Deena Zaidi

Data & financial journalist covering global economics and policy

All posts by Deena Zaidi

China plans global push for Shanghai Gold Exchange to boost yuan-based gold trade

Posted on Author Deena ZaidiPosted in China, Gold/ gold ETF, Investment, United States of America, World Economy

China is weighing plans to establish overseas warehouses for the Shanghai Gold Exchange, in a move to boost international settlement of yuan-denominated gold contracts and expand the global use of its gold benchmark.

IMF downgrades U.S. outlook amid tariff uncertainty

Posted on Author Deena ZaidiPosted in China, Japan, World economy, World Economy, World trade

IMF issued its steepest downgrade for the U.S. among advanced economies, citing rising tariff-related uncertainty and a heightened risk of recession. Global economic sentiment has dimmed, with the IMF now projecting a 37% chance of a U.S. downturn—up sharply from 25% just months ago.

Here are the countries holding the most U.S. debt- explained in 2 charts

Posted on Author Deena ZaidiPosted in Asia-Pacific, China, Graphs, Japan, World economy, World Economy

Foreign investors held $8.8 trillion in U.S. Treasuries as of February 2025—a 10.2% increase from a year earlier, according to the recent U.S. Treasury data. Japan, China, and the U.K. remain the top holders of U.S. debt. Two charts show the major foreign holders as the national debt hits $36.1 trillion.

Even with a 90-day pause, Trump’s tariffs are already hitting Asia. Two charts show the impact.

Posted on Author Deena ZaidiPosted in Asia-Pacific, China, Graphs, Japan, United States of America, World economy, World Economy, World trade

President Trump’s new tariffs hit Asian exporters the hardest. With a 90-day pause in place, countries like Vietnam and Cambodia seek trade solutions amid rising U.S. trade deficits.