The FM Report

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Economic

What the EU Industrial Accelerator Act could mean for infrastructure

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For much of the past decade, the focus was on how quickly the region could decarbonise. Today, policymakers are increasingly concerned that Europe is losing ground to other major economies in strategic industries. One challenge is the long-term decline of manufacturing. World Bank data shows that manufacturing value added accounted for around 19.7% of EU gross domestic … [Read more...] about What the EU Industrial Accelerator Act could mean for infrastructure

Manufacturing revival complicates inflation fight

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Rising inflation worldwide is prompting central banks to abandon the rate‑cutting cycle earlier than expected or, in some cases, to resume hiking rates. Fiscal policy is pulling in the other direction as governments use fuel subsidies and other support measures to soften the growth hit from the Iran war. A revival in global manufacturing now looks set to add to these pressures, … [Read more...] about Manufacturing revival complicates inflation fight

The world is growing older

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For centuries, the global population has grown continuously. But the UN projects a peak in the 2080s for the first time in modern history. With fertility rates falling, the world’s population is set to shrink over the coming centuries. The fertility rate is the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her lifetime. Families are getting much … [Read more...] about The world is growing older

Four lasting impacts of the Iran war

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When I served as a United States diplomat, we often said that war is the failure of diplomacy. The inconclusiveness of initial negotiations in Islamabad underscores just how fragile diplomacy can be. Like all wars, however, this war too shall end, and it is clear it will be via a negotiated peace agreement rather than an unconditional surrender. The rocky road to peace only … [Read more...] about Four lasting impacts of the Iran war

Rate Cuts on Backburner

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If you expect Kevin Warsh to quickly take the helm at the Fed and start cutting rates, you need to adjust your expectations. For one thing, the timing for Warsh getting confirmed as the new Chairman at the Federal Reserve is murky, at best.  One issue is that retiring North Carolina Republican Senator Tom Tillis has said he will refuse to vote for Warsh unless and until the … [Read more...] about Rate Cuts on Backburner