Wall Street Slides as Warsh Fed Nomination, Hot Inflation, and Precious Metals Rout Shake Markets 
U.S. Eases Venezuela Oil Sanctions to Boost American Investment After Maduro Ouster 
China Home Prices Rise in January as Government Signals Stronger Support for Property Market 
Trump Threatens 50% Tariff on Canadian Aircraft Amid Escalating U.S.-Canada Trade Dispute 
Gold and Silver Prices Plunge as Trump Taps Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair 
Oil Prices Hit Four-Month High as Geopolitical Risks and Supply Disruptions Intensify 
Russia Stocks End Flat as MOEX Closes Unchanged Amid Mixed Global Signals 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Second Week as Tariff Threats and Iran Tensions Shake Markets 
U.S. Government Faces Brief Shutdown as Congress Delays Funding Deal 
Why Trump’s new pick for Fed chair hit gold and silver markets – for good reasons 
Canada’s Trade Deficit Jumps in November as Exports Slide and Firms Diversify Away From U.S. 
Indonesian Stocks Plunge as MSCI Downgrade Risk Sparks Investor Exodus 
Oil Prices Surge Toward Biggest Monthly Gains in Years Amid Middle East Tensions 
U.S.–Venezuela Relations Show Signs of Thaw as Top Envoy Visits Caracas 
China Factory Activity Slips in January as Weak Demand Weighs on Growth Outlook 
Copper Prices Hit Record Highs as Metals Rally Gains Momentum on Geopolitical Tensions 
U.S. and El Salvador Sign Landmark Critical Minerals Agreement to Boost Investment and Trade 
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.
