The Middle-Income Trap, Explained: Why Only 34 Economies Have Escaped Since the 1990s
108 economies are stuck in the "middle-income trap," per the World Bank. Here's what the trap is, how South Korea escaped it, and what's holding Vietnam back.
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Economy
Authoritative analysis of macroeconomics, central bank monetary policy, inflation trends, labor markets, and global trade agreements. We provide context on fiscal policies shaping international economic stability.
Trump's New 10%–12.5% Tariffs Take Effect on 60 Nations, Draw an Immediate Lawsuit
New Section 301 tariffs of 10%-12.5% hit 60 countries on July 24, replacing lapsed duties. Two small businesses sued hours later in U.S. trade court.
Inside the Fed's Growing Hawkish Camp as a July Rate Decision Looms
Dallas Fed's Logan is pushing for higher rates weeks after a weak June jobs report. Here's what's driving the split before the July 29-30 FOMC meeting.
Dallas Fed's Lorie Logan Becomes First Official to Call for a Rate Hike Under Warsh
Dallas Fed's Lorie Logan cites 3.4% core inflation and AI-driven demand to back a hike, splitting the FOMC ahead of its July 28–29 meeting.
UnitedHealth's Adjusted EPS of $6.38 Beats Estimates by 30% as It Sheds Members for Margin
UnitedHealth posted $6.38 adjusted EPS in Q2 2026, beating estimates by 30%, as medical costs eased to 86.7% and full-year guidance rose to $19.50–$20.00.
Asia’s Youth Job Squeeze: Inside China’s Record Graduate Influx and Vietnam’s AI Skills Gap
China's record 12.7 million graduates face a 15.6% youth jobless rate as AI reshapes hiring; Vietnam shows the same skills-gap pattern at smaller scale.
CoreWeave and Nebius Are Chasing $145 Billion in AI Deals on $16 Billion of Revenue
Microsoft, Meta and Nvidia have committed more than $145 billion to neoclouds CoreWeave and Nebius, whose combined 2026 revenue is projected near $16 billion.
China's Gig Workforce Set to Hit 320 Million in 2026
China's flexible workforce is projected to reach 320 million in 2026. Wages are splitting by sector, and most workers remain outside the welfare system.
Stablecoins Hit $300B, But Are They Really Money?
Dollar stablecoins now total $300 billion, yet contract terms, custody structure, and unresolved settlement law leave most retail holders as unsecured creditors, not depositors.