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.
As the end of 2021 approaches, almost two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence and rapid spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant has increased uncertainty and weakened the momentum of the global recovery. This series of quarterly reports…
Euromonitor International predicts the global economy to grow at 4.6% in 2022, but continuing to face pandemic-related risks including the ongoing supply constraints and new coronavirus variants. The pharmaceutical sector is expected to see the…
Emerging Asia has been one of the most exciting regions in emerging markets during the last two decades and this trend is expected to continue, though the pace of growth has slowed down as the economies transform and mature. By 2040, emerging Asia…
After contracting by 3.1% in 2020, global real GDP is predicted to increase by 5.7% in 2021 and by 4.6% in 2022. The global economic outlook at the end of 2021 is mainly constrained by different mismatches: an ongoing mismatch between consumer demand…
Coronavirus (COVID-19) had a negative impact on consumer payment transactions in 2020, although a rebound is immediately expected to be seen in 2021. There is an ongoing trend away from using cash, with consumers increasingly moving towards…
North Korea’s autocratic regime is the most repressed globally for economic freedom, which propagates corruption, but sanctions could bring the country to the negotiating table. The command economy has been crippled by these sanctions, and remains…
Economies in the Middle East and Africa experienced a downturn in 2020 after continuous expansion since 2015. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with slumping oil prices, has disturbed countries’ economic development and distorted public finances.…
Zimbabwe has little economic freedom and is one of the most repressed countries in the world. Economic development has been limited, stunted by hyperinflation and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, resulting in social unrest. Poverty is on the…
Tuvalu has favourable political freedom, but a high dependency ratio and poor regulatory environment. In 2021, annual real GDP growth should recover from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) related slowdown of 2020, bolstered by the seafaring sector. Tuvalu…
Although autocratic rule is depressing economic freedom, state finances are solid and terrorism in Djibouti is limited. Port activities and military bases will support economic momentum in the medium term, but unemployment remains high. A high…
The US Virgin Islands has a good regulatory environment, which fosters business development. However, a lack of representation in the US is creating frustration amongst islanders. The economy is heavily dependent on tourism and recovery will depend…
Mongolia is a peaceful country, but with high levels of corruption and fragile governance. The economy should recover in 2021, driven by the vast mining sector, but the country’s dependence on this sector and exports to China leaves it vulnerable.…
French Polynesia receives considerable financial backing from France. Nevertheless, pro-independence factions remain vocal and can be destabilising. Significant reliance on tourism and a resurgence in Coronavirus (COVID-19) infections are likely to…
The Democratic Replublic of Congo (DRC) is afflicted with growing political divisions in a precarious security and humanitarian climate. Growth should be supported by the mining sector in 2021, as trade improves and inflation descends. Strong…
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…
The population in the Middle East and Africa region is growing rapidly, unlocking high levels of unmet potential and making the region an exciting prospect. Nevertheless, the fastest growing income segment is set to remain the lowest income class,…
Malta is mostly free, helping businesses to flourish, but corruption is relatively widespread compared to regional peers. Foreign investors flock to the island, eager to participate in the financial services sector, but dependence on tourism and…
A new coalition government could bring some political stability to Malawi, although endemic corruption and fear of violence are rife in the country. Despite a high reliance on agriculture, the economy is expected to perform better than peers, whilst…
Zambia has many challenges, including pervasive corruption, a weak rule of law, and massive external debt. Economic development could be hampered by its heavy debt burden, whilst vast copper deposits expose the country to global commodity price…
Trinidad and Tobago is wealthy and stable; however, it is held back by a weak judiciary and high levels of corruption. Real GDP growth should return to the economy in 2021, after the deleterious effect that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic had in…