Category: Economic Conditions and Trends

Trouble in China Pushes Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Into Bear Market

The Hang Seng Index has fallen more than 20 percent from its recent high, as investors grow more pessimistic about China’s post-pandemic recovery.
China Evergrande, Giant Developer, Files for Bankruptcy

The filing comes two years after the company defaulted on its debt, setting off defaults by smaller Chinese developers.
Can Affluence and Affordable Housing Coexist in Colorado’s Rockies?

The outdoorsy lifestyle of Colorado mountain towns has become a magnet for the new remote-worker class, upending life for those already rooted there.
U.K. Inflation Eases to 6.8% as Energy Prices Fall

The slowdown in price pressures comes as wages are rising at a record pace, which could lead to further increases in interest rates by the Bank of England.
Russia’s Interest Rate Hike Highlights Economic Struggle Amid Ukraine War

With the third-largest interest rate increase in a decade to shore up the ruble, Moscow’s policymakers are pursuing the conflicting goals of paying for the war against Ukraine and taming inflation.
Wall St. Weighs the Effect of Weaker China and Stronger U.S.

Investors are worried about the Chinese economy teetering as well as signs that the U.S. economy may be growing too fast for inflation to moderate.
Country Garden: Why Its Financial Crisis Poses a Risk to China

Country Garden was China’s biggest real estate developer. Now it is staring down default, facing billions of dollars in losses and $200 billion in unpaid bills.
China Suspends Youth Unemployment Report

The Chinese government said it would no longer release monthly data about unemployment in young people, which had risen each month this year and reached 21.3 percent.
Roaring Back From Pandemic, Japan’s Economy Grows by 6 Percent

The rapid expansion came as exports have risen and tourists have flooded the country.
Biden Describes China as a Time Bomb Over Economic Problems

The sharply worded comments are the latest example of the president’s willingness to criticize China even as he tries to ease tensions.
China’s Economy Battles Debt, Slowing Trade and Specter of Deflation

As China’s economy flashes indications of decline, the consequences pose perils for countries around the globe.
U.K. Economy Grows Weakly

A small acceleration in the second quarter was better than analysts had expected.