Global Economy News
LAST UPDATE: October 18, 2025
IMF steering committee eyes risks, hopes for more disinflation
The IMF’s steering committee flagged concerns about trade tensions, AI, and market shifts, while expressing cautious optimism around continued disinflation. (Reuters)
Insight
The balance between inflation pressures and growth risks is a central theme for upcoming monetary and fiscal decisions.
IMF chief says developing countries realize they need to move fast with AI
Kristalina Georgieva said developing nations increasingly recognize the urgency to adopt and invest in AI infrastructure to avoid falling behind. (TradingView)
Insight
The observation underscores the digital divide risk and the importance of early AI policy adoption.
IMF chief hopes for US-China rare earths deal to avoid ‘material impact’ on global economy
Georgieva expressed hope for a resolution between Washington and Beijing to prevent disruption in rare earth supply chains, which could have significant implications for growth. (Reuters)
Insight
Rare earth dependencies are emerging as a strategic choke point in global industrial and tech competition.
WTO chief urges US, China to de-escalate trade war, or risk long-term hit to global growth
The WTO Director General warned that prolonged trade conflicts between the U.S. and China could inflict durable damage on global growth trajectories.
Insight
Multilateral trade institutions are reasserting their relevance as tensions escalate.
World Bank’s Banga calls for more transparency in debt restructuring process
World Bank President Ajay Banga urged greater openness in how sovereign debt restructurings are conducted to enhance trust and efficiency.
Insight
Transparent frameworks may reduce uncertainty in bond markets and incentivize cooperation.
Bessent urges IMF, World Bank to take tougher line on China
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pushed the IMF and World Bank to adopt tougher stances toward Chinese industrial and trade policies. (Reuters)
Insight
His remarks reflect pressure on global financial institutions to adopt more geopolitical alignment.
G7 eyes private capital for emerging markets’ trillion-dollar infrastructure gap
The G7 is promoting new investment vehicles and frameworks to channel private capital toward developing economies’ infrastructure shortfall. (Reuters)
Insight
Mobilizing private finance is becoming central to addressing global infrastructure deficits.
US Succeeds in Blocking Global Carbon Tax on Ships for Now
The U.S. led efforts that resulted in postponing a decision on imposing a global carbon charge on shipping emissions.
Insight
U.S. diplomatic and trade pressure can stall multilateral climate policy, especially in sectors like shipping.
