Economy - Daily Politics

Gold is increasingly being treated as a strategic safe haven by central banks, particularly across the BRICS group, as governments reassess their exposure to the US dollar and Western financial systems. According to analysis shared by Inside China Business, this shift reflects a long-term effort to diversify reserves amid inflation pressures, sanctions risk and geopolitical fragmentation.

BRICS countries account for a significant share of global gold production, with China and Russia among the world’s largest miners. Other members and partner states, including South Africa, Brazil, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, further reinforce the bloc’s role in the global gold supply. Despite this domestic ...

The Scottish government has unveiled its Scottish Budget 2026, setting out tax and spending plans that prioritise modest tax cuts for the lowest earners while acknowledging significant constraints on public finances.

Finance secretary Shona Robison confirmed changes to Scotland’s income tax system aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures for those on lower incomes. The move reflects the SNP government’s commitment to a progressive tax approach using devolved powers, while maintaining higher rates for better-paid workers.

Alongside the tax measures, the budget highlights ongoing pressure on public spending. Funding for key areas such as health, education and local government is set against rising costs, ...

Renewed criticism of the Federal Reserve by Donald Trump has drawn warnings from leading banks and renewed debate over the independence of the US central bank, a cornerstone of financial market stability.

Trump has publicly questioned interest rate decisions and the leadership of the Federal Reserve, intensifying political pressure on the institution as it navigates inflation risks, slowing growth and uncertainty over future rate cuts. His comments have placed Fed chair Jerome Powell under increased scrutiny at a time when monetary policy signals are closely watched by markets.

Major financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase, have warned that sustained political attacks on the ...

US inflation appears to be picking up again, with economists closely watching the next Consumer Price Index (CPI) release after concerns that earlier data understated price pressures. The November inflation report showed signs of cooling, but those figures were affected by data collection problems linked to the federal government shutdown.

During the shutdown, the Bureau of Labor Statistics was unable to gather a full set of price data, relying instead on assumptions and partial information. Economists say this likely pushed reported inflation lower than underlying conditions justified, creating a misleading snapshot that is now expected to correct.

Core CPI, which excludes food ...

Russia’s economy is entering a period of weaker growth as declining oil prices and ongoing international pressure reduce export revenues and strain public finances. Energy income remains central to the country’s budget, but lower global prices have narrowed fiscal room and increased reliance on state support measures.

Economic analysts and intelligence assessments suggest that while the economy has avoided a sharp collapse, growth momentum has slowed markedly. High military spending and sanctions-related constraints have redirected resources away from civilian sectors, contributing to stagnation in investment and productivity.

Officials in Russia have highlighted resilience in domestic industry and trade with non-Western partners, but ...

Germany’s export-led economic model is facing sustained strain as demand from key markets, including the United States and China, continues to weaken. Economists warn that the slowdown is likely to persist, weighing on industrial output and broader economic growth.

German exporters, particularly in manufacturing-heavy sectors such as machinery, chemicals, and automobiles, have been hit by slowing global trade, higher costs, and subdued overseas investment. Reduced orders from major trading partners have added pressure to an economy already grappling with high energy prices and structural challenges.

Business surveys indicate that export expectations remain weak, with companies reporting limited visibility on recovery timelines. Analysts ...

China bought roughly two-thirds of the US soybeans it had pledged to purchase by the end of 2025, according to trade and agriculture data. The buying helped sustain exports but did not fully meet earlier expectations set during trade discussions.

Purchases increased toward the end of the year as Chinese importers took advantage of competitive prices and supply availability. However, the overall volume still fell short of initial targets, raising questions among US producers about longer-term demand reliability.

Analysts say China has continued to diversify its soybean sourcing strategy, balancing purchases from the United States with supplies from other exporters. This approach ...

Bank of America Chief Executive Officer Brian Moynihan said that the U.S. trade war appears to be de‑escalating, with average tariffs settling around roughly 15% for many countries after a period of uncertainty for businesses. He noted that while tariffs still remain higher for some trading partners, the shift from initial tariff shocks to a more predictable rate structure could ease pressures on planning and investment. Moynihan outlined these views during an interview aired on CBS News’ Face the Nation, where he also underscored that China and North American trade agreements remain distinct areas of focus.

Moynihan expressed concern about ...

China’s currency has shown renewed strength in recent sessions, with the yuan appreciating against the US dollar and hitting its strongest official fixing in more than a year.

Market participants say the gains reflect improving confidence in China’s economic outlook, alongside steady policy signals from authorities aimed at maintaining currency stability. Offshore trading has also indicated growing momentum, with the yuan breaking through key technical levels.

Analysts expect the currency to remain broadly stable in 2026, with some forecasting modest appreciation if economic growth firms and capital flows stabilise. China’s central bank has continued to guide the currency through daily reference rates, ...

The United States economy recorded steady growth in the third quarter, driven largely by resilient consumer spending and improved business investment, according to updated economic data released this week.

Gross domestic product expanded faster than earlier estimates, reflecting stronger household consumption and increased government spending. Economists said easing inflation pressures helped sustain demand, even as borrowing costs remained elevated.

Trade policy remained a key factor in the economic outlook, with renewed attention on tariff measures proposed by former president Donald Trump as part of his broader economic agenda. Analysts noted that while tariffs are intended to protect domestic industries, they could also ...