Tag: Economy

NACM’s seasonally adjusted combined Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) slid 2.2 points to 52.8.

Over the past few years, Colombia has endured mounting economic challenges. The country’s significant public debt and widened deficit, persistent inflation and weakened currency, have contributed to fiscal instability. Additionally, weak investment and high informal unemployment have hindered Colombia’s economic growth.

Chile elected conservative José Antonio Kast as president on Dec. 15, as voter priorities shift from inequity and improved pensions to addressing crime, immigration and strengthening a sluggish economy.

In south-central Asia stands the mountainous country of Afghanistan, known for its rugged terrain, rich cultural heritage and historic trade routes. The largely traditional and agriculture-based economy is dependent on farming, livestock and small trade. Although the region has significant natural resources, economic activity remains informal and rural, with limited industrial development.

Since the end of World War II, the United States’ dollar (USD) has been recognized as the world’s primary reserve currency and the most widely used medium of exchange in global transactions. Despite its long-standing dominance, the dollar remains susceptible to periods of devaluation.

As Saudi Arabia approves its state budget for 2026, the country anticipates a narrowing fiscal deficit as they prioritize industry and logistics industries in an effort to increase non-oil-based revenue. The country is projecting a deficit of 165 billion riyals ($44 billion), about 3.3% of gross domestic product (GDP).

Following a year of stagnation, Italy’s economy still struggles, narrowly avoiding recession in the third quarter. The eurozone’s third-largest economy saw its gross domestic product (GDP) remain unchanged compared with the previous quarter, while expanding by 0.4% year over year, according to Trading Economics. In the three months leading up to September, Italy posted a 0.1% contraction from the second quarter, contradicting expectations of a 0.1% rebound.

NACM’s seasonally adjusted combined Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) for October 2025 improved 2.1 points to 54.5. “The index recovered most of last month’s drop and remains in expansion, but the statements made by respondents are worrying,” said NACM Economist Amy Crews Cutts, Ph.D., CBE. “The respondent comments are starkly negative, citing increased business failures and bankruptcies, lien filings and demands for extended terms.”

Metrics are a key part of how credit managers track their company’s performance, from how many customers are paying late to the number of new credit applications. There is a lot of internal data to consider when working in credit, but how often do credit professionals look outside their own metrics?