Economy

Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Economies Hits Historic Low Amid Rising Barriers ——————————— The World Bank reported Monday that foreign direct investment (FDI) to emerging economies plummeted to $435 billion in 2023—the lowest level since 2005—due to mounting global trade…

UK economy shrinks 0.3% in April amid tariff uncertainty and tax increases The UK economy contracted by 0.3% in April, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), marking the sharpest monthly decline since October 2023. The downturn…

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has reduced its global employment growth projections for 2025, reflecting broader economic challenges, Dawn E-Paper reported. The adjustment follows similar downward revisions in global GDP estimates by major financial institutions. The latest World Employment and…

The euro is increasingly being eyed as a potential contender to the US dollar’s long-standing role as the world’s leading reserve currency. However, experts suggest that significant challenges within the eurozone’s financial structure must be overcome for this to become…

Islamic finance assets grew by 10% annually in recent years, nearing $4 trillion, as ethical finance principles attract both Muslim and non-Muslim investors, an article by Halal Times reported. This growth has created a surge in demand for professionals with…

The UK and India finalized a bilateral trade agreement expected to boost annual trade by £25.5 billion by 2040, BBC reported. Announced on Tuesday after three years of talks, the deal eliminates tariffs on key exports: Indian clothing/footwear (currently up…

Anadolu Agency published an article featuring the following data on Global Military Spending in 2024. According to the source, global military spending reached an unprecedented [$2.718 trillion] in 2024, reflecting a 9.4% year-on-year increase—the steepest surge since the Cold War.…

The global Islamic finance industry is projected to maintain positive growth in 2025, driven by strong sukuk performance and GCC reforms, The Peninsula reported citing S&P Global Ratings. Qatar solidifies its leadership role through robust regulations and fintech innovation, with…

Rising demand for clean energy technologies is driving a surge in critical minerals, with global demand expected to triple by 2040, Anadolu Agency revealed citing the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global Critical Minerals Outlook report. These minerals—lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite,…

The global halal packaging market is on track to surpass USD 705 billion in 2025, driven by an 8.91% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), Open PR reported. Valued at USD 647.70 billion in 2024, the market is fueled by rising…