All articles tagged with #global slowdown
Bank of America warns that a prolonged Middle East conflict could trigger a synchronized global slowdown and lasting energy shocks, a scenario not yet priced into markets, with Europe and Asia most affected and equities at risk beyond the modest S&P 500 dips seen so far.
China's population is rapidly declining and aging, with significant economic consequences predicted both domestically and globally. The aging population and declining birth rates will strain pension and healthcare systems, reduce household consumption and investment, and lead to lower productivity and innovation. This will likely result in a slower economic growth in China, with global repercussions including reduced demand for exports, lower employment levels in trading partners, and a significant downturn in tourism-related sectors.
Burberry shares dropped 9% after the luxury fashion retailer warned that its full-year operating profit would likely be at the lower end of forecasts due to a global slowdown in luxury spending. The company also cautioned that it may miss its annual revenue projections for low double-digit growth. Burberry's comparable store sales growth slowed to just 1% in the fiscal second quarter, down from 18% in the previous quarter, as momentum in China fizzled out. The company cited softer demand for luxury goods globally and the axing of VAT-free shopping for international visitors in the UK as challenges.
Oil prices are set to extend gains for a third consecutive week after OPEC+ surprised the market with a production cut, despite concerns about a global economic slowdown. However, negative economic data from the US and China has capped the initial rally. The bullish momentum may have paused, but upside potential remains given the tightening supply backdrop, according to PVM broker Stephen Brennock.
Japanese manufacturers' sentiment has worsened to its lowest level in over two years, while the service sector has seen an uptick in mood, according to the latest Tankan survey. The survey also showed that corporate inflation expectations hit a fresh high, with firms projecting inflation to stay above the Bank of Japan's 2% target for five years ahead. The data highlights the challenge facing incoming Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda in deciding when to phase out his predecessor's massive stimulus programme, as slowing global growth could derail the export-reliant recovery.