Oil shocks, remittances, and growth: the data behind South Asia’s energy vulnerability
Consider a family whose income has suddenly fallen short of covering basic needs. Fuel costs have risen, reducing what the household budget can afford, and
When energy shocks bite harder: Non-linear inflation dynamics
The conflict in the Middle East has exposed the euro area to higher energy prices. Using a flexible empirical framework, this column shows that inflation
Fertilizer prices surge as Strait of Hormuz disruptions tighten supplies
The World Bank Group’s fertilizer price index rose more than 12 percent in 2026Q1 (q/q), marking its sixth increase in seven quarters. By April 2026,
Oil recoups some losses after US-China trade tensions
Oil prices rose on Monday after hitting five-month lows in the previous session, as investors focused on potential talks between the presidents of the United
Recent patterns in global risk behaviour in financial markets
Following the US tariff announcements in early April, the US dollar strongly depreciated while US Treasury yields rose. This column zooms in on the April
Uncertain times in Lebanon: How policy shocks ripple through MENA markets
Despite its small size, Lebanon’s chronic crises send financial shockwaves across the Middle East and North Africa. This column uses a Twitter-based index of economic
