Caixin PMI Signals Robust Growth in Chinese Manufacturing
Mar 03, 2025 02:06 am UTC| Economy Insights & Views
The Caixin China General Manufacturing PMI showed a significant improvement in February 2025, standing at 50.8, above market expectations and the highest in three months. The increase was supported by faster expansion in...

Eurozone Defense Spending Surge Could Boost GDP but Strain Public Finances
Mar 02, 2025 05:30 am UTC| Insights & Views Business Economy
An increase in euro area defense spending could significantly impact GDP and public finances, according to Barclays (LON:BARC). The banks analysis suggests that raising defense expenditure from 2% to 3.5% of GDP by 2035...

Brent Crude Prices Could Face Further Decline Amid Supply and Demand Shifts
Mar 02, 2025 05:29 am UTC| Economy Business Politics
Brent crude prices have been declining since hitting $128 per barrel in 2022, with analysts at Bank of America (BofA) predicting further downside in 2025 and beyond. BofA estimates Brent will average $75 per barrel this...

China’s Two Sessions: Economic Growth Target and Policy Shifts in Focus
Mar 02, 2025 05:29 am UTC| Economy Governance
Chinas highly anticipated Two Sessions begins next week in Beijing, with policymakers expected to maintain the 2024 GDP growth target at around 5%, according to ING analysts. Premier Li Qiangs government work report on...

South Korea Seeks U.S. Tariff Exemption Amid Trade Tensions
Mar 01, 2025 08:40 am UTC| Politics Economy
South Koreas industry minister, Ahn Duk-geun, has urged the U.S. to grant tariff exemptions during trade talks in Washington, as the Biden administration moves forward with new 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum. Ahn met...

Swiss National Bank Stands Firm on Interest Rates and Currency Policy
Mar 01, 2025 08:39 am UTC| Economy Central Banks Governance
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) remains committed to using interest rates and currency interventions to maintain price stability, despite potential U.S. scrutiny. SNB Chairman Martin Schlegel reaffirmed this stance,...

China’s Manufacturing Expands as Stimulus Boosts Growth Amid Trade Tensions
Mar 01, 2025 08:38 am UTC| Economy
Chinas manufacturing activity surged in February, marking its fastest growth in three months as new orders and increased purchasing drove production. The official Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) climbed to 50.2 from 49.1...