Elections, rates, AI and China

The latest feud between the US and China has sparked fears of an all out trade war, with much at stake for both countries and the wider world.

Shinzo Abe’s policy programme has boosted growth and lifted Japan out of its deflationary slump. But a growing political scandal could prevent the prime minister from finishing the job.

Rising US interest rates have failed to arrest a long-running decline in the dollar, now into its fourteenth month. Ahmed Behdenna looks at some of the reasons why.

Global shares suffered their first monthly decline in over a year as the prospect of looser US fiscal policy weighed on bond markets amid concern US interest rates will rise faster as inflation creeps up.

The US economy is enjoying its third longest span of uninterrupted growth since records began. While some argue it is a matter of time until the next recession arrives, the alarm bells are not ringing just yet.

In our Big Interview, economist and best-selling author Andrew Scott considers the implications of increasing life expectancy for individuals, companies and policymakers.

With a wide range of yields on offer, investors should take a considered approach to assessing the relative merits of different types of private debt to achieve the best outcomes, writes John Dewey

On December 21 the people of Catalonia go to the polls to elect a new regional government. There is a lot riding on the outcome, not just for Spain’s political system, but for the country’s economy and financial markets too.

From late night tweets to tough talk on trade, Donald Trump’s first year in office has been far from dull. We explore some key developments investors should look out for over the next 12 months.

Italians will head to the polls in the spring to elect their next government. Despite recent electoral reforms, Charlie Diebel explains why Italian uncertainty is unlikely to disappear.

Income inequality is rising across developed countries. What are the implications for economic growth?

In a wide-ranging interview, influential economist Pippa Malmgren considers the Trump presidency, Brexit and the future of capitalism.