People are increasingly acknowledging that the global economy is stronger than they thought COMMENT | JIM O’NEILL | In February 2017, I wrote an optimistic commentary called “The Global Economy’s Surprising Resilience.” The piece came as a surprise to those who saw only bleak prospects for Western countries, not least the …
Read More »Liberia’s youth betting on Weah economic miracle
Monrovia, Liberia | AFP | New President George Weah is nothing less than revered among Liberia’s youth, who view his rise from the slums to stellar success in European football as proof he can also turn around their fragile economy. In his inaugural address on Monday, Weah thanked young voters …
Read More »Donald Trump to meet Kagame, Netanyahu and May in Davos
Washington, United States | AFP | US President Donald Trump is set to meet with the British and Israeli prime ministers, Theresa May and Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Davos later this week, the White House said Tuesday. Trump will meet May Thursday to address the Syria conflict, Iran’s “destabilizing” …
Read More »Trump wins Davos raves for ‘landmark’ tax cut
Davos, Switzerland | AFP | Instead of a chilly reception from globalisation’s defenders, US President Donald Trump may find a warm welcome in the posh ski resort of Davos, from global executives delighted with his controversial tax reform. The annual World Economic Forum in the snow-bound Swiss resort is a …
Read More »Five things George Weah has promised Liberians
Monrovia, Liberia | AFP | Former football star George Weah promised to tackle Liberia’s economic and social problems as he was sworn in on Monday in the first democratic transfer of power for more than 70 years. Here are five things he has pledged to do since his election: – Tackle …
Read More »Macron hosts 140 CEOs in pre-Davos charm offensive
Paris, France | AFP | President Emmanuel Macron’s campaign for a “French Renaissance” kicks into overdrive Monday as he welcomes 140 multinational business leaders before this week’s jamboree of the rich and powerful in Davos. The business-friendly president will host executives at the grand Versailles chateau near Paris for an …
Read More »S.Africa’s ANC vows change as Zuma exit looms
Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP | South Africa’s ruling ANC party said Saturday it would “act decisively” to rebuild its reputation, as local media reported that President Jacob Zuma could soon be forced from office. Zuma has been under growing pressure to resign since he was replaced as head of …
Read More »US to overtake Saudi as crude oil producer: IEA
Paris, France | AFP | The United States are set to overtake Saudi Arabia as the world’s number two oil producer after Russia this year, as shale companies, attracted by rising prices, ramp up drilling, the International Energy Agency said on Friday. “This year promises to be a record-setting one …
Read More »South Africa central bank chief to head IMF steering committee
Washington, United States | AFP | South Africa’s central bank chief Lesetja Kganyago will take over as chair of the International Monetary Fund’s policy advisory committee, the IMF announced Thursday. Kganyago, who has served as governor of the South African Reserve Bank since late 2014, takes on a three-year post …
Read More »COMMENT: Misery for inflation targeters
Why the misery index has a role to play in assessing the state of an economy and success of policy COMMENT | KOICHI HAMADA | The United States, Europe, and Japan are all making positive economic strides. In the U.S, the unemployment rate is falling, and now stands at just over …
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