Global Economics, No Jargon

The Naked Truth: The US economy is performing well—growing at 2.4% while inflation cools from its peak. The Fed holds rates at 4.5% because inflation at 2.8% is still above their 2% target. This keeps your mortgage rates elevated. Strong growth pushed stocks up 12%, but high bond yields show investors expect rates to stay "higher for longer."

The Naked Truth: China's slowing as the property crash deepens and consumers stay cautious. Very low inflation signals weak demand. Beijing's rolling out stimulus, but markets are skeptical—stocks down 8%. When Chinese consumers pull back, Apple and luxury brands feel it globally.

The Naked Truth: Japan just ended 17 years of near-zero rates. The economy's finally healthy enough for normal borrowing costs. Inflation at 2.6% is the highest in decades. Yen up 4% helps Japanese shoppers but hurts Toyota's exports. Less ultra-cheap Japanese money flowing into global assets now.

The Naked Truth: Germany's barely growing at 0.3%—expensive energy and weak China demand are killing manufacturing. ECB cutting rates to help, but unemployment's rising. Germany's struggles drag down all of Europe since it's the continent's engine.

The Naked Truth: UK economy's finding its footing with 0.8% growth. Inflation falling to 3.2% but still above the 2% target, keeping rates elevated. Post-Brexit adjustment continues. The key question: can growth accelerate without reigniting inflation?

The Naked Truth: France seeing moderate 1.1% growth, unemployment falling. Government balancing fiscal discipline with economic support. ECB rate cuts helping. CAC 40 up 6% shows confidence, though budget deficit concerns linger politically.

The Naked Truth: Canada's cooling—growth slowing to 1.5%, unemployment rising. High household debt and expensive housing weighing on consumers. Bank of Canada cutting rates to support growth. Loonie weaker makes imports pricier. Fortunes tied to US economy.

The Naked Truth: Eurozone struggling with weak 0.5% growth—Germany's slowdown and high energy costs weighing on the bloc. ECB cutting rates to stimulate. Weaker euro helps exports but makes energy imports expensive. Challenge: revive growth without reigniting inflation.