Economic slowdown

South Korean economy unexpectedly shrinks on broad weakness

South Korea’s benchmark Kospi index crossed the 5,000 level for the first time on Jan 22, but gains remain concentrated in a narrow set of stocks led by chip giants Samsung and SK Hynix.

Trump weighs response to Iran crackdown; Tehran says communication open with US

Cars burn in a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran, on Jan 8, 2026.

Don’t be fooled – everything has changed for the global economy

It would be a mistake to think the global economy is unaffected by tariff fights and policy chaos.

Venezuela braces itself for economic collapse from US blockade

People outside the state oil company Petróleos de Venezuela’s headquarters in Caracas, on Oct 8, 2025.

Iran’s leaders struggle to end protests, US action in Venezuela stokes fears

Iranian men read newspapers on a street, as protests erupt over the collapse of the currency's value, in Tehran, Iran, January 5, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS

Maduro ouster leaves Cuba’s wobbling regime without a benefactor

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel speaking during an event held in support of Venezuela in Havana on Jan 3.

UK economy unexpectedly shrinks again in October

Analysts noted that businesses and consumers reined in spending ahead of Britain’s highly-expected annual budget.

Gaza ‘survival’ at stake, UN warns

The UN warned war and restrictions had triggered an “unprecedented collapse across the Palestinian economy”.

Japan approves $177 billion stimulus to mitigate inflation pain

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet approved the largest round of extra spending since the pandemic.

New Zealand citizens depart in record numbers as economy stalls

Some 72,684 citizens departed the country in the period, Statistics New Zealand said Nov 13 in Wellington.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.