economy

In the traditional playbook of economics, certain relationships are held as gospel. A booming economy fuels corporate profits, which in turn leads central banks to raise interest rates to prevent overheating. Conversely, a struggling economy sees profits fall, prompting rate cuts to stimulate growth. For decades, this was the reliable rhythm of the financial world. […]

The Unseen Tollbooth: More Than Just a Parking Problem We’ve all been there. You find the perfect parking spot, you’re running late for a meeting, and you’re confronted with yet another QR code, another app to download, another set of credit card details to enter. The signal is weak, the app is buggy, and the […]

There’s a curious paradox unfolding in the highest echelons of the tech world. The very architects of our AI-driven future—the visionaries building systems with the potential to solve humanity’s greatest challenges—are quietly preparing for its potential collapse. From Mark Zuckerberg’s sprawling, self-sufficient compound in Hawaii to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s well-stocked “go-bag” and remote landholdings, […]

The Canary in the Ivory Tower At first glance, the headlines seem confined to the world of academia: thousands of university jobs on the chopping block, and staff voting on national strike action over a meager 1.4% pay offer. It’s a narrative of campus discontent, a localized struggle between administrators and employees. However, to dismiss […]

The Unshakeable Image of Swiss Precision Meets an Immovable Obstacle When you think of Switzerland, what comes to mind? Precision watches, unbreachable bank vaults, world-class pharmaceuticals, and decadent chocolate. For decades, the Swiss brand has been synonymous with quality, reliability, and stability. This reputation has fueled a powerhouse export economy, with the United States serving […]

A Financial Lifeline Across Hemispheres In a move that has sent ripples through the international finance community, the United States has initiated a significant and controversial financial rescue plan for Argentina. The core of the strategy: a direct intervention by the U.S. administration to purchase Argentine pesos. This isn’t a typical loan or aid package; […]

The familiar ritual of European travel is on the cusp of a dramatic transformation. For decades, a simple passport stamp has been the symbol of crossing into the Schengen Area. But this analogue practice is about to be replaced by a high-tech, data-driven process: the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES). While headlines focus on potential […]

At first glance, a Scottish castle filled with celebrities plotting against each other seems worlds away from the polished floors of Wall Street or the dynamic innovation hubs of Silicon Valley. The hit reality TV show, The Traitors, with its latest series featuring well-known faces like Alan Carr and Stephen Fry, is a masterclass in […]

In the intricate world of modern finance, risk can often lurk where it’s least expected. While investors and analysts keep a close eye on the volatile swings of the stock market and the grand pronouncements of central banks, some of the most significant dangers are buried deep within the complex plumbing of the global economy. […]

Introduction: A Political Move with Economic Consequences On the surface, a recent proposal by lawmakers from Italy’s ruling Brothers of Italy party to ban Islamic face coverings like the niqab and burqa appears to be a matter of national security and cultural identity. Citing a need to combat “religious radicalisation,” the bill introduces stringent penalties, […]

In the world of global economics and financial technology, inspiration can come from unexpected places. Recently, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made headlines by lauding India’s digital identity system, Aadhaar, as a “massive success.” This public endorsement wasn’t just a diplomatic nicety; it was a clear signal of the UK’s own ambitions to develop a […]

Every morning, thousands of professionals begin their day not with market reports or earnings calls, but with a grid of black and white squares: the financial world’s beloved ritual, the FT Crossword. On the surface, it’s a simple pastime—a test of vocabulary and wit. But look closer, and you’ll find that the discipline of solving […]