Week in Review Archive

Australia’s central bank raised the interest rate for the second month in a row on March 17. The decision follows fears of inflation all while the intensifying conflict in the Middle East ramps up oil prices with businesses and consumers bearing the brunt.

Honduras is the second largest Central American country. With its extraordinary biodiversity, the nation has built an agricultural sector that is both highly productive and resilient. Despite being a key trading partner for the United States, China, Mexico and other Central American countries, economic uncertainty from government policies and legislation has threatened key trading relationships.

While many European nations saw meager growth in 2025, Poland’s economy reached $1 trillion, according to the Wall Street Journal, with GDP growing 3.6%. The milestone means Poland enters the top 20 world economies for 2025, sitting right behind Saudi Arabia.

After experiencing an economic slowdown, the highly industrialized country of South Korea has transitioned into a period of economic expansion. In the third quarter of 2025, the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 0.3%, its sharpest contraction since 2020. This downturn was largely the result of U.S.-imposed tariffs and heightened political uncertainty following the impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Seok Yeol.

Mexico’s economy swerved away from a recession at the close of 2025, with rebounding gross domestic product (GDP) in the final quarter due to trade growth and strong industrial and manufacturing sectors pushing the country forward.

Following a year of sustained growth, Japan’s economy is navigating a transitional phase. While economists predict a strengthening economy, Japan is faced with potential interest rate hikes, a shifting political landscape under newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and slight pressure from U.S. tariffs.  

After nearly a decade of stagnation, Germany saw signs of recovery in 2025, with the country’s gross domestic product increasing by 0.2%, according to the Wall Street Journal. While the strong numbers are a good sign for Europe’s largest economy, strong competition with China and massive stimulus funds from Berlin threaten continued growth.

In southwestern Europe, occupying the Iberian Peninsula, stands the country of Spain. Its rich culture, strong traditions and extensive coastline make it a popular place to visit. Included among the top 20 largest economies in the world, and one of the largest in the European Union (EU), Spain is a strong environment for business.