Middle East shock hits global growth and prices
by Ben Poole
Global business activity lost momentum sharply in March as the war in the Middle East rattled demand, confidence, supply chains and pricing.
Trade & Counterparty Risk Mitigation
Background
There are many different types of risk arising from International Trade. There is also a wide range of solutions available to mitigate these risks, see Figure. Financial Risks Arising from…
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Global PMIs flash warning as war drives inflation spike and stalls growth
by Ben Poole
A surge in inflation and a clear loss of growth momentum has begun to filter through the global economy.
War clouds improving global business outlook as supply chains rebound
by Ben Poole
Firms entered 2026 with improving confidence and strengthening manufacturing demand, but war in the Middle East now threatens supply chains.
Treasury adapts as AI and tariffs reshape supply chains
by Ben Poole
#CorporateTreasury #SupplyChains #AI #Liquidity #TradeFinance #Geopolitics #Tariffs #SupplyChainFinance #ESG #TreasuryTechnology #RiskManagement
Corporates move to rebuild hedges after costly 2025
by Ben Poole
Treasurers are moving back toward currency protection after a year of sharp swings in major currencies and mounting losses from unhedged exposures.
Global supply chains soften further ahead of 2026
by Ben Poole
After a turbulent two years for production lines, global supply chains are entering 2026 in a noticeably quieter state.
China powers manufacturing rebound while the West cools
by Ben Poole
China’s factory resurgence drives Asia’s busiest production stretch since mid-2022 while North American and European manufacturers continue to slow.
US CEOs bet on AI as supply chain costs and workforce pressures mount
by Ben Poole
US chief execs are accelerating their investment in AI while rethinking supply chain strategies and workforce models to sustain growth.
Tariff turbulence triggers cash flow strain and supply chain risk
by Ben Poole
US businesses are facing rising costs, late supplier payments and a growing risk of fraud as they scramble to manage the fallout from trade tariffs.
Flickers of resilience emerge in global PMI data despite patchy progress
by Ben Poole
Global business activity showed faint signs of recovery in June, with the eurozone, UK and US all reporting growth.
Global trade disruption forces UK CEOs to re-evaluate investment strategies
by Ben Poole
UK CEOs are adjusting their strategic investment plans as geopolitical, macroeconomic and trade uncertainties continue to disrupt global markets.
Tariffs trigger sharpest drop in global manufacturing demand
by Ben Poole
Global manufacturers cut purchases at the fastest pace this year in April.
Tech vs turbulence: how finance leaders are rewriting the playbook
by Ben Poole
Finance leaders are tightening their grip on cash while doubling down on technology investments.
Trade under fire: firms scramble to counter tariff risks
by Ben Poole
While more than 80% of firms are actively managing tariff risk, the majority believe trade barriers are here to stay.
UK CFOs turn defensive as geopolitical risks and cost pressures mount
by Ben Poole
Finance leaders at the UK’s largest businesses have entered 2025 with a markedly defensive outlook.
Most CFOs planning to pass on tariff costs
by Ben Poole
Majority of CFOs plan to either pass on minimal or nearly all tariff impacts to customers, leaving few organisations in between.
Ninety countries join e-commerce initiative – Industry roundup: 30 July
by Graham Buck
Three rate decisions awaited; Russia hikes rates to 18%; Supply chain shortage dents Porsche; Slovenia first EU nation to issue sovereign digital bond
Japan‘s chipmakers plan US$30 billion investment in semiconductors – Industry roundup: 11 July
by Graham Buck
UK launches £7.3bn Wealth Fund; Aramco resumes USD-denominated bonds; Banks enjoyed record profits in 2023; HSBC to reshape investment banking
More companies use AI for supply chain management – Industry roundup: 9 July
by Graham Buck
French election “ends pro-business agendaʺ; South Africa to change ETF payments; RBI joins Project Nexus; Ireland's tax windfall continues
KPMG predicts upturn for UK economy – Industry roundup: 2 July
by Graham Buck
IFRS and IFC partner on sustainability; China’s PBOC plans to borrow bonds; BlackRock pays US$3.22bn for Preqin; Greece introduces six-day workweek
Southeast Asia is favourite base for diversified supply chains – Industry roundup: 25 June
by Graham Buck
UK Labour government ʺcould borrow more”; BBVA plans German digital bank; Crime spike in cashless Sweden; China presses for lower card fees
EU delays Basel bank trading reforms to January 2026 – Industry roundup: 20 June
by Graham Buck
UK inflation hits 2% target; Fitch predicts 7.2% growth for India; IMF assesses Middle East CBDCs; Sustainable food supply chains project
UK business investment trails other G7 members – Industry roundup: 18 June
by Graham Buck
BNY Mellon rebrands; Canada, ADB launch C$360m climate fund; Yale team focuses on improving supply chains; Moody's warns on Pakistan's debt
Fed dampens US rate cut expectations – Industry roundup: 13 June
by Graham Buck
Brazil inflation setback; Technical glitch hits RBI facility; BlackRock “seeks private-debt partners”; HSBC boosts stake in China JV