Economic uncertainty is expected to continue throughout 2023. But some economies like the US have been more resilient than anticipated from a result of a strong labour market.
This is the first of a new series of quarterly articles, highlighting key trends across energy, food and metal commodity markets. Commodity price volatility and supply shocks have ripple effects on the entire value chain, affecting business activities, costs and prices of end products. As a result, businesses are forced to adapt their strategies to manage the risks associated with commodity market fluctuations, while consumers’ behaviour shifts amid the cost-of-living crisis.
Rapid urbanisation negatively impacts the environment as cities generate most global greenhouse emissions. Energy and transport being the main contributors to air pollution, are the key areas of sustainable urban development. While consumers are trying to decrease energy consumption, businesses invest in green technologies and governments plan a new generation of sustainable cities. This article analysis the examples of big-scale carbon-neutral urban projects and the problems of their realisation.
In this article we explore the key trends driving inflation in Q1 2023.
In 2022 central banks globally rapidly raised interest rates to counter inflation. Yet, with diverging monetary policies and economic trajectories between the US and other key economies, the US dollar reached a two-decade high against other major currencies. This has significant implications for the global economy, businesses and consumers. This article explores the drivers, impact and outlook on the US dollar surge.
At the outset of 2023, the global economy has seen some positive signs as inflation and energy prices ease from their peak levels. China’s end of zero-COVID policy also provides some growth impulses, though its full impact has not yet been unfolded. Nevertheless, the global macroeconomic environment remains challenging for economies, business and consumers in the year ahead.