17-11-2025

Global Economy Faces Uncertain Future

Date: 17-11-2025
Sources: economist.com: 4
Image for cluster 6
Image Prompt:

"Financial analysts examining stock market trends in a crowded trading floor, documentary photography style, with natural light pouring in through floor-to-ceiling windows and muted colors reflecting the intricacies of global finance, shot with a wide-angle lens, capturing the tension between tradition and technology in the fast-paced world of high-stakes investing."

Summary

A cluster of articles from The Economist discuss various economic trends and issues, including the impact of demographic changes on market stability, the rarity of recessions, and the challenges posed by gridlock in Washington. The articles highlight the complexities and uncertainties of the current global economic landscape, from the role of AI and personal finance to commodity prices and the dollar's dominance.

Key Points

  • Older investors are driving the surging stock market, potentially exacerbating a market crash
  • Recessions have become increasingly rare, potentially leading to complacency and inefficiency in economies
  • Gridlock in Washington is causing a 'shutdown economy' and preventing the release of official data

Articles in this Cluster

Finance & economics | Latest news and analysis from The Economist

The Economist's finance and economics section features various articles discussing current economic trends and issues. The articles cover a range of topics, including the recent gold rally, the impact of AI on job applications, the role of personal finance in widening inequality, and the challenges to the dollar's dominance as a global reserve currency. Other topics include the economics of crime, the potential for commodity prices to hit new lows, and the implications of continuous growth on economies. The articles offer in-depth analysis and insights into the world of finance and economics, highlighting the complexities and uncertainties of the current global economic landscape.
Entities: The Economist, IMF, gold, AI, personal financeTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Old folk are seized by stockmarket mania

The article discusses how older investors, particularly in America, are driving the surging stock market, which may have implications for market stability. While investing in equities can be sensible for individuals, it could also exacerbate a potential market crash. The phenomenon is notable as it is often younger generations that are associated with market volatility, but in this case, it is the older demographic that is significantly influencing the market.
Entities: Generation Z, America, The Economist, Washington, grandparentsTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Recessions have become ultra-rare. That is storing up trouble

The article discusses how recessions have become increasingly rare in modern economies, particularly in rich countries. Historically, economies like England and Britain experienced frequent recessions, but as capitalism matured and policymaking improved, the frequency of recessions decreased. Today, recessions are considered an 'endangered species.' The article suggests that this prolonged period of continuous growth may lead to complacency and inefficiency in economies, making them 'fat and slow.' The author argues that the rarity of recessions could be storing up trouble for the future.
Entities: England, Britain, America, Washington, recessionTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

The problem with America’s shutdown economy

The article discusses the issue of America's 'shutdown economy' caused by gridlock in Washington, which has prevented the release of official data. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is used as an example, where the appointment of a partisan figure as its head raised concerns about its independence. The article highlights the importance of reliable data for understanding the economy and making informed decisions. It also touches on the potential consequences of not having accurate data, citing the example of the BLS and the impact of political interference on its credibility.
Entities: America, Washington, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), President Donald Trump, E.J. AntoniTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform