As we finish the year, China’s manufacturing sector presents a picture of stagnation and fragility, capturing attention with the latest figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics. The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) recorded a slight dip to 50.1 in December, down from 50.3 in November. While this remains marginally above the threshold that indicates
Economy
In a rapidly changing economic landscape, a striking trend has emerged in China where 3.4 million young individuals applied for the civil service examination this year. This unprecedented figure reflects a significant rise in applicants—over 400,000 more than last year and a tripling since 2014—driven primarily by a quest for stability amid economic uncertainty. As
As the U.S. stock market closes its curtain on a remarkable year of growth, all eyes are set on the unfolding dynamics of early 2025. With seasonal trading patterns at play and an election in the rearview mirror, investors are undercurrents of excitement and apprehension as they navigate through an evolving economic landscape. This article
As Jerome Powell approaches 2025, he finds himself in a challenging situation as the Chair of the Federal Reserve. The task at hand involves steering monetary policy with a keen awareness of political pressures, particularly those from former President Donald Trump and his impending administration’s economic strategies. This intricate balancing act embodies the struggle to
In a significant move towards fiscal responsibility, the Italian Senate approved the government’s 2025 budget, marking a critical step in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s financial strategy. With a keen focus on reducing the nation’s fiscal deficit, this budget signals Italy’s intent to lower the deficit from a concerning 3.8% of GDP in 2024 to a
The recent passing of Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, has marked a poignant moment in the nation’s history. His cremation on a solemn Sunday along the banks of the Yamuna River in New Delhi, attended with full state honors, was both a tribute to a significant leader and a reflection of India’s
China’s industrial landscape is currently characterized by a complex interplay of decreasing profits and government interventions. Recent data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for November suggests that while there has been a slight easing of the decline in industrial profits, the broader outlook remains bleak as the country grapples with ongoing economic
In a nation where economic growth is increasingly sluggish, scams targeting financially distressed individuals are on the rise. China’s economy, once characterized by rapid expansion, is now grappling with the slowest growth in over a year. This downturn creates a fertile ground for unscrupulous schemes that exploit vulnerable populations, echoing the dark themes found in
As the year-end approaches, Asian equity markets experienced a modest uptick amidst thin holiday trading. This slight rise continues a trend established earlier in the week where most indices saw gains without any significant data or news to disrupt their momentum. The current market activity is characterized by reduced trading volumes, typically observed during holiday
In a significant pivot towards embracing cryptocurrency for international commerce, Russian authorities have implemented new legislative measures aimed at mitigating the impact of Western sanctions. Spearheaded by Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, these changes endorse the utilization of Bitcoin and other digital currencies in overseas transactions. This strategic move comes in response to the complications faced
Recent reports indicate that Russia has experienced a significant inflation rate of 9.5% for the year, as revealed by Rosstat’s data leading up to December 23. This figure marks a troubling trend for the Russian economy, especially when considering the central bank’s prior efforts to control inflationary pressures through strategic interest rate adjustments. With consumer
Japan is poised to introduce an unprecedented budget of ¥115.5 trillion ($734 billion) for the upcoming fiscal year beginning in April. This monumental budget is largely driven by increasing expenditures related to social security and debt servicing. As Japan grapples with one of the highest debt-to-GDP ratios in the industrialized world, the government faces intensified