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Clear all filters- The Economist8 min
The Iran war will cause inflation to surge | The Economist
The escalation of conflict in Iran has triggered a surge in oil prices that threatens to transmit inflationary pressure globally through energy costs and critical fertilizer shortages at the Strait of Hormuz. Central bankers face a complex dilemma balancing the risk of a historical wage-price spiral against the potential for economic stagnation, while navigating political pressure to lower rates despite IMF forecasts predicting a two percentage point inflation jump. This crisis compels immediate policy intervention to prevent a permanent structural shift in inflation expectations, mirroring the cautionary precedents of the 1970s and recent cumulative global shocks.
- The Economist8 min
Why does Trump admire Saudi Arabia?
Trump, Rachana Shanbhogue, Jason
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has steered Saudi Arabia toward a foreign policy of regional stabilization and ambitious domestic social liberalization to secure the political foundation for his economic transformation agenda. While the kingdom has rapidly dismantled religious restrictions and positioned itself as a mediator in global conflicts, its effort to diversify away from oil through massive giga projects like Neom faces significant hurdles due to stubborn reliance on energy revenues and fiscal strain. Consequently, the regime's long-term stability remains precarious, hinging on its ability to successfully deliver economic prosperity to a young population while managing the risks of potential dissent and investor skepticism.
- The Economist13 min
Has Trump damaged the dollar?
Following President Trump's reciprocal tariff announcements, a simultaneous sell-off in US bonds, equities, and the dollar signals a breakdown in historical market correlations and a generalized flight from American assets. This volatility is driven by aggressive fiscal expansion plans and administration rhetoric questioning the benefits of dollar dominance, which have raised concerns about the sustainability of foreign capital holdings in US Treasuries. While no current alternative currency offers comparable liquidity to challenge the dollar, the resulting permanent risk premium has created a less stable global financial system that requires urgent political coordination to avoid further instability.