Tag: International Markets

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.

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.

Canada’s economy lags as increased trade strains and softening labor market test the economy, prompting more conversation around interest rates cut by the Bank of Canada. Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP) shrank by 0.1% in May, with expectations that it will bounce back in the following months despite continued strain from tariff stress. The biggest hit came from the retail trade sector, part of the larger service-producing industries that contribute up to 75% of total GDP, which contracted 1.2%, per Reuters. 

Argentina’s economy has shown signs of stabilization following a challenging year marked by severe poverty, soaring inflation and significant sociopolitical pressures. Today, the country stands as one of the largest economies in Latin America, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $640 billion, per the World Bank Group.

India’s economy faces major headwinds as U.S. President Donald Trump imposes penalty for buying Russian goods on top of a 25% tariff. The tariff took effect August 1, after the previous 26% tariff introduced in April was paused following negotiations.

The United Kingdom’s economy shrunk for the second month in May, with gross domestic product falling by 0.1%. While many economists expected the economy to grow in May, the country had a hard time navigating global economic instability.