WTO forecasts rebound in global trade but warns of downside risks

April 10, 2024--Global goods trade is expected to pick up gradually this year following a contraction in 2023 that was driven by the lingering effects of high energy prices and inflation, WTO economists said in a new forecast on 10 April. The volume of world merchandise trade should increase by 2.6% in 2024 and 3.3% in 2025 after falling 1.2% in 2023. However, regional conflicts, geopolitical tensions and economic policy uncertainty pose substantial downside risks to the forecast.

In the latest "Global Trade Outlook and Statistics" report, WTO economists note that inflationary pressures are expected to abate this year, allowing real incomes to grow again-particularly in advanced economies- thus providing a boost to the consumption of manufactured goods. A recovery of demand for tradable goods in 2024 is already evident, with indices of new export orders pointing to improving conditions for trade at the start of the year.

Infographic-G20 Inflation Tracker: July

September 4, 2025--Key Highlights:
Argentina and Turkey remain outliers, with inflation at 36.6% and 33.5%-the highest in the G20 despite some cooling.
The United States held steady at 2.7%, lower than expected even amid tariff pressures.
The United Kingdom saw inflation climb to 3.8%, running hotter than market forecasts.

How Stablecoins and Other Financial Innovations May Reshape the Global Economy

September 4, 2025--Policymakers will need to achieve a difficult balance between benefits and risks while safeguarding both individual consumers and financial stability
Three years ago, Finance & Development devoted a full issue to anticipating "The Money Revolution," driven by innovations in finance, such as crypto assets. That revolution is now unfolding.

Finance Changed, Risks Didn't

September 4, 2025--New technologies are rewiring liquidity, payments, and economic stability
More than 15 years after the global financial crisis,the banking and financial system looks safer. But it's also evolving in ways that are reshaping who provides liquidity,how money moves,and risks to economic and financial stability. As a result,the next shock may begin not in a bank,but in the new infrastructure underpinning the system.

Ondo Brings Over 100 Tokenized U.S. Stocks and ETFs Onchain, Starting on Ethereum

September 3, 2025--Ondo Global Markets offers 24/7 onchain exposure to U.S. stocks and ETFs
Over 100 U.S. securities are now available, with hundreds more coming
Available to qualifying global (non-U.S.) investors, making Ondo one of the largest gateways to U.S. markets for global investors