy to shrink for the first time in forty years

May 25, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Indian economy to shrink for the first time in forty years

Whilst India was initially praised for their response to the Covid-19 crisis by organising a mass lockdown that effectively took 1.3 billion people off the streets, the subsequent effect on their economy will be severe. […]

an image of barley harvesting after China imposes an 80% tariff on Australian Barley exports
Balance of Payments

China to impose an 80.5% tariff on Australian barley exports

May 21, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on China to impose an 80.5% tariff on Australian barley exports

Australia’s barley producers are about to feel the full force of Chinese protectionism after the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced on Monday that an 80.5% tariff would be imposed on barley exports from Australia. The […]

Economic News

ILO weighs in on the extent of the coronacrisis and offers advice for how to fight Covid-19

May 18, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on ILO weighs in on the extent of the coronacrisis and offers advice for how to fight Covid-19

With unemployment levels soaring across the world, the ILO (International Labour Organisation) released a policy brief which outlined the steps they recommend for global governments to take in order to mitigate the impact of the […]

an imge to show an empty shopping mall as retail sales plummet in the US
Aggregate Demand and Supply

Declining rate of retail sales at a historic low as consumer confidence plummets in the US

May 16, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Declining rate of retail sales at a historic low as consumer confidence plummets in the US

The latest in a long list of ‘historic lows’ since Covid-19 wiped out the global economy is the total collapse of the American retail sector. Data released by the US Census Bureau has shown that […]

an mage of a small business in India
Consumer and Business Behaviour

Prime Minister Modi announces a $60 billion relief plan to help small businesses in India

May 14, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Prime Minister Modi announces a $60 billion relief plan to help small businesses in India

India, the second largest country in the world with a population of 1.35 billion people, has now been in lockdown for over 50 days.  The impact of such a widespread stay-at-home order has had a […]

an image of Fiat-Chrysler and PSA ahead of their proposed $50 billion merge
Consumer and Business Behaviour

The fate of the proposed merger between Fiat-Chrysler and PSA group to be decided by June 17

May 12, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on The fate of the proposed merger between Fiat-Chrysler and PSA group to be decided by June 17

In recent years, the automotive industry has experienced a number of mergers leading to the market becoming increasingly dominated by a few large firms, who by joining forces are only getting larger. The proposed $50 […]

an image of currency in Saudi Arabia when they announced a 10% increase in VAT
Consumer and Business Behaviour

VAT to be tripled in Saudi Arabia to 15%

May 11, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on VAT to be tripled in Saudi Arabia to 15%

Saudi Arabia, the second largest oil producing nation in the world, has for the last few years been trying desperately to diversify its economy and reduce their dependence on the export of oil. Despite being […]

an image of New York when the US economy contracted by 4.8%
Aggregate Demand and Supply

Coronacrisis in the USA: negative growth and the worst decline since 2008

May 3, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on Coronacrisis in the USA: negative growth and the worst decline since 2008

The stats are now out on the performance of the American economy for quarter one of 2020, and it’s not good news. According to the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, the world’s largest economy contracted […]

an image of shipping containers for global trade
Balance of Payments

To trade or not to trade? Many countries choosing the latter in response to Covid-19

April 28, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on To trade or not to trade? Many countries choosing the latter in response to Covid-19

According to a report released by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), there is a growing number of countries around the world who are placing restrictions on exports in order to secure domestic supplies of certain […]

an image of a man holding maize as a food supply shortage emerges caused by covid-19
Economic News

A Hunger pandemic could be the worst outcome of Covid-19 in the world’s poorest regions

April 27, 2020 TheCuriousEconomist Comments Off on A Hunger pandemic could be the worst outcome of Covid-19 in the world’s poorest regions

According to a report by the World Food Programme (WFP), the economic and social disruption caused by the spread of Covid-19 has significantly increased the risk of a hunger pandemic in the poorest regions of […]

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Recent Posts

  • Sugar Tax Shake-Up: UK Plans to Target Milkshakes and Dairy Drinks
  • China’s Economy Grows 5.4% — But Can It Withstand Trump’s Tariff Tsunami?
  • U.K. Government Seizes Control of British Steel Plant
  • U.S. Tariffs on China Surge Past 100% as Trump Escalates Trade War – but why?
  • Can Defense and Housing Turn the Tide on Sluggish GDP Growth in the UK?
  • PepsiCo Plans $1.95 Billion Poppi Acquisition
  • South Africa Unveils $54.5 Billion Infrastructure Plan to Boost Growth
  • Canada Pulls U.S. Alcohol from Shelves in Retaliation for Trump Tariffs
  • U.S. Economy on Track for Contraction as Spending and Exports Decline
  • India’s Consumer Market Shrinks as Wealth Inequality Deepens

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Balance of Payments

Kenya and the US look set to sign a free-trade deal despite Trump’s attacks on global trade

February 7, 2020 Comments Off on Kenya and the US look set to sign a free-trade deal despite Trump’s attacks on global trade

Under President Trump, the US stance towards global trade has become increasingly protectionist, with billions of dollars of tariffs placed on goods from countries all over the world, engagement in a devastating trade war with […]

Economic News

U.K. Government Seizes Control of British Steel Plant

April 15, 2025 Comments Off on U.K. Government Seizes Control of British Steel Plant

It’s a dramatic move—but one the U.K. government believes is essential for national economic security. In an extraordinary step, the government has taken control of British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant under emergency legislation to prevent its […]

SGD News

Economic News

India’s Consumer Market Shrinks as Wealth Inequality Deepens

February 27, 2025 Comments Off on India’s Consumer Market Shrinks as Wealth Inequality Deepens

India’s consumer market is far smaller than its population suggests, with only about 130-140 million people able to spend on non-essential goods, according to a report by Blume Ventures. Despite a population of 1.4 billion, […]

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