Subscribe
geopolitical tensions
Politics / 14 weeks ago
Russia and China lead Asia’s military might: Top 10 powers vs. Europe
As geopolitical tensions simmer across multiple continents, a new ranking from Global Firepower reveals how conventional military power is concentrated in Asia and Europe in 2025. The Power Index (PwrIndx) uses more than 60 factors ranging from manpower and equipment inventories to financial resources and logistics to gauge each nation’s theoretical war‑fighting capability. The lower the score, the stronger the military.
Business / 19 weeks ago
Global South economies to watch in 2025
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its 2025 World Economic Outlook which spotlights the Global South as a crucial engine of global economic momentum. Amidst modest global growth, the IMF forecasts that several developing economies are poised for significant expansion in 2025, with India, Argentina, and Indonesia leading the pack.
Politics / 19 weeks ago
NATO allies boost defence budgets as U.S. military spending remains unmatched
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is undergoing a seismic financial transformation. In what analysts call the most significant defence spending shift since the Cold War, member states have agreed to ramp up military budgets from 2% to 5% of GDP, dramatically altering the alliance’s strategic and fiscal landscape. This change comes as Al Jazeera and other global outlets report that U.S. military spending nearly doubles the combined budgets of all its NATO allies. The move to increase commitments is seen as both a response to growing global threats and a bid to ease the burden long shouldered by Washington.
Business / 38 weeks ago
GDP projections for OECD countries in 2025 and what they mean
As of December 2024, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released its latest Economic Outlook, projecting global GDP growth to remain resilient despite significant challenges. The global economy is expected to grow by 3.3% in 2025, slightly up from 3.2% in 2024. Inflation within OECD countries is anticipated to ease from 5.4% in 2024 to 3.8% in 2025, supported by a still restrictive monetary policy stance in most countries. Regional Projections:
Business / 49 weeks ago
Central banks turn to gold as global volatility rises
As economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions intensify, central banks worldwide increasingly turn to gold as a financial safeguard. Gold reserves, seen as a stable and reliable anchor, have become an essential part of the government's strategies to ensure fiscal security. These reserves act as a tangible backstop for national wealth, insulating economies from currency fluctuations and rising inflation. Recent research by the World Gold Council reveals significant increases in gold holdings by several countries, reflecting their proactive approach to economic stability. China has emerged as a leading buyer, maintaining a 15-month streak of gold purchases. This move aligns with Beijing's broader efforts to diversify its foreign exchange reserves and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar. With global trade dynamics shifting and geopolitical risks on the rise, China's aggressive accumulation of gold underscores its commitment to securing its economy against external shocks.
