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.
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…
Respect of the rule of law and a dynamic private sector have led to superior economic freedom for Taiwan. However, geopolitical tensions are negatively impacting both the political and economic landscapes. Inflation has been controlled well, but the…
Although Tonga is ‘moderately free’ for Economic Freedom, it is relatively stable politically and had solid state finances. The economy is overly reliant on remittances and tourism, which could lead it to underperform compared to its peers, whilst it…
Global growth is set to slow in 2024 as a result of high cost pressures for businesses and consumers, especially high interest rates. Asia Pacific will continue to stand out as the main global growth region while advanced economies decelerate.…
Although government finances are solid and monetary freedom rank high, the Solomon Islands suffers from pervasive corruption and low investment freedom. Economic performance is expected to be below peers over the near term. The population is young…
Samoa is a politically stable country with a budget surplus. However, the large influence of the state and significant exposure to tourism could weigh on economic performance in the medium term. Although the country is young and growing, its…
Tuvalu has favourable political freedom, but a high dependency ratio and poor regulatory environment. Economy slowly recovered from COVID-19 pandemic and related slowdown, bolstered by the seafaring sector. Nevertheless, further growth will remain…
Papua New Guinea faces considerable hurdles, marked by pervasive corruption and limited economic freedom. Country’s economy, heavily reliant on the uncertain global commodity market, is further strained by low productivity due to extensive…
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…
Mongolia is a peaceful country, but with high levels of corruption and fragile governance. The economic growth should accelerate in 2023, supported by the vast mining sector, but the country’s dependence on this sector leaves it vulnerable.…
Macau, China benefits from political stability, but its ageing population could make increasing demands on government finances in the future. As the world’s largest gambling hub, Macau’s economy is heavily dependent on revenues from casinos, making…
Political instability is frequent and Kyrgyzstan fell into ‘mostly unfree’ for economic freedom ranking. Economic growth is forecast to be slower than peers and below the pre-pandemic levels. Population growth will add to consumer market appeal and a…
Although Kiribati enjoys political stability, a lack of business freedom has resulted in a poor ranking for economic freedom overall. Its narrow economic base prevents employment creation, resulting in high joblessness, whilst it is also highly…
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…
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…
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…
Myanmar’s military has created significant instability for the country, whilst corruption continues to be rife and economic freedom has worsened. High inflation is causing the economy to stall and the foreign investment climate has worsened…
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…
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…
Limited taxation adds to Vanuatu’s economic freedom. However, competing factions destabilise the political landscape. Exposure to tourism will lead to output underperformance versus peers in the short term, whilst large agricultural activities also…