Foreign Investors Drive Surge in Japanese Stocks Amid AI Rally and Improved Risk Sentiment 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S.-Iran Tensions and Strait of Hormuz Disruptions Persist 
Gold Prices Rise Slightly but Head for Weekly Loss Amid Oil Surge and Inflation Fears 
Dollar Weakens Amid Middle East Tensions and Anticipated Central Bank Decisions 
U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Disrupts Global Oil Markets 
New Zealand Economy Faces Short-Term Pressure but Recovery Remains on Track 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Ceasefire Extension and Intel Earnings Lift Sentiment 
Iran-Pakistan Diplomacy and Strait of Hormuz Tensions Push Oil Prices Above $100 
European Car Sales Surge in March as EV and Hybrid Demand Accelerates 
U.S. Sanctions Target Chinese Refinery Over Iranian Oil Purchases 
Gold Prices Slip as Strong Dollar and Middle East Tensions Weigh on Market 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Talks Ease Tensions Despite Strait of Hormuz Disruptions 
India-US Trade Talks Advance Toward $500 Billion Goal Amid Ongoing Negotiations 
USDA Plans to Expand Farmer Surveys to Improve Crop Report Accuracy 
Indian Cotton Yarn Exports Surge as China Demand Rises Amid Global Supply Disruptions 
Asian Stocks Surge to Record Highs as Wall Street Rally Offsets Oil Price Concerns 
Stock Futures Dip as S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit Record Highs Amid Rising U.S.-Iran Tensions 
Venezuela surpassed 9% economic growth in 2024, President Nicolas Maduro announced, crediting the hydrocarbons sector for its crucial role in driving recovery. The nation shows signs of progress as it tackles ongoing challenges.
Maduro Highlights Venezuela’s 9% Economic Growth in 2024
According to a transcript of an interview that was released by the Mexican media outlet La Jornada on Wednesday, President Nicolas Maduro stated that the economy of Venezuela had growth of more than nine percent in the year 2024, Investing.com reports.
"In 2023, we had 5.5% (growth). In 2024, according to all scientific, statistical, and technical data, we will surpass 9% growth in gross domestic product, with a very high level of growth in the real economy, as well as in the hydrocarbons sector," Maduro told the Spanish reporter Ignacio Ramonet.
Inflation and Migration Impact Venezuelan Economy
Over the past few years, Venezuela's economy has been going through a protracted crisis that has been characterized by inflation rates in the triple digits and the migration of millions of Venezuelans into other countries in search of better possibilities.
The government lifted its limitations on the private sector in 2019, which made it possible for an informal dollarization to take place. This, in turn, provided a vital support system for important sections of the economy.
Analysts Remain Skeptical of Economic Recovery
The analysts, on the other hand, are of the opinion that the plan has not been adequate for a complete economic recovery.
On Wednesday evening, the presidential interview with Maduro is scheduled to be broadcast on the state television of Venezuela.
