Commodities

Political stability comes at the cost of greater authoritarian tendencies and the erosion of democracy, although state finances remain sound. Output has recovered from recession and inflation is low, but the economy is very open and highly reliant on…

Despite adherence to democracy, greater orientation towards the state has resulted in deteriorating economic freedom. Lower inflation is aiding economic recovery and foreign investment remains solid, but susceptibility to commodity price changes…

Democracy has seen progress in Colombia, but the rule of law is weakened by organised criminal factions. Although slowing, the economy has outperformed peers, but the country is grappling with high inflation and reliance on oil remains substantial.…

The outlook for global commodity markets is characterised by an improved supply landscape and subdued demand, easing market pressures. Weaker manufacturing activity in major economies is set to limit energy and metals price growth, while favourable…

Political instability has gripped the highest echelons of Vietnam’s one-party system and freedom of speech continues to be suppressed, but state finances are healthy. Economic progression is set to outpace peers, but inflation is higher and the…

Canada’s corruption ranking is improving, which is adding to stability, but state finances remain under pressure. The economy is struggling amidst poor exports performance, but inflation has fallen further and foreign investments continue to be…

State finances continue to be sustainable, but economic freedom remains constrained and political instability has intensified. Unemployment is very low, but economic progress has decelerated, although prospects for foreign investment remain sound.…

The United Kingdom’s (UK) political landscape has been volatile, whilst Brexit continues to weigh on economic freedom. Owing to high inflation that has eroded consumer purchasing power and business investment, economic output is set to slow markedly,…

Czech society is peaceful and there is a stable political landscape, but corruption adversely impacts government integrity. Economic recovery is set to return, amidst lower price pressures, whilst reliance on Russian energy has been reduced. Although…

Although Sweden has solid economic freedom, it is suffering from gang violence that is destabilising society, whilst state finances have deteriorated. The economy went into recession in 2023, owing to weak private spending and price pressures, but…

Government finances are improving in Portugal, but corruption remains problematic and far-right factions have gained ground. Economic development is slowing, but inflation is under control and foreign investment remains important for economic…

Although corruption is not a problem, bouts of political uncertainty are set to plague in France in the medium term and public finances remain stretched. Economic performance lacks impetus, but inflation has fallen and exports are to receive a boost.…

Although state finances have deteriorated, Finland will continue to enjoy political stability and high levels of economic freedom. Despite inflation falling considerably, the economy was in recession in 2023 and the recovery will be weak amidst…

Repressed for economic freedom, owing to undue state control, China’s ruling elite is tightening its grip on power, whilst ties with Russia are growing. A relatively diverse economy is resilient, but is slowing whilst trying to avoid deflation.…

Following the re-election of Narendra Modi as prime minister, political instability is likely to increase in India, whilst corruption is pervasive and state finances are weak. Economic momentum remains solid and inflation is falling, but exports are…

Although political instability remains and economic freedom is challenging, radical reforms have unlocked external support for public finances. Hyperinflation continues to blight the economy, worsened by currency devaluation, but the foreign…

Economic freedom is constrained by weak rule of law and regional tensions are on the rise, but state finances are stable. Despite moderation, the economy will outperform peers driven by solid tourism, but inflation remains relatively high, as do…

Instability continues to blight politics in Spain and protests are gripping tourist hotspots, but the budget deficit is narrowing. Economic performance will outshine peers and inflation has fallen significantly, but reliance on key trading partners…

Although Slovakia enjoys good economic freedom, instability blights politics and the budget deficit is high. Economic performance is forecast to rise amidst rapidly-falling inflation, but its very open economy poses risks for the external sector. As…

Low taxes and stability have helped economic freedom, but state spending and corruption remain concerns. Economic performance is likely to outpace peers and inflation is falling, but stricter screening has negatively impacted foreign investment.…