Finance
Iran’s economic ties with Afghanistan will strengthen
A government minister has highlighted the difficulty of hosting at least 4 million Afghan refugees
IranLaos will likely need bailout to avoid default
The country is at high risk of defaulting on its sovereign debt
LaosThe ECB will cut rates cautiously but steadily
Inflation rose to 2.3% in November and core inflation also edged up
InternationalUK banks are healthy but wider financial risks linger
The UK financial stability report praises bank health but warns of mortgage and trade risks
United KingdomTurkey’s interest rates should fall in early 2025
Growth contracted in quarterly terms in the third quarter as high interest rates curtailed demand
TurkeyReal weakness may worsen Brazil inflation pressures
The real weakened to an all-time low against the dollar yesterday following spending announcements
BrazilProspects for the Gulf states in 2025
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are leading the race among the Gulf states for foreign investment
Gulf statesProductivity and wider reforms can raise wage equality
Wage inequality has fallen in two-thirds of countries since 2000 but remains high, both within and between nations
International
