Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Rising Debt and Economic Challenges
The World Bank has released a concerning report highlighting that the 26 poorest countries, which are home to 40% of the world's most impoverished people, are facing their highest debt levels since 2006. These nations are now more vulnerable to natural disasters and economic shocks, exacerbating their poverty levels.
Economic Decline Amid Global Recovery
Despite the broader world recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, these economies are, on average, poorer than before the crisis. With per-capita incomes below $1,145, they are increasingly dependent on International Development Association (IDA) grants and low-interest loans. The average debt-to-GDP ratio for these countries\ has reached a staggering 72%, marking an 18-year high.
Geopolitical Instability and Investment Challenges
Many of these countries are situated in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, Chad, and Congo, as well as Afghanistan and Yemen. Approximately two-thirds of these nations are embroiled in conflict or struggle with social instability, deterring foreign investment and trapping them in economic cycles of boom and bust.
The Role of the IDA
World Bank chief economist Indermit Gill emphasized the importance of IDA as a lifeline for these nations amid global neglect. The IDA aims to raise $100 billion by December 6, building on the record $93 billion raised in 2021.
Urgent Need for Investment and Self-Sufficiency
Natural disasters have increasingly impacted these economies, averaging annual losses of 2% of GDP from 2011 to 2023—five times that of lower-middle-income countries. The report urges these nations to enhance tax collection and improve public spending efficiency to foster resilience and sustainability.
