World Economy

A “government shutdown” in the U.S. is not usually a planned strategy but rather the consequence of a funding gap: Congress fails to pass (or the President refuses to sign) appropriations or continuing resolutions to fund federal agencies and programs.

As financial markets become increasingly sensitive to global developments, geopolitical instability has reemerged as a central theme impacting investor sentiment and economic projections. From ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East to escalating tensions in East Asia and U.S. political shifts, markets in 2024–2025 are navigating a complex web of uncertainty.

The United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, widely known as Brexit, marked a historic shift in economic and political dynamics. Officially completed on January 31, 2020, Brexit had profound financial implications for Great Britain, affecting the value of the British pound (GBP), jobs, salaries, inflation, and overall economic growth.

The war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion, has had far-reaching economic consequences beyond the battlefield. The conflict has disrupted global supply chains, caused price spikes in key commodities, and reshaped international economic alliances.

Electric cars have gained massive popularity in recent years, becoming a viable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. However, the history of electric vehicles (EVs) dates back more than a century.

When it comes to investing, one of the fundamental decisions investors must make is whether to put their money into individual stocks or exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Gold has long been regarded as a safe-haven asset, attracting investors seeking to diversify portfolios and hedge against economic uncertainties. Over the past decade, gold's performance has been influenced by various economic factors, leading to significant price fluctuations.

Cryptocurrencies have revolutionized the financial landscape, offering decentralized digital assets that operate independently of traditional banking systems. Among these, Bitcoin and Ethereum have emerged as the leading cryptocurrencies, each with unique attributes contributing to their prominence.