The Lunar New Year represents a time of celebration and reconnection for many in China, a country experiencing both bittersweet transitions and rejuvenation. This year, travel across the nation surged as millions prepared to return to their roots for family dinners and festivities, despite impending economic headwinds. The 40-day travel season kicked off recently, spotlighting
Economy
Norway’s central bank, Norges Bank, has decided to maintain its policy interest rate at a significant 4.50%, marking a plateau held for 17 years. This decision aligns with expectations from economists, as reflected in a recent Reuters poll, who predict a shift in monetary policy later this year. Many key players in the financial sector
In a remarkable move that highlights the evolving landscape of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Rivian, an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovative pickup trucks and SUVs, has entered a significant joint venture with German automotive powerhouse Volkswagen. This collaboration, established with a hefty $5.8 billion investment from Volkswagen, aims to combine Rivian’s
As the U.S. stock markets commence trading on a Thursday, there is a palpable sense of moderation after the previous day’s robust performance. A careful analysis indicates that investors are momentarily stepping back, reflecting on a series of stimuli that have shaped market dynamics, namely corporate earnings reports, critical economic indicators, and statements made by
Japan’s aspirations to achieve a primary budget surplus—an economic milestone the country has not reached in several decades—have been stalled yet again. The recently released government estimates indicate a delay of one year, which reflects the growing pressures for increased spending amid a challenging fiscal environment. The revelation came during a meeting of the government’s
Recent fluctuations in the dollar’s value underscore the significant influence of U.S. trade policy on the global financial landscape. As of this week, the dollar reached a two-week low, primarily driven by President Donald Trump’s ambiguous statements regarding tariffs. The anxiety surrounding his proposed trade measures—especially a potential 10% tariff on Chinese imports set for
India’s forthcoming federal budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 is poised for a significant recalibration, with reports indicating a potential 40% reduction in the disinvestment and asset monetisation target. Initially set at 500 billion rupees (approximately $6.1 billion), the new target is projected to shrink beneath 300 billion rupees ($3.47 billion), revealing the complexities that
The recent decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) marks a pivotal moment in global health governance. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has raised alarms regarding the potential ramifications this decision could have on health initiatives in Africa. As the
Recent developments within the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) under the leadership of Chair Andrew Ferguson have sparked intense debate and drawn attention to the agency’s operational dynamics. The FTC’s scope to implement significant changes, particularly regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, reflects broader political tensions and questions surrounding the agency’s independence. Ferguson’s initiative
On the last trading day of the week, Wall Street’s primary indexes displayed a cautious demeanor, reflecting the reluctance of investors to make significant commitments amid a whirlpool of mixed economic data and varying earnings reports. Reflecting a broader sentiment of uncertainty, traders appeared to be taking a step back to analyze the economic landscape