Standardised coverage and timely analysis helping you
to understa...
Standardised coverage and timely analysis helping you
to understand the scale and direction of trends in the business environment.
This briefing provides a global perspective of the key trends occurring in cities over 2018 -2023. It goes on to provide forecast data and insights for cities over 2024-2040, covering areas such as the economic, population and consumer spending…
Technological advances in 2024 will continue to reshape consumer behaviour. This annual report explores the top five digital shopper trends that will redefine commerce the most in the year ahead. Some of the trends included in this report’s edition…
This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries in Q4 2023 and 2024. Global inflation is moderating, although divergence remains among the key economies. Higher volatility in the energy markets and disruption of…
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 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…
Turkey continues to rank relatively low in terms of economic freedom as starting and operating a business remain difficult in the country. The lack of macroeconomic stability, a depreciating currency, shortages of skilled workers and lower innovation…
France ranks high on the Index of Economic Freedom ranking 2022, with sound trade conditions, well-developed transport infrastructure and strong innovative capabilities. However, the country still struggles with heavy tax burden and rather rigid…
Portugal ranks in the top third globally in the Index of Economic Freedom (IEF) ranking, yet lags behind key regional peers. The country’s business environment is clouded by a relatively heavy tax burden, elevated interest rates and rigid labour…
The Irish economy is characterised by a favourable and free business environment, and comparative advantages, which makes it an attractive destination for FDI. Despite short-term challenges, such as declining business confidence and escalating global…
The Netherlands has a highly developed economy, with a competitive business environment and a stable financial sector. The quality of the country’s judicial system is among the highest in the world, and political corruption is not tolerated. The…
The UK continues to boast among the most favourable business environments globally, supported by a stable economy, advanced infrastructure and a skilled workforce. While the UK’s medium-sized enterprises are set to benefit from reduced regulatory and…
In 2022, Sweden maintained high business freedom and an attractive investment climate, placing it among the best locations to conduct business. Strong infrastructure and a high digitalisation level, along with supportive tax policies for R&D…
The Spanish business environment is globally recognised as one of the most appealing, thanks to its membership in the European Single Market that grants Spanish businesses access to a vast and diversified customer base, as well as the absence of…
Greece’s business environment lags behind it regional peers, burdened by rigid labour market regulations, slow and inefficient judicial system, prevalent corruption, heavy taxation and weak financial system. The country boasts rather highly educated…
Despite heavy tax burden and complex regulatory procedures, Germany remains among top most attractive countries in terms of business environment globally. The country boasts sound judicial system, stable political environment and high government…
The global economy is forecast to slow considerably in 2023. This comes as businesses and consumers remain constrained by the adverse combination of persistent inflation and high interest rates. Amidst the sharp slowdown, growth prospects have…
Increased economic uncertainty, digitisation of business activities, the need to improve operational efficiency, and stricter regulations encourage companies to review their supply networks and fortify them against the potential risks in the future.…
Belgium ranks high in financial freedom indicators globally fostering positive business growth and expansion. Belgium’s economic stability, high level of R&D, strong infrastructure and abundance of skilled workforce continues to attract foreign…
Thanks to the high level of transparency, efficiency of operating a business, and robust rule-of-law indicators, Finland remains among the global leaders in terms of economic freedom. The country benefits from a highly-educated workforce, low…
Austria’s economic freedom ranking remains high, indicating a competitive business environment. The country’s businesses benefit from economic and political stability, low barriers to trade, a skilled labour force, and high capacity for innovation.…