Get a closer look at national approaches to fiscal discipline and budget allocation.
National fiscal and budget management
Donald Trump appointed Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, emphasizing his role in reducing waste and fraud in a significant portion of the national budget, despite Oz's lack of bureaucratic experience.
The Trump administration's potential move to fully privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could lead to increased mortgage rates, impacting housing affordability and the broader economy as it shifts fiscal responsibilities.
The 'DOGE' commission is considering a mobile app for IRS tax filing, inspired by President Biden's free IRS tax portal, despite resistance from Republicans and interest from Trump allies.
Thailand's economy could face a $4.6 billion setback if President-elect Trump implements proposed tariffs, jeopardizing growth targets and potentially devaluing the Thai currency due to reduced exports.
Corporate leaders express apprehension regarding President-elect Trump's proposed tariffs, fearing they could exacerbate inflation and impact the economy. This cautious stance reflects broader concerns about fiscal policy implications.
Bank Indonesia has decided to maintain its key interest rate amid rising geopolitical tensions and market uncertainties, which are putting pressure on the rupiah as it approaches a critical support level.
Egypt has initiated its first IPO in three years, selling a stake in United Bank for up to $110 million. This move aligns with the country's privatization efforts supported by the International Monetary Fund.
President-elect Donald Trump is set to interview Kevin Warsh and Marc Rowan for the Treasury Secretary position, indicating a focus on fiscal leadership as he prepares for his administration.
Bill Clinton will return to the U.S. Treasury to celebrate the 30th anniversary of a community lending fund he initiated, which faces potential threats from Trump's proposed spending cuts and efficiency measures.
Bridgewater Associates warns that President-elect Trump's policies on tariffs, fiscal stimulation, and immigration could lead the U.S. to miss its 2% inflation target, indicating potential challenges for national fiscal management.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has secured support for his economic stimulus package by agreeing to include discussions on tax cut proposals from the opposition party, enhancing fiscal collaboration.
Australia's fiscal outlook is dimming as Treasurer Jim Chalmers indicates that tax revenue increases will be limited due to a cooling Chinese economy and a weakening job market.
South African employers have failed to pay 5.2 billion rand ($288 million) in pension contributions, risking retirees' financial security and threatening the stability of the retirement system, warns the financial regulator.
Canada's budgetary watchdog warns that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government has likely exceeded its self-imposed fiscal limits, raising concerns about the implications of delaying final spending and revenue disclosures.
Raghuram Rajan warns that high public debt in the US and other nations poses a significant risk, especially as the world faces an increased likelihood of future pandemics, necessitating urgent fiscal management.
Donald Trump is considering four candidates for Treasury Secretary: Scott Bessent, Howard Lutnick, Marc Rowan, and Kevin Warsh. The choice will signal his approach to tariffs and economic policy, with market reactions already indicating preferences.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy propose significant cuts to federal employment, targeting bloated agencies. With over 2 million federal workers, they aim to streamline operations while considering severance packages for affected employees.
President Biden has requested nearly $100 billion from Congress for hurricane and disaster response, emphasizing the urgent need for funding for FEMA and other relief agencies before he leaves office.
Republican leaders are exploring modifications to federal safety net programs, such as Medicaid and food stamps, as a strategy to balance the financial impact of proposed tax cuts.
The discussion centers on Ken Griffin's anxiety regarding potential Treasury Secretary appointments, particularly Walsh, highlighting the significance of leadership in national fiscal management and its implications for economic policy.
Zimbabwe's government is implementing cost-containment measures due to the devaluation of the ZiG, including cuts to foreign travel and fuel allocations, as it prepares to present its 2025 budget.
Marina Bay Sands is pursuing a S$12 billion loan to finance its casino resort expansion, marking a significant move in Singapore's fiscal landscape and highlighting the intersection of private investment and national economic strategy.
The San Francisco Federal Reserve reports that while the tight U.S. labor market continues to contribute to inflation, its impact has diminished compared to 2022 and 2023, indicating evolving economic dynamics.
Turkey's ongoing inflation crisis is straining its cash-based economy, as the largest banknotes fail to meet even basic daily expenses, highlighting significant challenges in fiscal management.
China has prohibited local investors from purchasing offshore yuan bonds from local government financing vehicles via the Hong Kong trading link, aiming to mitigate risks associated with the heavily indebted sector.
India's government plans to sell minority stakes in four state-run banks to meet public shareholding requirements set by the markets regulator, reflecting ongoing efforts to manage state finances and enhance privatization.
Since the introduction of new laws allowing early access to retirement savings, South Africans have withdrawn 49.6 billion rand ($2.8 billion) from pension funds, surpassing initial estimates.
Indonesia's government plans to revive its tax amnesty program in 2025 to enhance state revenue and expand the tax base, reflecting a strategic approach to fiscal management under President Prabowo Subianto.
Megan Greene from the Bank of England cautioned that the Labour budget will raise employment costs, contributing to inflationary pressures in the UK economy, during a recent event in London.
Moody's Ratings has downgraded Bangladesh's sovereign rating to junk status due to increasing political risks and declining growth prospects, raising concerns about the country's fiscal stability.
House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasizes the need for Congress to calculate the financial implications of Trump's proposed tax cuts, which could significantly increase the federal debt by an estimated $10 trillion over the next decade.
President-elect Trump is considering four candidates for Treasury Secretary, each with distinct economic views. Key tasks include avoiding a debt default and extending tax cuts, highlighting the importance of fiscal management in his upcoming administration.
The selection process for Donald Trump's Treasury Secretary is chaotic, with various candidates like Scott Bessette and Howard Lutnick vying for the position amid public disputes and internal disagreements, impacting economic policy direction.
Resolute Mining Ltd. is set to pay the Mali government $160 million to settle a tax dispute, which has resulted in the detention of its CEO, highlighting the complexities of fiscal management in international business.
The 10-year Treasury yield has increased slightly but may correct lower due to potential inflation risks from President-elect Trump's policies. This uncertainty could impact the U.S. economic outlook and fiscal management.
Fraud significantly drains government resources, costing billions annually. This issue underscores the need for improved fiscal management and accountability to protect public funds from fraudulent activities.
Donald Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, aims to reduce waste and fraud in federal spending, particularly in programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Luis de Guindos, Vice President of the European Central Bank, cautioned that excessive government debt could hinder long-term economic strategies and lead to persistent low growth for nations.
Zimbabwe's recent currency devaluation is compelling the government to reduce expenditures on various budget items, indicating a significant shift in fiscal policy to address economic challenges.
Pakistan's government has decided against imposing new taxes this fiscal year, expressing confidence in achieving its revenue collection targets, which reflects a strategic approach to fiscal management.
A senior Reserve Bank official stated that Australia's monetary policy impact is comparable to other advanced economies, despite the high levels of variable-rate mortgage debt among households, indicating challenges in fiscal management.
Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have endorsed Howard Lutnick as a candidate for Treasury Secretary, highlighting the political dynamics that could influence national fiscal policy and budget management.
Mauritius Prime Minister Ramgoolam has initiated an audit of the Finance Ministry's data, claiming it inaccurately portrays the economy's health, indicating potential issues in fiscal reporting.
France's budget faces a critical moment in December as far-right leader Marine Le Pen may either allow it to pass or instigate a government crisis through a no-confidence vote.