Since the imposition of sweeping import duties, economists and policymakers have braced for a surge in consumer prices. To date, however, the impact of tariffs on headline inflation remains surprisingly muted. A confluence of corporate strategies, timing lags and restrained… Read More ›
Economy & Finance
Geopolitical Turmoil in Middle East Sends Ripples Through Global Oil Markets
Oil markets responded sharply this week as the violent escalation between Israel and Iran underscored how swiftly geopolitical shocks can reverberate across energy prices worldwide. Benchmark Brent crude climbed back above \$73 a barrel on renewed fears that the conflict… Read More ›
Public Companies Embrace Bitcoin Treasuries to Enhance Balance Sheets and Attract Investors
In an unexpected fusion of corporate finance and digital asset investing, an increasing number of publicly traded companies are allocating portions of their cash reserves to Bitcoin, launching what market observers term “Bitcoin treasury strategies.” This trend—once limited to a… Read More ›
Tariff Stacking Strains U.S. Supply Chains and Boosts Costs for Importers
U.S. importers are grappling with a complex web of overlapping tariffs that add up to far higher duties than the headline rates publicized by policymakers. Known as “tariff stacking,” this practice occurs when newly imposed levies are applied on top… Read More ›
Ghana’s Missing Treasure: Unpacking the $11 Billion Gold Drain
Over the last five years, Ghana’s artisanal gold sector has quietly funneled an estimated 229 tons—or some $11.4 billion—of precious metal beyond the reach of government coffers. A combination of under‑resourced inspection units, shifting tax policies and entrenched informal networks has turned… Read More ›
French Senate Advances Measures to Curb Ultra Fast-Fashion’s Environmental and Social Toll
The French Senate has approved a revised bill aimed squarely at curbing the rapid influx of ultra fast-fashion imports, signaling a firm legislative push to confront the environmental and social costs associated with high-turnover, low-cost garments. Lawmakers in the upper… Read More ›
US and China Seal Framework to Lift Export Restrictions and Stabilize Trade Ties
Following intensive discussions in London, US and Chinese negotiators have agreed on a framework designed to ease export controls and reinforce an existing tariff truce, marking a significant step toward de-escalating their prolonged trade tensions. The accord builds on prior… Read More ›
Russia’s Poorest Strain Under Surging Potato Prices
Russia is witnessing an unprecedented surge in potato prices, with retail costs more than doubling or even tripling compared with a year ago. Adverse weather last season, including spring frosts and drought conditions, slashed harvests by around 12%, leading to… Read More ›
Tokyo and Washington Edge Closer to Tariff Truce with Targeted Concessions
In a bid to resolve escalating trade tensions, Japanese and U.S. negotiators have reported concrete advances during their latest round of talks aimed at rolling back punitive tariffs on key sectors. This fifth ministerial-level meeting, held in Washington last week,… Read More ›
US Fed’s Data-Driven Caution Explains Why Interest Rates Are Poised to Stay Put
Federal Reserve officials are widely expected to maintain their policy interest rate at its current level as they balance signs of cooling inflation, a still-resilient labor market and growing global uncertainties. After a series of rate hikes over the past… Read More ›