Recent findings from Britain’s Institute of Directors (IoD) paint a troubling picture of the business landscape post-budget. The sentiment among members has reached its lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic began, a clear indication that recent fiscal policies have failed to inspire confidence in the private sector. In the wake of Finance Minister Rachel Reeves’
Economy
The recent election in Ireland has set the stage for a potentially tumultuous political period as the country’s major centre-right parties vie for power. Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, once staunch rivals, appear to be on the verge of forming a government, but as exit polls suggest, they may fall short of a clear majority.
On Friday, the mood within Asian financial markets reflected caution and uncertainty, as traders grappled with mixed signals regarding economic indicators and central bank policies. Following a quiet night of trading in U.S. equities due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the MSCI Asia-Pacific Index, excluding Japan, registered a modest decline of 0.3%. Over the course of
In an unexpected move, the Bank of Korea (BOK) announced an interest rate cut amid deteriorating economic conditions, revealing the increasing challenges faced by policymakers in South Korea. This reduction of the benchmark interest rate, now at 3.00%, marks the second consecutive cut in a bid to stimulate a sluggish economy. The decision, which only
In recent analysis, the ever-pressing issue of housing affordability remains a significant concern for first-time buyers in the United States. The predictions for the upcoming year indicate a continued decline in purchasing power, primarily driven by limited supply and only marginal interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Although experts anticipate a slowdown in home
The prospect of tariffs on major trading partners has raised significant concerns among businesses and policymakers alike. President-elect Donald Trump’s recent emphasis on imposing tariffs on countries like Canada, Mexico, and China marks a radical shift in the U.S. trade landscape. This article delves into the potential ramifications of such policies for the manufacturing sector,
In a recent development, British employers have expressed significant concern following the unexpected introduction of a £25 billion tax hike, introduced during last month’s budget announcement. This abrupt financial shift has set the stage for a range of adverse reactions from businesses, notably in areas such as employee training, capital investment, and job stability, as
As we enter the final trading week of November, the outlook for emerging markets (EM) appears increasingly dire. Investors, already facing a challenging climate, are grappling with the relentless ascent of the U.S. dollar, which has seen an unyielding inflation of its value over the past eight weeks, culminating in a two-year high. This situation
In an unexpected turn of events, President-elect Donald Trump’s appointment of Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary promises to usher in a wave of relief for the American bond market amidst ongoing turbulence. Bessent, known for his investment acumen, now takes on a pivotal role that influences the economic, regulatory, and international landscape of the United
In recent months, U.S. stock markets have maintained a trajectory of growth that stands in stark contrast to their international counterparts. With the S&P 500 accumulating gains exceeding 24% in 2024, investors are keeping a watchful eye on the potential implications of the incoming presidential administration under Donald Trump. Many analysts suggest that if the