Western economies need to rethink how innovation works at home. It is tempting to be fatalistic about China’s rise. Instead the West should take on board some vital lessons https://t.co/UcE2kiOGbX ...

Economic Outlook - The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points next week, with investors looking ahead to the rate path in 2026 [1][13] - If the inflation picture improves, further rate cuts could lead to a bullish stock market, with projections for the S&P 500 to reach between 7,000 and 8,000 by the end of next year [14][15] Federal Reserve Leadership - Kevin Hassett is considered a strong candidate to replace Jerome Powell as Fed Chair, with expectations that he would focus on economic growth rather than aggressive rate hikes [3][4][5] - Hassett's approach is anticipated to prioritize price stability and full employment, moving away from the current Fed's focus on controlling inflation through rate increases [5][12] Consumer Behavior - Recent data indicates that consumers are actively shopping, as evidenced by the popularity of retail apps like Walmart and Best Buy during the holiday season [17][18] - The consumer sentiment appears to be optimistic about the economy's growth potential in 2026, with expectations of a 3 to 4% growth rate and improved job market conditions [20][21] Market Dynamics - The current economic environment is characterized by a booming economy with GDP growth rates around 3.9%, which is significantly higher than the previous 1-2% range [15] - The Fed's actions in raising rates have contributed to an affordability crisis for consumers, impacting their ability to manage debt and loans [12]

Economic Outlook for 2026 - S&P Global Ratings expects AI tailwinds to boost otherwise weak growth in the US [1] - US growth is projected at 2%, potentially driven by AI and data centers, along with lower energy prices and easy financial conditions [2] - AI is estimated to contribute at least 0.5 percentage points to annual US growth [2] - Approximately 80% of domestic spending in the first part of the year was related to AI and data centers [2] Challenges and Risks - Manufacturing sector is experiencing contraction, with tariffs not resulting in the anticipated reshoring [2] - The US economy exhibits a narrowness in labor market strength, demand, manufacturing, and consumer spending [4] - Top 10% of Americans account for roughly 40-50% of spending, indicating a lack of broad-based recovery [5] - Rising electricity demand, driven by data centers, is pushing up utility prices for local communities [7][8] Global Implications - Europe and parts of Asia are benefiting from digital infrastructure build-out in the US, particularly in Ireland, Taiwan, Malaysia, and South Korea [9] - Europe's growth could reach 125% to 150% with the release of the German debt break, focusing on infrastructure and defense [11] - China faces challenges due to a property overhang, despite being a leader in clean tech, with growth around 4-45% [11] - Emerging Markets (EM) are benefiting from lower energy and gasoline prices, which constitute a significant portion of their consumption basket [12] AI and Labor Force Transformation - AI's initial impact on the labor force is expected to be negative, with potential layoffs in the tech sector [13] - The long-term aspiration is for AI to drive new technologies, productivity, and a labor renaissance [13]

Economic Growth - Australia's economic growth likely accelerated at the fastest pace in three years last quarter [1] Monetary Policy - Hotter inflation has prompted traders and some economists to wager the Reserve Bank's next move will be an interest-rate increase [1]

Debt Restructuring - Ukraine initiated a process to exchange securities linked to economic growth into bonds [1] - The restructuring aims to address $3.2 billion debt [1] Creditor Negotiations - Ukraine held another round of talks with a group of private creditors [1]

Nigeria’s economy grew at a slightly faster pace than expected in the third quarter. The better-than-expected outcome will be welcomed by President Bola Tinubu, who is facing mounting criticism https://t.co/oNxeLAyL9o ...

India’s unexpectedly strong economic growth last quarter has reduced chances of an interest rate cut at this week’s central bank’s policy meeting despite record-low inflation https://t.co/uxrnVE8aOI ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Global Macro Outlook**: The call discusses the macroeconomic outlook, focusing on US rates, international rates, commodities, currencies, and emerging markets [3][4][5][6]. US Rates - **Federal Reserve Policy**: The Fed is expected to skip the December meeting, with easing anticipated in January and April 2026. The funds rate target range is projected to be 3.25-3.5% by mid-2026 [3][10][15]. - **Yield Forecasts**: 2-year Treasury yields are expected to reach 3.60% in 1H26 and 3.85% by YE26. 10-year yields are projected to rise to 4.25% in 1H26 and 4.35% by YE26 [10][15]. - **Financing Gap**: A smaller financing gap is anticipated due to lower medium-term deficit projections, but a large gap is expected to emerge in FY26 [19][16]. International Rates - **Market Performance**: USD rates outperformed with a 1-2 basis point increase, while EUR rates sold off by 2-3 basis points. The UK saw a steeper 2s/30s curve [4][33]. - **UK Economic Data**: The UK labor market data was softer than expected, raising concerns about fiscal policy and potential tax changes [4][41]. Commodities - **Oil Market Outlook**: Global oil demand is projected to grow by 0.9 mbd in 2025 and 1.2 mbd in 2026, while supply is expected to outpace demand. Price forecasts are $58 for Brent and $54 for WTI in 2026 [85]. - **Natural Gas Prices**: US natural gas prices are forecasted to average $3.74/MMBtu in 2026, driven by production growth to meet LNG demand [88]. - **Base Metals**: A bullish outlook on copper is maintained, with prices expected to rise to $12,500/mt in 1H26 and average $12,075/mt for the full year 2026 [89]. Currencies - **EUR/USD Forecast**: A bullish view on EUR/USD is maintained, with a target of 1.22. However, gains may be moderate due to balanced risks on the US side [53][58]. - **Emerging Markets**: The outlook for emerging markets has improved, with a recommendation to stay overweight on EM FX and rates [6][10]. Additional Insights - **Foreign Demand for Treasuries**: Despite concerns about 'de-dollarization', foreign demand for US Treasuries has firmed in 2025, although private demand may decline due to higher yields [27][66]. - **Equity Market Trends**: US equity buying continues, with net equity purchases from foreign investors increasing [67][69]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, providing insights into the macroeconomic landscape, commodity forecasts, and currency outlooks.

If Britons were to look at Spain, they would see a rapidly growing economy with a relaxed attitude to immigration—in both respects a sharp contrast to their own land. Yet the two share similarities https://t.co/0uUh6dG04L ...

Economic Growth & Politics - British millennials are embracing infrastructure, housing and the politics of economic growth [1] Social Trends - Millennials are supporting an unlikely new cause [1]