Of Interest
you are currently viewing:Corruption Perceptions Index 2025: Decline in leadership undermining global fight against corruptionJanuary 10, 2026-At a time of massive Gen Z-led protests against corruption and a dangerous disregard for international norms by some governments, the 31st edition of Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index reveals a concerning picture of long-term decline in leadership to tackle corruption, alongside limited signs of progress Corruption is worsening globally, with even established democracies experiencing rising corruption amid a decline in leadership, according to Transparency International's 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), published today. This annual index shows that the number of countries scoring above 80 has shrunk from 12 a decade ago to just five this year. Our data show that democracies, typically stronger on anti-corruption than autocracies or flawed democracies, are experiencing a worrying decline in performance. This trend spans countries such as the United States (64), Canada (75) and New Zealand (81), to various parts of Europe, like the United Kingdom (70), France (66) and Sweden (80). Another concerning pattern is increasing restrictions by many states on freedoms of expression, association and assembly. Since 2012, 36 of the 50 countries with significant declines in CPI scores have also experienced a reduction in civic space. Source: transparency.org |
Idle Cash Could Leave over $130,000 on the Table by Retirement, Finds PensionBee
May 19, 2026-New PensionBee analysis reveals the long-term cost of keeping excess cash "safe"
PensionBee, a leading online retirement provider, has published a new analysis of the long-term cost of holding excess cash in high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) and Certificates of Deposit (CDs) instead of tax-advantaged retirement accounts.
The Fastest Growing Space Economy Sectors by 2035
May 1, 2026-Key Takeaways
Supply chain and transportation is the fastest-growing sector in the space economy, adding C$445 billion by 2035.
Food, defense, and consumer industries are major growth drivers as they adopt space-enabled technologies.
Fiscal Policy under Pressure: High Debt, Rising Risks
April 15, 2026-Global public debt rose to just under 94 percent of GDP in 2025 and is set to reach 100 percent by 2029- one year earlier than projected in April 2025. This accumulation is driven largely by the world's major economies. Public finances are under strain from mounting spending pressures-on social needs- defense- and strategic autonomy-and rising interest burdens.
War in the Middle East Challenges Global Financial Stability
April 14, 2026-Markets have been broadly orderly so far—but financial stability risks are elevated
Global financial markets entered 2026 from a position of strength. Asset prices rose across major markets- volatility was subdued- and financial conditions were easy by historical standards. That benign backdrop has now been tested by the war in the Middle East.
Global Financial Markets Confront the War in the Middle East and Amplification Risks
April 14, 2026-The April 2026 Global Financial Stability Report assesses elevated financial stability risks amid the war in the Middle East, highlighting how multiple amplification channels could test resilience-and why decisive policy action is needed to safeguard global stability
Global financial stability risks are elevated.
Energy Shock and Uncertainty Slow Growth in East Asia and Pacific
April 8, 2026--Robust support needed for people and firms, deeper reforms for jobs and growth.
Growth in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region is slowing in 2026 due to external shocks, says the World Bank Group's EAP Economic Update released today.
Economic Growth to Slow in Europe and Central Asia as Risks Rise
April 8, 2026--Reforms to Build a More Dynamic Private Sector Can Bolster Job Creation and Resilience.
Economic growth in the developing countries of Europe and Central Asia (ECA) is likely to slow substantially this year because of the impact of the conflict in the Middle East, geopolitical tensions, and trade fragmentation, says the World Bank Group's ECA Economic Update, released today.
Global Imbalances: Old Questions, New Answers?
April 6, 2026-Widening global current account imbalances are best addressed by simultaneous domestic policy adjustments. Industrial policy and tariffs offer a costly fix with unreliable effects on imbalances.
OECD Consumer Finance Risk Monitor 2026
April 2, 2026-Consumers face a dynamic and complex financial landscape, shaped by cost-of-living pressures and evolving risks, including scams and frauds.
These challenges, combined with consumer vulnerabilities such as low financial literacy and high levels of debt, threaten households' financial well-being.
March 2026 Labor Market Update: How Women Have Closed the Other Workforce Gender Gap
March 26, 2026-The gap between male and female labor force participation has hit a record low-and it's still falling.
Key points:
In the early 1990s, men held almost 7 million more jobs than women. As of early 2026, that gap had entirely closed.
In recent months, male employment has contracted while female employment has held steady, suggesting the convergence is still accelerating.
