Tag

Slowdown

All articles tagged with #slowdown

France Tightens Budget and Lowers 2024 Growth Forecast to 1%

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Financial Times

France is tightening its budget as economic growth slows, with the government announcing plans to cut spending and increase taxes in order to meet deficit targets. The move comes as the country's economic growth is expected to fall short of previous forecasts, prompting the government to take action to rein in its budget deficit.

YouTube Slows Down to Combat Ad Blockers

Originally Published 2 years ago — by Android Authority

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Source: Android Authority

Google has confirmed that the recent YouTube slowdown is not due to its crackdown on ad blockers, but rather stems from the latest updates to AdBlock and AdBlock Plus. Users have reported major lags with ad blockers enabled, and even some YouTube Premium subscribers are affected. Google advises following troubleshooting tips, but it's clear that ad blockers are impacting YouTube performance, particularly with the latest versions of AdBlock and AdBlock Plus.

Divergent Views: Global Banks Optimistic, US Companies Cautious on Recession Outlook

Originally Published 2 years ago — by Reuters

Featured image for Divergent Views: Global Banks Optimistic, US Companies Cautious on Recession Outlook
Source: Reuters

Global banks are no longer forecasting a U.S. recession for 2024, but companies and investors remain cautious due to tepid consumer demand. While investment bank analysts are optimistic about growth prospects, real money managers trust the more circumspect companies. Major banks predict constrained global growth in 2024 due to elevated interest rates, pricier oil, and a weakened China, but with low odds of a recession. Companies are describing demand as weak, soft, and sluggish, and are cutting inventories accordingly. Walmart and Dollar General have expressed caution about consumer spending, while Procter & Gamble remains optimistic. Fund managers are focused on whether the Federal Reserve can avert a recession while containing inflation. Surveys show that consumer spending has been cooling, and economists' probability of a U.S. recession within a year has decreased. Forecasts for 2024 are more conservative, with even the most bullish predictions expecting single-digit gains for U.S. stocks.

Diageo's Profits Plunge as Latin American Drinking Slows

Originally Published 2 years ago — by Financial Times

Diageo, the multinational alcoholic beverages company, has warned of a potential hit to its profits due to a slowdown in Latin America and the Caribbean. The company cited challenges in key markets such as Brazil and Mexico, where economic and political uncertainties have impacted consumer spending. Diageo's sales in the region have been affected by reduced demand for its products, particularly in the on-trade sector.

September Retail Sales Surge, Defying Consumer Slowdown Concerns

Originally Published 2 years ago — by Yahoo Finance

Retail sales in September exceeded expectations, with a growth of 0.7% from the previous month, indicating the resilience of the American consumer despite predictions of a slowdown. Sales excluding auto and gas also increased by 0.6%, surpassing estimates. The report reflects strong consumer spending, which has been a key factor in keeping the US economy out of a recession. However, some companies have indicated a potential slowdown in the future, as consumers and businesses are spending down their cash buffers.

Economic Concerns Rise as US Consumer Spending Declines in September

Originally Published 2 years ago — by Yahoo Finance

Bank of America's credit card data reveals a decrease in consumer spending, with a 0.3% decline in the week ending September 23 compared to the same period last year. The decline has been observed for several weeks, particularly in discretionary categories excluding auto and gas purchases. This data suggests a potential slowdown in consumer spending, contradicting the previously strong consumer narrative. Economists warn of headwinds such as rising gas prices, a potential government shutdown, ongoing strikes, and the resumption of student loan payments that could further impact spending. However, the current strength of the labor market may help mitigate the expected slowdown.

Eurozone Money Supply Contracts and Lending Slows Amid Rate Hikes

Originally Published 2 years ago — by Financial Times

The Eurozone's money supply has contracted for the first time in 13 years as lending activity slows down, raising concerns about the region's economic recovery. The European Central Bank's data showed that the annual growth rate of M3 money supply, which includes cash in circulation, deposits, and other liquid assets, fell to -0.2% in July. This decline suggests that banks are becoming more cautious in extending credit, potentially hindering economic growth in the Eurozone.

Global Stock Markets Rattled by 'Alarming' China Data

Originally Published 2 years ago — by MarketWatch

Featured image for Global Stock Markets Rattled by 'Alarming' China Data
Source: MarketWatch

China's alarming trade data, showing double-digit drops in exports and imports in July, has unsettled global stock markets and triggered flight-to-quality trades to US government debt and the dollar. The deepening slowdown in China's economy, coupled with troubles in its manufacturing and real estate sectors, has raised concerns about the strength of the global economy. Investors are now worried about a potential slowdown in the US and are reevaluating the prospects of global growth.