Tag: WIR

While expectations were low due to growing international tensions, the United Kingdom’s economy unexpectedly grew in March. Gross domestic product increased by 0.3% month-to-month in March, per Reuters, with a 0.2% contraction.  

The Mexican economy experienced a slow start to the year, contracting by 0.8% in the first quarter. This decline followed a 0.9% quarter-over-quarter growth in the last three months of 2025, according to Mexico News Daily. Despite this slowdown, Mexico’s finance ministry maintained its 2026 economic growth forecast at the end of April, per Reuters, predicting a 1.8% to 2.8% growth in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). 

As conflict in the Middle East intensifies, the agricultural sector is bracing for added strain as disruptions to trade drastically cut access to fertilizers and gas needed for crop production, ultimately pushing costs higher while profits continue to drop.

Today, the Dominican Republic remains one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This year, its nominal gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow between 3.7% to 4.5%, a result of a rebound in the nation’s tourism, mining and construction industries, according to IMF data and World Economics reports.

Already embroiled in a years-long conflict with Russia, the Ukrainian economy is experiencing new stress as the conflict in the Middle East escalates. As oil prices rise in response to the war in the Middle East, Ukraine could see inflation raising by 1.5 to 2.8 percentage points, according to Reuters. National Bank of Ukraine Governor Andriy Pyshnyi said Ukraine’s central bank would remain steadfast with their target of lowering inflation to 5%.

Bordered by Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea, Belize has flourished, welcoming tourists from around the world. Though culturally and geographically attractive, the country’s modest economy is consistent with other small developing states.

As the conflict between the United States and Iran intensifies, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s economy faces headwinds as core industries flounder. As the war intensifies, the market capitalization of Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock exchanges dropped $240 billion over the last month, according to Middle East Eye.

Nicaragua’s economy has seen mixed performance in recent years. Following significant growth in 2024, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth dropped from 3.6% to 3.1% in 2025. This decline was primarily due to slowed remittances, limited investment and global economic deceleration. Despite this slowdown, the economy will expand by 4% this year, supported by sound fiscal and monetary policies and increased remittances, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

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.