Economy

World food prices rise in February 2026, ending five-month downward trend: FAO

The FAO Food Price Index averaged 125.3 points in February, up 0.9 percent from its revised January level, while still 1.0 percent below its level a year earlier

Central African Republic launches first fully digitalized Ministry

The platform was developed in partnership with the Central African technology firm EDEN TiiiT

EU Commission President moves to provisionally apply Mercosur deal despite court review

Deal called consequential for Europe’s trade diversification despite opposition and legal challenges

U.S. weekly jobless claims increase as unemployment stabilizes

Initial filings for state unemployment benefits increased by 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 212,000 for the week ended February 21

Eurozone inflation drops to 1.7 percent in January 2026, lowest level in 12 months

France recorded 0.4 percent annual inflation; Romania registered the highest rate at 8.5 percent

Japan’s services inflation rises 2.6 percent in January amid wage-driven price growth

The central bank has indicated it is prepared to continue tightening policy if price gains persist alongside solid wage growth

Indonesia and U.S. finalize trade deal, cutting tariffs to 19 percent from 32 percent

The revised 19 percent tariff rate aligns Indonesia with other Southeast Asian economies that have reached similar deals with Washington

Indonesia, U.S. companies ink $38.4 billion trade and investment deals

Agreements form part of the implementation framework of the broader U.S.-Indonesia trade deal Prabowo is set to sign with Trump on Thursday

China’s luxury market shows signs of stabilization after two years of decline

Bain estimates that 65 percent of luxury purchases occurred within mainland China in 2025, compared with 35 percent overseas

U.S. and Taiwan finalize trade deal with 15 percent tariff, $500 billion in semiconductor and AI investments

Agreement exempts more than 2,000 export items from reciprocal tariffs, cutting average duty to 12.33 percent 

U.S. job growth likely picked up in January as layoffs ease, but labor market remains sluggish

Economists point to lingering uncertainty over import tariffs as a key factor dampening business confidence and hiring decisions

Bank of England holds interest rates at 3.75 percent as inflation relief signals spring pivot

The decision to hold rates comes after a narrow 5-4 vote among the MPC members 

Australia RBA interest rate hike hits households as cash rate reaches 3.85 percent in first tightening since 2023

The December Consumer Price Index showed inflation rising to 3.8 percent, alarming financial markets 

EU’s economy grows 1.6 percent in 2025 as unemployment holds at 5.9 percent

Lithuania recorded the highest increase compared to the previous quarter at 1.7 percent, followed by Spain and Portugal

U.S. trade deficit widens 94.6 percent, marking largest jump since 1992 as imports surpass records

The import surge, driven by technology needs, indicates a strong demand unmatched by domestic production 

Bank of Japan holds interest rates steady at 0.75 percent, upgrades growth and inflation forecasts

An 8-1 vote reveals divided opinions on potential rate hikes amid Japan's economic recovery efforts

Eurozone economy maintains modest growth in January as business confidence strengthens

Manufacturing production in the eurozone economy returned to growth in January, following a first fall in output for ten months at the end of 2025

U.S. economy hits strongest growth in two years with 4.4 percent GDP surge

Household consumption and AI investments drove Q3 performance to its highest levels since 2023 

Foreign investors pump $212 billion into U.S. economy as long-term securities demand surges

Net purchases of long-term U.S. securities by foreign residents reached $221.8 billion 

Overcoming regulatory fragmentation is key for Africa’s $1.5 trillion digital economy potential

The African data centre market is projected to reach $6.81 billion in 2030

U.K. economy rebounds in November with 0.3 percent GDP growth driven by rising car production

British economy defies stagnation warnings with fastest growth since June outpacing forecasts

South Korea’s central bank holds rates at 2.5 percent, signals shift away from further easing

BOK's latest meeting shows a commitment to steady interest rates amidst rising inflation

Nepal’s economic recovery to continue at a slower pace amid global uncertainty in 2026, says IMF

As the country moves forward, policymakers face the challenge of striking a careful balance between political stability and prudent economic and financial reforms