American consumers hunting for Black Friday bargains won’t find much in 2021 as supply remains tight, inventory low and discounts will apply to goods already more expensive.
Strong crisis support from central banks has triggered substantial inflows into corporate credit, keeping spreads anchored close to multi-year lows. But will a world without QE reverse the trend?
The middle-income trap: inequality across countries after Covid-19
In 2020, Covid-19 narrowed the prosperity gap between rich and poor countries as the former were at first the most affected. But over the medium and long run, its consequences could hit emerging markets harder.
Diabetes and Covid-19: The silent 45 billion euro problem
A further rise in the prevalence of diabetes could add 25 million people suffering from diabetes worldwide, causing 45 billion euro of direct health costs per year.
The EU utility transition: A pathway powered by solar and wind
Electrification is the key to decarbonization in the EU, but a front-loading of investments is needed to ramp up renewable energy to meet rising demand.
Transport in a zero carbon EU: Pathways and opportunities
The transportation sector, including domestic transport, international shipping and aviation, accounts for almost 30% of the EU’s annual carbon emissions.
The Bank of England seems caught between a rock and a hard place as the UK faces both elevated inflation — likely to last until Q4 2022 — and upcoming fiscal consolidation. However, by not acting, it risks creating even more inflation.
