A Surprisingly Resilient Global Backdrop As 2026 unfolds, the global economy has defied many pessimistic forecasts. Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, high interest rates, and lingering trade frictions, growth has remained steady rather than collapsing. This resilience has surprised policymakers and investors who expected sharper slowdowns following years of economic shocks. Speaking at the…
Tariff Rhetoric Signals a Shift in US Trade Posture The United States’ sudden shift from praising Canada’s trade engagement with China to threatening sweeping tariffs has raised questions about the true drivers behind Washington’s actions. While framed publicly as a trade defense, the move appears rooted in political signaling rather than economic mechanics. The administration…
A Shift Away From Hyper-Globalization Global trade entered 2026 under growing strain as governments rethink decades of economic integration. Once driven by efficiency and cost minimization, trade policy is now increasingly shaped by security, resilience, and political alignment. This shift reflects lessons learned from recent shocks, including pandemics, wars, and geopolitical tensions. Policymakers are prioritizing…
A Structural Shift in Global Trade Global trade entered 2026 under mounting strain as governments reassessed decades-old assumptions about efficiency and openness. Rather than maximizing cost advantages through globalized production, policymakers are increasingly prioritizing security, resilience, and political reliability. This shift marks a clear departure from the globalization model that dominated since the 1990s. Trade…
Rising Energy Costs Strain Business Operations Energy prices have become one of the most pressing challenges for New Jersey businesses heading into 2026. Electricity costs have risen sharply, forcing many companies to reassess pricing strategies and operating budgets. Energy-intensive industries, including manufacturing and construction, feel the pressure most acutely. Business owners warn that sustained increases…
U.S. Trade Policy Emerges as Key Uncertainty Malaysia’s technology sector faces heightened uncertainty heading into 2026 as analysts warn that potential U.S. sectoral tariffs on semiconductors could weigh heavily on earnings. According to a recent report by Ta Securities, policy risks linked to Donald Trump remain a major overhang despite otherwise favorable industry fundamentals. The…
A World Economy Undergoing Structural Reordering The global economy is heading into 2026 shaped less by short-term cycles and more by structural change. The past year accelerated trends that were already unfolding, including rising protectionism, geopolitical rivalry, and a reassessment of global supply chains. Governments and businesses alike are adjusting to a world where economic…
NAIROBI — December 9, 2025 — Bitcoin’s turbulent performance in 2025 has revived a familiar debate among investors and policymakers: Is the world’s largest cryptocurrency evolving into a mature global asset, or does it remain trapped in a cycle of speculation and extreme volatility? After hitting an all-time high above $126,000 in October, Bitcoin has…
Japan Emphasizes Unity Between Government and Central Bank Leaders Japan’s finance minister reaffirmed that the government and the central bank share a consistent view of the domestic economy. This alignment supports market expectations regarding upcoming monetary decisions impacting long-term stability. Officials stressed that Japan’s economy continues its moderate recovery, guiding policy discussions. Their unified outlook…
Tariffs Intensify Pressure on US Small Businesses Small businesses across the United States face growing financial pressure as Trump’s tariffs sharply increase import costs and disrupt supply chains during the crucial holiday season. Many firms now warn that even strong holiday sales may not offset the mounting expenses caused by tariff-driven inflation and persistent economic…
