Global Economy News
LAST UPDATE: October 14, 2025
G20 risk watchdog warns of potential for financial market crash
The G20’s risk watchdog (FSB) warns that elevated asset valuations and rising vulnerabilities may precipitate a market crash.
Insight
The warning highlights systemic fragilities in the global financial system and underscores the need for coordinated regulatory vigilance.
Trump, Vance Open Door to China Deal as Trade Spat Drags On
The Trump administration expressed willingness to negotiate a deal with China amid persistent trade tensions, though export controls announced by Beijing remain a sticking point.
Insight
The statement signals a possible de-escalation route even as structural disputes over technology and tariffs persist.
USTR says China ‘deferred’ when US reached out for phone call after export controls expansion
U.S. Trade Representative said China delayed responding to a proposed phone call after Beijing expanded export controls.
Insight
China’s cautious posture may slow down immediate diplomacy, keeping trade tensions alive.
Shipping Faces ‘Sizeable Disruption’ as US, China Spar on Fees
The shipping sector is bracing for disruptions as U.S. and China clash over surcharges and port fees.
Insight
Logistics bottlenecks could ripple across global trade, amplifying cost pressure in supply chains.
Mokyr, Aghion and Howitt win 2025 Nobel economics prize
Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt were awarded the 2025 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for their work on innovation and “creative destruction.” (Reuters)
Insight
Their winning theory reinforces the importance of openness, competition and technological change for long-run growth, especially in a fracturing global economy.
Brazil hopes COP30 in Amazon can unite world for climate action
Brazil is promoting COP30 in the Amazon as a rallying point to reenergize global cooperation on climate change.
Insight
Hosting the summit in the Amazon is symbolic and strategic: Brazil aims to recast leadership in climate diplomacy.
Climate tipping points are being crossed, scientists warn ahead of COP30
Scientists warn that critical thresholds in the climate system are being transgressed, increasing risk of irreversible changes.
Insight
The alert underscores the urgency of COP30 outcomes, pushing for more aggressive mitigation policies globally.
US, China roll out tit-for-tat port fees, threatening more turmoil at sea
The U.S. and China have begun imposing reciprocal port and shipping surcharges, escalating maritime trade frictions.
Insight
Shipping industries may face cascading cost pressures, amplifying global supply chain stress.
Scott Bessent accuses China of trying to damage global economy
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sharply criticized China’s export controls and warned Beijing is attempting to “pull everybody else down.” (フィナンシャル・タイムズ)
Insight
The rhetoric escalates pressure on China and frames trade actions as strategic economic aggression.
Trump on track to meet Xi in South Korea, Bessent says
Trump is expected to meet Xi Jinping in South Korea later this month despite rising trade tensions.
Insight
The meeting could be pivotal in diffusing or re-escalating U.S.–China trade conflict.
Frontier debt risks ‘going dark’ amid high costs and creative deals
Frontier economies are increasingly using opaque debt instruments and resource-backed or private deals to dodge high borrowing costs.
Insight
Reduced transparency in sovereign borrowing raises risks for debt sustainability and could complicate restructuring efforts.
Groups blast lack of progress on debt issues during South Africa’s G20 presidency
165 organizations criticized South Africa for failing to advance global debt relief under its G20 presidency, pushing for cancellation of illegitimate debt and restructuring reforms. (Reuters)
Insight
The push reveals frustration with status quo; sustained civil society pressure may force more ambitious debt architecture changes.
World oil market to see higher surplus as OPEC+ hikes, IEA says
The IEA forecasts a growing oil surplus next year driven by production increases from OPEC+ and weak demand in key markets.
Insight
Oversupply could pressure prices and challenge revenue for energy exporters reliant on oil earnings.
