Belt, Road Summit concludes with nine deals, $1bln deals
Organizers highlighted that Hong Kongآ’s external trade with Belt and Road countries reached $276bln in 2024. The 10th Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong
Dollar regains some ground, still heading for weekly drop
Sterling traded at $1.3545, slipping 0.2% after data showed the British economy stagnated in July. The dollar inched higher on Friday after falling the day
Sri Lanka economy reports 4.9% growth in second quarter
Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector grew by 2% in the second quarter from a year earlier. Sri Lanka’s economy grew 4.9% year-on-year in the second quarter
Oil holds steady as investors assess attacks on Russian energy facilities
Oil also received some support from solid refinery demand in China last month and a decline in US crude inventories. Oil prices were little changed
The European Union is still caught in an AI copyright bind
Tweaks to EU copyright requirements in the AI Act Code of Practice will maintain the AI growth momentum, for now – but will also create
Economic impact of US tariff hikes: Significance of trade diversion effects
The 2025 US tariff increases varied significantly across most economies. This column argues that the economic impact of these tariffs will also not be uniform.
Reinforced regional integration fosters inclusive growth and human development
Despite years of regional integration efforts, African countries trade more with Europe and Asia than with each other. This column estimates the gap between the
Why households save and work: The role of risks, bequest motives, and family dynamics
Household saving and labour supply are shaped by many risks – wages, marriage, health, longevity – as well as bequest motives. This column develops a
The hidden toll of Sunday store closures: New evidence from GPS data
Sunday morning store closures impose significant costs on consumers, but supporters of such ‘blue laws’ argue these rules protect workers, family life, and small retailers.
How AI chatbots can improve voter information
Citizens need clear, accessible information to make informed decisions, but today’s digital landscape can be overwhelming. This column tests whether an AI chatbot can ease
