INSIGHTS Goldman Sachs Research has projected another solid year of global growth in 2025, with world GDP forecast to grow by 2.7 per cent on an annual average basis. The US will exceed expectations, while the euro area will lag behind amid anticipated US tariffs. US GDP may rise by 2.5 per cent in 2025, and the euro area's by 0.8 per cent. US core PCE inflation should slow to 2.4 per cent by late 2025. Goldman Sachs Research has projected another solid year of global economic growth in 2025,

INSIGHTS Import volumes at major US container ports are projected to be higher than previously expected as retailers prepare for a potential East Coast/Gulf Coast port strike and tariff increases under President-elect Donald Trump. A brief October strike highlighted ongoing labour disputes, with formal negotiations set to resume. Concerns over tariffs are pushing retailers to expedite shipments. Import volumes at the nation’s major container ports could be higher than previously expecte

INSIGHTS Seasonally-adjusted industrial production fell by 2 per cent month on month (MoM) in both the euro area and the EU in September, the first Eurostat estimates show. It decreased by 2.8 per cent YoY in the euro area and by 2.4 per cent YoY in the EU in the month. In August this year, industrial production grew by 1.5 per cent MoM in the euro area and by 1.2 per cent MoM in the EU. Seasonally-adjusted industrial production decreased by 2 per cent month on month (MoM) in both the euro ar

INSIGHTS China's CPI was up by 0.3 per cent YoY in October over September's 0.4-per cent rise. The core CPI rose by 0.2 per cent YoY—up from a 0.1-per cent rise in September. The CPI slipped by 0.3 per cent month on month in October after remaining unchanged in September. The producer price index went down by 2.9 per cent YoY in October, slightly widening from the 2.8-per cent decline seen in September. China's consumer prices rose mildly in October this year as domestic demand continue

INSIGHTS Goldman Sachs has lowered its forecast for 2025 eurozone GDP growth to 0.8 per cent from 1.1 per cent. Europe's economy will be hit by the return of Donald Trump as president, due to the likelihood of new trade tensions with the US, pressure to raise defense spending and a blow to business confidence due to higher geopolitical risks, its experts believe. European companies may also face tariffs. Investment bank Goldman Sachs recently lowered its forecast for eurozone gross domestic p

INSIGHTS Gas crisis and political instability in Bangladesh, highlighted by Sheikh Hasina's resignation, have severely disrupted the country's RMG industry. The crisis may shift supply chains, favouring competitors like India, Vietnam and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh's future depends on political stability, energy infrastructure improvements, and diversification efforts. The gas crisis, along with the political turmoil in Bangladesh, including the stepping down of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has c

INSIGHTS China's foreign trade witnessed faster growth in October, with total goods imports and exports expanding by 4.6 per cent YoY in yuan terms compared to a 0.7-per cent YoY increase recorded in September. The country's foreign goods trade rose by 5.2 per cent YoY to 36.02 trillion yuan (~$5 trillion) in the first 10 months this year, with exports up by 6.7 per cent and imports up by 3.2 per cent. China's foreign trade witnessed faster growth in October, with total goods imports and expo

INSIGHTS Import volumes at major US container ports are projected to be higher than previously expected as retailers prepare for a potential East Coast/Gulf Coast port strike and tariff increases under President-elect Donald Trump. A brief October strike highlighted ongoing labour disputes, with formal negotiations set to resume. Concerns over tariffs are pushing retailers to expedite shipments. Import volumes at the nation’s major container ports could be higher than previously expecte

INSIGHTS Germany's economy is facing severe pressure due to a growing shortage of orders, with 41.5 per cent of companies reporting insufficient demand in October, up from 39.4 per cent in July. This is the highest level since the 2009 financial crisis. Nearly half of manufacturing firms (47.7 per cent) reported shortages, with the textile industry at 57.7 per cent and furniture at 56.1 per cent. Germany's economic landscape is under significant pressure as the shortage of orders continues to

INSIGHTS ICE cotton prices continued to decline for a third straight session amid lower crude oil prices, making polyester cheaper and pressuring cotton. December 2024 cotton settled at 70.36 cents per pound, reaching its lowest since mid-September. Crude oil dropped as supply concerns eased, impacting polyester costs. The CFTC reported speculators cutting net shorts in cotton. ICE cotton continued to see declining trend for the third consecutive trading session yesterday. US cotton prices hi