Standardised coverage and timely analysis helping you to understa...
Standardised coverage and timely analysis helping you to understand the economic drivers, including GDP, external trade, consumption and leading indicators such as business and consumer confidence, underpinning consumer markets.
Weakness in the rule of law negatively impacts economic freedom in Kazakhstan and the state’s authoritarian tendencies remain, but government finances are solid. Although the economy is set to perform relatively well, the export base is undiversified…
Economic freedom in Japan continues to benefit the private sector, as does limited corruption, but fiscal health remains weak. Unemployment is low, but the economy faces external forces that are weakening its performance. Ageing and depopulation…
Recent policies are eroding democracy and corruption is rife, although economic freedom has improved in the short term. The economy has proven to be resilient, helped by higher exports, whilst inflation is moderating and the prospects for foreign…
India has a relatively stable political environment, but discrimination of minority groups is on the rise and the country has weak state finances. Economic development has outpaced peers and prospects for international trade are positive, although…
China’s increasing influence on Hong Kong’s political scene continues to undermine democracy. The economy is expected to recover well and inflation is under control, but the currency’s peg to the US dollar is leading to higher borrowing costs.…
The US’s large military presence on Guam makes the territory a target for attacks by nations looking to lower US power in Asia Pacific. Guam is highly reliant on US federal funding, exposing the territory to changes in US military spending. Tourism…
French Polynesia receives considerable support from France. Nevertheless, pro-independence party won elections in 2023, which has the potential for increased tensions between French Polynesia and France. Rebounding tuourism may support post-pandemic…
Fiji has fallen among ‘mostly unfree’ for economic freedom, with persisting political uncertainty and worsening fiscal health. Nevertheless, over the near future, economic growth should be relatively strong as tourism rebounds. Consumer expenditure…
Economic freedom is negatively impacted by authoritarianism in China, with the state becoming increasingly repressive. The zero-COVID-19 policy has adversely affected the economy, but removal of restrictions could result in strong short-term…
Although state finances remain sustainable, the ruling party’s grip on power is eroding democracy and freedoms, whilst corruption remains a key problem. Economic growth continues to be robust, but external sector weakness exists and dependence on…
Brunei Darussalam enjoys political stability and low levels of corruption. However, civil liberties are impinged upon by autocratic rule. With huge reliance on hydrocarbons, the economy is prone to various risks. An ageing populace could exert…
Although Bhutan has solid rankings for peace and terrorism, a lack of trade freedom is inhibiting economic freedom. Owing to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its effect on tourism, the economy is likely to struggle in the short term, although…
Although public debt is contained, Bangladesh has major challenges for economic freedom and corruption remains endemic. The economy has performed strongly, but inflation is rising as a result of political instability and reliance on textiles is…
Azerbaijan’s authoritarian tendencies undermine democracy, whilst tensions with neighbours are increasing. Maintenance in the oil sector adversely affected the economy and the sector’s dominance continues to result in limited export diversification.…
Armenia's economic freedom ranking has declined to 'moderately free,' marked by persistent corruption and ongoing high tensions with neighboring Azerbaijan. Despite these challenges, economic growth is projected to remain robust in 2023, surpassing…
American Samoa receives considerable aid from the US, but has a stable political landscape. The economic base is very narrow and largely involves fisheries. However, there is significant scope for tourism development. Age-related issues are expected…
The global energy crisis has had far-reaching implications for consumers, businesses and entire economies, highlighting the importance of the global energy transition and boosting energy efficiency, while creating opportunities for innovation and…
The global economy is facing weaker growth and increasing fragmentation, as a result of rising geopolitical tensions, especially due to the war in Ukraine and the US-China strategic rivalry. Protectionism, industrial policy and a focus on resilience…
The global labour markets are rapidly evolving, influenced by demographic shifts, technological advancements, changing workforce preferences, and unexpected events. While this transformation impacts costs, productivity and economic growth, it also…
After decades of low inflation, economies, companies and consumers worldwide struggle to cope with the surging cost-of-living crisis. While the costs are proliferating, the expansion in remuneration is slow. This squeeze on living standards leads to…