Economy - Daily Politics

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 ...

China has announced provisional import duties on certain dairy products from the European Union, following the conclusion of a domestic investigation into pricing practices and market impact.

The measures include tariffs of up to 43% on selected European dairy goods and are intended to safeguard China’s agricultural sector from what authorities describe as unfair competition. Officials said the investigation found evidence that low-priced imports had put sustained pressure on domestic dairy producers.

Chinese authorities emphasised that the action is consistent with international trade rules and reflects China’s right to defend its industries through lawful trade remedies. The duties are provisional and will ...

China’s trade surplus has surged to a record high, intensifying global debate over trade imbalances and raising fears of renewed protectionist measures from major economies.

According to recent data, China’s exports have continued to outpace imports by a wide margin, driven by strong manufacturing output, weak domestic demand, and a competitive currency. Analysts warn that the widening surplus could provoke political backlash, particularly in the United States and Europe.

Economists say China’s reliance on exports has been reinforced by sluggish consumer spending at home, pushing manufacturers to seek overseas markets. This dynamic has contributed to tensions over alleged dumping, state subsidies, and ...

Gold prices have climbed to a fresh record, driven by growing expectations that the Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates and by heightened geopolitical risks that are boosting demand for safe-haven assets.

Spot gold rose sharply in early trading, extending a rally that has gathered momentum in recent weeks as investors reassess the outlook for inflation, economic growth, and monetary policy in the United States. Lower interest rates tend to support gold by reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets.

Analysts say renewed tensions in several regions, combined with uncertainty over global economic growth, have reinforced gold’s appeal as a ...

Efforts by the European Union and the United States to seize frozen Russian state assets have run into significant legal and political obstacles, raising doubts about whether the funds can be used to support Ukraine.

Since the start of the Ukraine conflict, Western governments have frozen hundreds of billions of dollars in assets linked to the Russian central bank and sanctioned individuals. While some policymakers have pushed for outright confiscation, critics argue such a move could violate international law and undermine confidence in Western financial systems.

Officials in several EU member states have expressed concern that setting a precedent for seizing sovereign ...

UK inflation cooled faster than expected in November, adding momentum to market expectations that the Bank of England will cut interest rates at its next decision on 18 December 2025.

The Office for National Statistics data showed CPI inflation fell to 3.2% in November from 3.6% in October, undershooting both economists’ forecasts and the Bank’s own projection. The drop was driven by easing food price rises and discounting effects around Black Friday, alongside softer prices in categories including clothing and some grocery staples.

Financial markets reacted swiftly: sterling weakened and government bond yields fell as traders moved to price in ...