INT
Solid US household balance sheets support steady GDP
Household debt rose modestly last year, led by credit cards and automobile loans
United StatesAI global surge creates environmental paradox
The artificial intelligence (AI) boom is drawing attention to its environmental footprint
InternationalBudget curbs hit structural reform and long-run growth
The OECD sees global GDP growth easing modestly this year, with Chinese and US growth slowing but only very gradually
InternationalRisk Turkey reverts to unorthodox policy may rise
Inflation rose to 64.9% in January, the highest in 14 months, and the central bank governor has stepped down
TurkeySouthern resilience may cushion the euro-area downturn
The euro-area services PMIs saw the Southern economies outperforming the North, though the UK PMI was strong
InternationalDigital euro will launch but perhaps later than 2027
Plans for the digital euro see a 2027 launch but the ECB still needs to win support from commercial banks and citizens
InternationalFood price growth is on track to ease slowly in 2024
The global food price index fell in January, led by lower prices for maize and meat but with rice prices still high
InternationalUK Central Bank will be cautious about early rate cuts
The Bank of England has left rates on hold but the vote was split, with two members favouring a rate rise and one a cut
United Kingdom