Financial markets
Representatives French Hill and G.T. Thompson, as well as other members of the House Financial Services Committee and the House Agriculture Committee, have introduced the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act to establish a regulatory framework for digital assets in the United States. The bill aims to bring clarity
Financial markets
Despite a turbulent period sparked by President Trump's trade offensive, UK business confidence rebounded in May, according to a Lloyds Bank business barometer. The Lloyds Bank business barometer jumped 11 points to 50%, marking a nine-month high, and is in line with Trump's climb-down and the
Financial markets
Federal Reserve officials are struggling to predict the economic implications of President Trump's tariffs, a topic that dominated the Federal Open Market Committee's meeting in May. The minutes of the meeting revealed a sense of uncertainty about the potential effects of trade policies, fiscal, regulatory, and
Financial markets
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has warned that the naira and 20 other African nations' currencies will depreciate by at least 6% between 2025 and 2026 due to heightened global financial market volatility. The AfDB's African Economic Outlook 2025 report highlights the growing vulnerability of African currencies
Economic growth
A recent survey conducted by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry has found that business confidence in Pakistan has entered "positive territory" for the first time in three years. The survey, conducted in March-April, reported increased optimism for the next six months, with 45% of respondents
Tariffs
US stocks took a sharp drop on Friday after President Donald Trump announced a threat to impose 50% tariffs on the European Union, which could be implemented as early as June 1. The move was seen as an escalation of the ongoing trade war, with the S&P 500
Economic growth
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is preparing a bid to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, a prestigious group of cities that drive economic growth and tourism through their cultural heritage and creative industries. The city would be one of only 13 creative cities in the UK and the first in the
Tariffs
With the US imposing tariffs, Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock noted that central banks face "shifting and unusual uncertainty". The challenge is to balance the opposing forces of inflation and global growth, which are being shaped by political decisions rather than economic fundamentals. This leaves central
Economic growth
As Namibia's banking sector responds to the global shift toward sustainable finance, Bank Windhoek has recognised the importance of embedding sustainability into its core financial processes. The bank's Chief Treasurer acknowledges that Namibia's future financial resilience depends on this approach, which involves mobilising financing
Economic growth
The European Commission has significantly reduced its economic growth forecast for the European Union (EU) due to increased US tariffs and persistent uncertainty. The commission's latest forecast, released yesterday, projects a 1.1 percent real GDP growth for the 27-country bloc in 2025 and 1.5 percent in
Tariffs
The global trade landscape has dramatically shifted with the imposition of sweeping tariff increases by the United States on a wide range of trading partners. Beginning in early April 2025, these tariffs are significantly higher and broader than previous trade restrictions, with some "reciprocal" tariffs based on trade
Tariffs
Fitch Ratings' latest commentary on the aircraft operating lease asset-backed securities (ABS) sector presents a nuanced view of the challenges facing the industry. Despite expected support from continued under-supply and the shift in preferences towards used aircraft due to tariffs, the sector is not immune to the growing pressures
