In the face of ongoing global economic uncertainties, China’s manufacturing sector has experienced a modest expansion for the third consecutive month as of December. However, the National Bureau of Statistics’ purchasing managers’ index (PMI) revealed an inconclusive increase, dipping slightly to 50.1 from November’s 50.3. This figure remains above the crucial threshold of 50, which
Economy
In recent years, a significant trend has emerged among Chinese youth: a rapid increase in applicants for civil service positions despite the apparent challenges faced in the sector. As economic turbulence continues to affect private industry, it transforms public sector jobs into a beacon of hope for many disillusioned young people. This article will delve
As the U.S. stock market concluded a remarkable year with the S&P 500 experiencing a gain of roughly 25% and the tech-driven Nasdaq Composite surging over 31%, investors are now turning their attention toward the potential of sustaining this momentum into the early months of the following year. The transition into mid-January heralds a critical
As we approach 2025, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell finds himself in a precarious position, grappling with the intricacies of maintaining the Fed’s independence while navigating the turbulent waters of political influence, particularly from the incoming Donald Trump administration. This scenario is not entirely new for Powell; he faces the challenge of crafting monetary policy
Manmohan Singh, India’s former prime minister and a pivotal figure in the nation’s economic transformation, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. His death elicited a wave of emotions across India and beyond, prompting a profound expression of grief and reflection on his life and contributions. As the nation united to bid farewell,
On Saturday, the Italian Senate approved a pivotal budget for 2025, designed to address the government’s fiscal challenges, particularly concerning its deficit. This significant legislative move, while concluding a key phase of the budgetary process, comes as Italy grapples with precarious economic circumstances and external pressures from European Union regulations aimed at curtailing public spending.
In November, China’s industrial profits continued to decline, albeit at a slower rate than in previous months, signaling an ongoing economic struggle for the world’s second-largest economy. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a 7.3% decrease in industrial profits compared to the same month the year before, a slight improvement from a more severe
Asian share markets displayed slight gains in a trade environment characterized by diminished activity, largely due to holiday-related reductions in trading volumes. This incremental uptick extended prior week’s movements amidst a backdrop of scarce impactful news or data that might change market trajectories. Traders are primarily concentrating on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate strategies as
As China grapples with financial challenges, a disturbing trend has emerged, resembling the plot of a popular entertainment phenomenon – “Squid Game.” While the stakes aren’t as lethal as in the dystopian series, the exploitation of vulnerable individuals is alarmingly similar. Fraudsters are capitalizing on the economic downturn by enticing financially distressed citizens with tempting
Recent data from Russia reveals alarming inflation rates, reaching a staggering 9.5% for the year, as confirmed by the national statistical agency Rosstat. The consumer price index saw a notable increase of 0.33% in the week leading up to December 23. This surge has raised critical concerns among economists and policymakers alike, considering the Russian
In a notable shift in its economic strategy, Russia is increasingly adopting cryptocurrencies like bitcoin for international trade. This pivot comes in response to the Western sanctions that have hampered its traditional banking relationships, particularly with major partners such as China and Turkey. The recent policy changes, as articulated by Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, have
Japan’s fiscal year commencing in April 2024 is poised to witness an unprecedented budget of approximately $734 billion, reflecting the government’s response to escalating social security expenses and the burden of servicing a substantial national debt. This figure, equivalent to an eye-watering 115.5 trillion yen, indicates the growing challenges faced by the Japanese economy, particularly