In recent years, Japan has faced escalating challenges in its pursuit of a primary budget surplus, a goal that has now been delayed for the second time, as per government forecasts released last Friday. This article delves into the complexities surrounding Japan’s budgetary ambitions, the impact of fiscal pressures stemming from political demands, and the
Economy
In recent market activities, the U.S. dollar has taken a notable downturn, reaching a two-week low amid heightened uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump’s tariff strategies. A mix of investor apprehension and ambiguous statements from the White House has contributed to the dollar’s struggle against other major currencies. The ongoing debate regarding trade policies, particularly with
As India approaches its federal budget announcement for 2024-25, significant adjustments are anticipated regarding the disinvestment and asset monetisation targets. Recent reports indicate a potential reduction of around 40%, bringing the target down from an ambitious 500 billion rupees (approximately $6.07 billion) to potentially below 300 billion rupees ($3.47 billion). This notable revision reflects the
The recent announcement regarding the United States’ planned withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) underlines a significant shift in global health dynamics, particularly for African nations that heavily rely on international support. This move, under the direction of former President Donald Trump, hints at dire consequences for health initiatives across the continent, leading public
In a significant move, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently undergone a critical shift in its approach concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. This transition is driven primarily by the new chair, Andrew Ferguson, who has now acquired the authority to dismantle DEI initiatives within the agency. This decision came to fruition against
Wall Street’s major indices experienced a downturn on Friday, illustrating that investor sentiment remains cautious amidst a blend of conflicting economic data and earnings results. This development was marked by a significant retreat in the technology sector, particularly with major players like Nvidia leading a reversal from earlier-week highs. As traders prepared for a week
Switzerland, renowned for its fiscal prudence, is bracing for a shift in its financial landscape. President and Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter recently disclosed a troubling forecast regarding the national budget. The country anticipates annual deficits of approximately 3 billion Swiss Francs ($3.31 billion) over the coming years, a stark departure from its historical balance. Contributing
As the United Kingdom braces for an uncertain economic landscape, recent surveys have revealed that a significant proportion of British businesses are inclined to decrease employee pay scales in response to impending tax hikes. This sentiment showcases a broader unease among employers about the country’s economic trajectory, aptly illustrated by data from Incomes Data Research
The latest data released by China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals a troubling reality for the nation’s industrial sector, with profits succumbing to a decline for the third consecutive year in 2024. This persistent downturn raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current economic policies and the looming threats to growth from external pressures,
In recent weeks, Japan has been rocked by a scandal that has led to significant upheavals within the entertainment and media industries. At the center of this storm is Fuji Media, which has seen its chairman and head of TV operations resign amid allegations of sexual misconduct against one of its prominent figures. This incident