Tariffs and Trade Shocks Were Larger Than Expected When Donald Trump began his second term, economists widely predicted that aggressive tariff expansion would significantly slow economic growth. Average tariff rates jumped dramatically within months, marking one of the sharpest increases in modern American trade policy. Many analysts believed such moves would either reignite inflation or…
US Economy Expected to Avoid Recession Australian asset manager Betashares has released an optimistic outlook for 2026, arguing that the United States will remain the primary engine of global growth. In its latest strategy paper, the firm projects that the US economy will continue expanding at a moderate pace despite policy volatility, geopolitical tensions, and…
Trump Publicly Opposes the Chagos Agreement U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly urged the United Kingdom not to proceed with its proposed transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. In a sharp statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that entering into a long-term lease arrangement…
First Projects Under Landmark Trade Deal Japan and the United States have officially launched the first round of investments under Tokyo’s massive $550 billion capital commitment agreed in last year’s trade framework. The announcement marks a significant milestone in bilateral economic cooperation. The projects were selected through a joint review process involving U.S. and Japanese…
Philippines Pursues Nuclear Energy for Long-Term Power Supply The Philippine government is accelerating plans to introduce nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy strategy. Officials say nuclear power could help ensure stable electricity supply while supporting economic growth. Energy leaders believe nuclear technology can complement renewable energy expansion across the country. The government aims…
Scholars Raise Concerns About Democratic Backsliding Several political scientists say the United States may be experiencing increasing democratic strain as political tensions intensify ahead of upcoming elections. Researchers studying global democracy trends have pointed to recent developments as potential warning signs. Experts from institutions such as Harvard University and the V-Dem Institute argue that democratic…
Washington Targets Tech Leadership in Asia-Pacific The United States is intensifying efforts to strengthen its technological presence across the Asia-Pacific, unveiling a $20 million initiative to support artificial intelligence adoption among partner economies. The move comes as geopolitical competition with China increasingly shifts toward innovation, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies. Officials introduced the plan during…
Trump Repeals Landmark Climate Finding Donald Trump has dismantled one of the most important legal foundations of U.S. climate policy by directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to rescind its 2009 “endangerment finding.” The decision removes the federal government’s primary authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act, dramatically reshaping the nation’s…
Zhu Min Flags Growing Risks to Dollar Dominance Former International Monetary Fund deputy managing director Zhu Min has warned that fading global trust in the U.S. dollar could become one of the most significant threats to financial stability in the coming years. His comments arrive as investors increasingly reassess currency exposure amid rising geopolitical tensions…
Rubio Seeks to Reassure Allies After Months of Tension Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, delivered a carefully calibrated message to European leaders at the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing Washington’s desire to revitalize rather than fracture the transatlantic alliance. His remarks followed a period of strained relations sparked by policy disagreements and controversial rhetoric…
