US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is implementing a plan for economic growth to surpass state debt, according to Vice President JD Vance.
Taiwan's statistics agency forecasts an 11.05% GDP growth for 2026 driven by AI demand, but analysts warn risks like capex slowdowns and geopolitical tensions threaten long-term sustainability.
The UK maintained its position as the fastest-growing G7 economy in the first half of 2026, defying IMF warnings regarding the impact of the Iran war. Strong consumer spending, aided by warm weather and the World Cup, alongside business IT investment, drove growth, though rising energy bills and inflation threaten future resilience.
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim admits shortcomings in his administration, citing higher living costs despite 6% economic growth, and signals no rush for snap elections after recent state poll losses.
World leaders and financial markets are ignoring the severe risks of uncontrolled artificial intelligence, focusing only on profits and efficiency while ignoring potential destruction.
Hong Kong raised its 2026 economic growth forecast to 3.5-4.5% after a 4.3% expansion in Q2, driven by strong external trade and resilient domestic demand, with first-half growth reaching 5.1%.
Research by Triodos Bank estimates extreme heat and wildfires across Europe will cost €180 billion in 2026, wiping out a year of economic growth and nearly causing stagnation.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has used new powers to order Westminster council to scrap a draft policy that would ban new pubs and bars in Soho and the West End, restrict operating hours, and ban vertical drinking.
Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik stated that Berlin's actions regarding the Nord Stream attacks seek a scapegoat and will likely be highly manipulative.
Goldman Sachs economists advise China to gradually appreciate its yuan and boost domestic demand to meet economic growth targets and counter foreign protectionism.
Severe drought in Europe severely impacts economic growth, forcing Romania to deploy naval forces for underwater riverbed detonations and threatening energy and transport across the continent.
NDA meeting emphasizes employment and economic growth under PM Modi, contrasting with UPA era. Modi's interaction with Nitin Nabin sparks curiosity amid BJP's loss in Bankipur.
South Korea's finance ministry announced tax code revisions aimed at strengthening economic growth potential beyond semiconductors, improving livelihoods for low- and middle-income households and youth, and pursuing a fairer, more rational tax system.
The US and Japan conducted a rare coordinated currency market intervention, with Japan buying yen to counter excessive volatility. Both nations signaled readiness for further action if needed, as Japan also cut its economic growth outlook due to high oil prices and a weaker yen.
Lake Chad has shrunk by 90% since 1823, threatening 50 million people in Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria. Climate change, population growth, and insecurity exacerbate the crisis. A $50 billion Transaqua project is proposed to redirect water from the Congo River, alongside other multi-million dollar restoration efforts.
Hong Kong's finance chief, Paul Chan, announced the city will raise its 2026 full-year economic growth forecast after a 5.1% expansion in H1 2026. This is driven by strong global AI product demand and services exports, alongside a pledge to promote yuan use. Chan cautioned on geopolitical risks and US dollar interest rates.
US economic growth unexpectedly slowed to an annual rate of 1.5% in Q2, down from 2.1%, despite a boost in consumer spending. Lower government spending, investment, and exports contributed to the slowdown, while the economy weathers the financial impact of the war with Iran and tariffs.
Uzbekistan's economy grew 8.5% in the first half of 2026, driven by structural reforms since 2017, with significant increases in investment, exports, and sectoral growth, alongside improved credit ratings from Moody's and Fitch.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham opened his "Number 10 North" office in Manchester on Friday, aiming to reverse decades of centralized power in London and spur economic growth by devolving power to local communities across England.
Andy Burnham announced regional mayors will play a leading role in UK economic policy through the revived National Economic Council and the opening of No 10 North in Manchester, aiming for a significant rebalancing of power and driving growth across the UK.
Wes Streeting, the new UK Defence Secretary, stated that increased defence spending is a top economic priority for Andy Burnham's government, aiming for 3.5% of GDP by 2035. He emphasized clarity for the arms industry and criticized Israel's conduct in Gaza.
South Korea's government and ruling party plan to reinvest increased tax revenue from robust semiconductor exports into youth and regional development, while also easing military zone restrictions. This comes as exports surged 52.3% in early July driven by chips, and Seoul stocks rebounded. Separately, LIG D&A partnered with Airbus for next-gen unmanned aircraft.
Australia's housing policy has a rich history of public investment, initiated by various governments over nearly 30 years, to address housing affordability and social needs. Despite challenges and resistance, these interventions significantly boosted home ownership and eased rental pressures, influencing current tax reforms.
China's economy grew 4.3% in Q2, its slowest pace in over three years, missing forecasts. Despite strong exports driven by AI and EVs, domestic spending and investment lagged, raising concerns about economic imbalance and long-term job creation.
