There is little consensus about which way the economy is heading as we embark on the second half of the year, says Lisa Beilfuss for Barron’s. Analysts have spent the last few months arguing over whether we are poised for a “V”, “U” or “W-shaped” recovery. More inventive types talk of “a Nike swoosh” and “a reverse square-root sign”.
Major global economies have been recovering from lockdowns more quickly than expected, says Jonathan Allum in The Blah! newsletter. US employment remains in a hole, but news that a better-than-expected 4.8 million jobs returned in June suggests that things are on the way back to normal. Not to overdo the “horticultural metaphors”, but we have our “green shoots”, the question now is whether they will manage to grow into “fully fledged plants”.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
-
Accelerating state pension age hikes could cost Brits in early 50s almost £18,000A recently launched review of the state pension age has sparked concern that the planned increases could be accelerated. How much could it cost you?
-
How to invest according to your age - the one rule everyone can followWhether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the game, here’s the one investing rule to help determine how much you should invest according to your age
-
Will the global boom in defence spending drive economic growth?Defence spending is soaring, and politicians in the UK and Europe are telling voters it will be a major boost to economic growth. But is that really the case?
-
The true nature of economic growthOpinion The feds making a number go up is one thing; true economic growth is quite another, says Bill Bonner
-
'Capitalism is suffering death by a thousand cuts': Ruchir Sharma talks to MoneyWeekInterview Ruchir Sharma, author of What Went Wrong with Capitalism, explains how free enterprise in developed economies has been undermined by continual state interference
-
Israel claims victory in the '12-day war' with IranDonald Trump may have announced a ceasefire in the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, but what comes next depends on what happens internally in Iran
-
Investors remain calm as the Middle East war unfoldsConflict in the Middle East has failed to shake oil or stock markets. Can the peace hold?
-
Israel attacks Iran – will the US join the conflict?Opinion The two countries have been exchanging fire since Israel launched air strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and infrastructure on Friday 13 June. But without US involvement, it may only have created a “wounded big beast”
-
Trump eyes private foundations to raise tax. Will philanthropy decline?The picture is mixed, but philanthropy on the whole is alive and well, says Simon Wilson
-
US and China reach a ceasefire in their trade war after talks in LondonThe US and China's trading relationship – the most important one in the global economy – is back on track. Will the truce last?
