Data & financial journalist covering global economics and policy
Canada’s rapid shift in foreign investment, China’s retreat, and the strong demand from Gulf and European nations capture the shifting alliances and risk appetites. Through 3 charts, I explain who holds America’s IOUs in a time of high deficits and global uncertainty —and how quickly that’s changing.
Gold investment demand jumped 170% in Q1 2025 — the highest since early 2022 — driven by record ETF inflows, rising economic uncertainty, and strong buying in Asia.
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 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.