Economy, Finance and Trade

Denmark enjoys considerable economic freedom and is one of the least corrupt countries globally, but the income tax burden is high. The economy is slowing markedly, but inflation has retreated and unemployment is lower than peers. Although there is a…

Norway enjoys considerable economic freedom and adheres strongly to the rule of law, whilst state finances are in rude health. Output development is slowing, owing to challenges for the global economy, but inflation is under control and exports have…

The United Kingdom’s (UK) political landscape has been volatile, whilst Brexit continues to weigh on economic freedom. Owing to high inflation that has eroded consumer purchasing power and business investment, economic output is set to slow markedly,…

Although the tax burden is increasing, the Netherlands continues to enjoy significant economic freedom and solid state finances. High prices have negatively impacted economic momentum, but inflation is falling and unemployment is low. The quality of…

Switzerland is one of the world’s most democratic countries, with extensive economic freedom and strong state finances. Although inflation is under control, economic growth is set to slow further. Consumer market appeal continues to be supported by…

Whilst some aspects of economic freedom require improvement and corruption is growing, as is political instability, Belgium enjoys a strong rule of law. Inflation has been falling, but the economy is underperforming the peer average, although it is…

Turkey is facing rising authoritarianism, along with the undermining of its secular society and democracy. Earthquakes in early 2023 are to negatively affect economic development considerably and increase state spending, whilst they have also clouded…

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…

Cities are hubs for spending, with 80% of expenditure expected to be generated by urban areas in 2023. Spending growth in 2023 will, however, be sluggish, as cost of living challenges force consumers to be more conservative in their expenditure. Over…

Spain is suffering from a bout of political instability and economic freedom has worsened. Although economic development is slowing down, it continues to attract foreign investors. However, high, albeit falling, inflation has taken its toll on…

Relatively high taxes and a lack of fiscal discipline are negatively affecting economic freedom, whilst France is prone to significant social unrest. Economic momentum is slowing, as higher borrowing costs adversely impact investment and confidence,…

Although ‘mostly free’ for economic freedom and state finances have been improving, more corruption has been observed and its terrorism ranking has been deteriorating. Inflation is retreating, but economic growth is moderating, whilst energy import…

Italy’s high public debt is a threat to stability and negatively affects economic freedom, but anti-corruption legislation has been reinforced. Economic growth is forecast to be subdued, as rising borrowing costs bite, and foreign investment is…

The economy in Ireland expanded in 2022, driven by increasing private consumption, strong exports, and external demand, allowing for a rapid recovery from the pandemic and energy crises. However, inflation pressures on real incomes and private…

The Spanish economy experienced significant growth in 2022, buoyed by increasing private expenditure, a rebounding tourism sector, and a declining unemployment rate. While higher household energy costs were a concern, government assistance helped…

The UK's economy slowed down in 2022 due to weaker private consumption, as well as disrupted business activity due to strikes and labour shortages. Elevated inflationary pressure caused concerns about the cost of living and led to increased…

Global consumers are struggling with the cost of living crisis, as inflation remains high while household income growth lags. Consumers are adopting recessionary habits, such as trading down and being more selective in their spending. Rather than…

This report provides a global overview of commodity market trends from 2017 through to 2022, including price forecasts up to 2024 for the key commodities in the Agriculture, Energy and Metals sectors. Insights analyse long-term global trends that can…

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…

In 2022, Sweden's economic growth slowed down, due to decreasing domestic and external demand, as well as geopolitical tensions and energy price shocks. Inflationary pressure in Sweden is expected to decrease over the medium term, as commodity prices…