Commodities

Although Jordan’s tax burden is relatively low, limited economic freedom hinders private sector progress and state finances are stressed. Economic recovery is continuing and inflation is very low, but the foreign investment climate faces challenges…

Economic freedom in Japan continues to benefit the private sector, as does limited corruption, but fiscal health remains weak. Unemployment is low, but the economy faces external forces that are weakening its performance. Ageing and depopulation…

Although generally stable and democratic, Jamaica is failing to control organised crime and corruption. Economic growth swiftly returned after the pandemic, but the country is over-reliant on the US. Consumer expenditure is growing, but ageing,…

Italy’s high public debt is a threat to stability and negatively affects economic freedom, but anti-corruption legislation has been reinforced. Economic growth is forecast to be subdued, as rising borrowing costs bite, and foreign investment is…

Although Israel enjoys economic freedom, the war with Hamas is weighing on the country’s economic outlook. A resilient economy is slowing, as higher defence spending burdens state finances and business activity is interrupted by the conflict, but…

As one of the freest countries in the world, Ireland’s private sector enjoys considerable economic freedom, whilst state finances are solid. Robust economic momentum is giving way to a slowdown, as inflationary pressures persist, although exports…

Although state finances have been improving, Iraq suffers from significant corruption and external interference in its domestic affairs. Inflation has been well controlled, but lower oil production could plunge the economy into recession in the short…

Authoritarianism and corruption mar Iran’s economic freedom, which is repressed, but regional relations are improving. Sanctions are expected to continue to weigh heavily on the economy, which is exacerbating currency weakness and adding to…

Recent policies are eroding democracy and corruption is rife, although economic freedom has improved in the short term. The economy has proven to be resilient, helped by higher exports, whilst inflation is moderating and the prospects for foreign…

India has a relatively stable political environment, but discrimination of minority groups is on the rise and the country has weak state finances. Economic development has outpaced peers and prospects for international trade are positive, although…