The UK economy shrank by 0.1 percent in May 2025 after shrinking by 0.3 percent in April. Since a huge decline in GDP in April 2020, the UK economy has gradually recovered and is now around 4.4 percent larger than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. After the initial recovery from the pandemic, however, the UK economy has effectively flatlined, fluctuating between low growth and small contractions since January 2022. Labour banking on growth to turn around fortunes in 2025 In February 2025, just over half a year after winning the last general election, the approval rating for the new Labour government fell to a low of -48 percent. Furthermore, the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer was not only less popular than the new Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, but also the leader of the Reform Party, Nigel Farage, whose party have surged in opinion polls recently. This remarkable decline in popularity for the new government is, in some part, due to a deliberate policy of making tough decisions early. Arguably, the most damaging of these policies was the withdrawal of the winter fuel allowance for some pensioners, although other factors such as a controversy about gifts and donations also hurt the government. While Labour aims to restore the UK's economic and political credibility in the long term, they will certainly hope for some good economic news sooner rather than later. Economy bounces back in 2024 after ending 2023 in recession Due to two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth, in late 2023 the UK economy ended the year in recession. After not growing at all in the second quarter of 2023, UK GDP fell by 0.1 percent in the third quarter, and then by 0.3 percent in the last quarter. For the whole of 2023, the economy grew by 0.4 percent compared to 2022, and for 2024 is forecast to have grown by 1.1 percent. During the first two quarters of 2024, UK GDP grew by 0.7 percent, and 0.4 percent, with this relatively strong growth followed by zero percent growth in the third quarter of the year. Although the economy had started to grow again by the time of the 2024 general election, this was not enough to save the Conservative government at the time. Despite usually seen as the best party for handling the economy, the Conservative's economic competency was behind that of Labour on the eve of the 2024 election.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the United States expanded 3 percent in the second quarter of 2025 over the previous quarter. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United States GDP Growth Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

In 2020, global gross domestic product declined by 6.7 percent as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak. In Latin America, overall GDP loss amounted to 8.5 percent.

The UK economy grew by 0.7 percent in the first quarter of 2025, compared with 0.1 percent growth in the previous quarter. After ending 2023 in recession, the UK economy grew strongly in the first half of 2024, growing by 0.8 percent in Q1, and 0.4 percent in Q2, with growth slowing in the second half of the year. In the third quarter of 2020 the UK experienced record setting growth of 16.8 percent, which itself followed the record 20.3 percent contraction in Q2 2020. Growing economy key to Labour's plans Since winning the 2024 general election, the UK's Labour Party have seen their popularity fall substantially. In February 2025, the government's approval rating fell to a low of -54 percent, making them almost as disliked as the Conservatives just before the last election. A string of unpopular policies since taking office have taken a heavy toll on support for the government. Labour hope they can reverse their declining popularity by growing the economy, which has underperformed for several years, and when measured in GDP per capita, fell in 2023, and 2024. Steady labor market trends set to continue? After a robust 2022, the UK labor market remained resilient throughout 2023 and 2024. The unemployment rate at the end of 2024 was 4.4 percent, up from four percent at the start of the year, but still one of the lowest rates on record. While the average number of job vacancies has been falling since a May 2022 peak, there was a slight increase in January 2025 when compared with the previous month. The more concerning aspect of the labor market, from the government's perspective, are the high levels of economic inactivity due to long-term sickness, which reached a peak of 2.84 million in late 2023, and remained at high levels throughout 2024.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the United States expanded 2 percent in the second quarter of 2025 over the same quarter of the previous year. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United States GDP Annual Growth Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

How will climate change affect risks to economic activity? Research on climate impacts has tended to focus on effects on the average level of economic growth. I examine whether climate change may make severe contractions in economic activity more likely using quantile regressions linking growth to temperature. The effects of temperature on downside risks to economic growth are large and robust across specifications. These results suggest the growth at risk from climate change is large—climate change may make economic contractions more likely and severe and thereby significantly impact economic and financial stability and welfare. The views expressed herein are those of the author, and do not reflect those of the Federal Reserve Board or its staff.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Germany contracted 0.10 percent in the second quarter of 2025 over the previous quarter. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Germany GDP Growth Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Business Confidence in the United States increased to 49 points in June from 48.50 points in May of 2025. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United States ISM Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

The Great Recession was a period of economic contraction which came in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis of 2007-2008. The recession was triggered by the collapse of the U.S. housing market and subsequent bankruptcies among Wall Street financial institutions, the most significant of which being the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in September 2008, the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history. These economic convulsions caused consumer confidence, measured by the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI), to drop sharply in 2007 and the beginning of 2008. How does the Consumer Confidence Index work? The CCI measures household's expectation of their future economic situation and, consequently, their likely future spending and savings decisions. A score of 100 in the index would indicate a neutral economic outlook, with consumers neither being optimistic nor pessimistic about the near future. Scores below 100 are then more pessimistic, while scores above 100 indicate optimism about the economy. Consumer confidence can have a self-fulfilling effect on the economy, as when consumers are pessimistic about the economy, they tend to save and postpone spending, contracting aggregate demand and causing the economy to slow down. Conversely, when consumers are optimistic and willing to spend, this can have a reinforcing effect as wages and employment may rise when consumers spend more. CCI and the Great Recession As the reality of the trouble which the U.S. financial sector was in set in over 2007, consumer confidence dropped sharply from being slightly positive, to being deeply pessimistic by the Summer of 2008. While confidence began to slowly rebound up until September 2008, with the panic caused by Lehman's bankruptcy and the freezing of new credit creation, the CCI plummeted once more, reaching its lowest point during the recession in February 2008. The U.S. government stepped in to prevent the bankruptcy of AIG in 2008, promising to do the same for any future possible failures in the financial system. This 'backstopping' policy, whereby the government assured that the economy would not be allowed to fall further into crisis, along with the Federal Reserve's unconventional monetary policies used to restart the economy, contributed to a rebound in consumer confidence in 2009 and 2010. In spite of this, consumers still remained pessimistic about the economy.

This study investigates the economic resilience of cities in Hubei province during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing highway nighttime lights as a proxy indicator. By February 2020, the pandemic had caused a significant economic contraction in Hubei. However, by May 2021, a strong recovery was observed, with most cities experiencing growth rates of over 20%. Despite initially similar responses to the crisis, this study reveals significant heterogeneity in economic resilience across the examined cities in Hubei. The spatial distribution follows a core-periphery structure, with Wuhan exhibiting greater resistance to economic shocks compared to peripheral cities. Furthermore, the response capacity within the Wuhan urban agglomeration area exhibits regional variations. In summary, lockdown policies had spatially varied impacts on economic resilience across Hubei’s cities. These results offer valuable insights into regional economic resilience and contribute to the formulation of strategies aimed at effectively addressing future unforeseen events.

By 2022, Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product is forecast to increase by 4.7 percent. According to the source’s estimates, the country recorded economic growth of five percent in 2021, recovering from a 0.3 percent contraction in 2020, as an effect of the coronavirus pandemic. The rebound has been attributed to household income and job growth, as well as to the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Roughly 30 percent of the adult population has been fully vaccinated against the disease in Kenya so far.

Recovery through key sectors

The strongest impact of the coronavirus crisis on the Kenyan economy was felt in the second quarter of 2020. By then, the country’s GDP decreased by 5.5 percent, the first negative growth in recent years. As of the third quarter of 2021, Kenya already registered an improved economic performance, with the quarterly GDP growth rate measured at 9.9 percent. The educational sector pushed the result, with an expansion of 65 percent. Mining and quarrying, and accommodation and food services followed, each with a 25 percent growth rate.

An optimistic economic forecast in East Africa

East Africa's economic growth might reach nearly five percent in 2022, according to estimates. This would represent a strong recovery from 2020, when the region’s economy expanded by only 0.4 percent, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cumulatively, more than 1.34 million people in East Africa have been infected by the disease. Although most of the countries in the region have already launched a vaccination campaign, the number of vaccine doses administered per 100 people is still low.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the United Kingdom expanded 0.70 percent in the first quarter of 2025 over the previous quarter. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United Kingdom GDP Growth Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

According to Cognitive Market Research, The Global Bath Robes market size will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% from 2023 to 2030.

The global Bath Robes market will expand at a significant rate of 5.6% CAGR between 2023 and 2030.
The demand for Bath Robes is rising due to increased awareness of sustainability and eco-friendly materials.
Demand for cotton bath robes remains higher in the Bath Robes market.
The hypermarket/supermarket held the highest Bath Robes market revenue share in 2023.
North America will continue to lead, whereas the Asia Pacific Bath Robes market will experience the strongest growth until 2030.

Shifting Consumer Preferences to Provide Market Growth

Consumer preferences play a pivotal role in shaping the Bath Robes industry. The perception and selection of bathrobes have undergone a substantial transformation in recent times. In contemporary society, comfort, luxury, and functionality are of utmost importance to consumers. They are in search of bathrobes that offer an indoor experience reminiscent of a retreat. The wellness trend is a contributing factor to this transition, as individuals seek methods to unwind and alleviate tension. As a result of bathrobes becoming associated with self-care, there has been an increase in the market demand for luxurious, absorbent bathrobes of superior quality. Furthermore, fashion significantly influences the formation of consumer preferences. Bathrobes are fashion statements in addition to being useful products. There has been a notable surge in market demand for fashionable and contemporary bathrobes. Consumers are actively seeking robes that fulfill two essential functions: functionality and style. These garments are suitable for both intimate gatherings at home and opulent resort excursions.

Increasing Focus on Environmentally Favorable Materials and Sustainability to Compel Market Growth

An additional influential factor in the market for bath robes is the increasing focus on environmentally favorable materials and sustainability. Contemporary consumers are increasingly environmentally aware and prefer products that reflect these sentiments. This has caused a shift in consumer preference toward bathrobes constructed from organic and sustainable materials. Bathrobes are progressively being crafted from organic cotton, bamboo, and other environmentally sustainable materials. In addition to being more environmentally friendly, these materials offer improved comfort and durability, both of which are attractive attributes for consumers. Sustainable manufacturing processes, including the use of water-saving dyes and environmentally benign dyes, are gaining traction in the sector. Moreover, consumer decisions are being impacted by the prevalence of ethical and fair-trade products. A premium price is willingly paid for garments that are produced ethically and contribute to the welfare of underprivileged communities.

Cultural change that now focusses on comfortable home lives is driving market demand 

Market Dynamics For Bath Robes market

Uncertainty Regarding the Economy to Hinder Market Growth

Uncertainty regarding the economy poses a substantial obstacle for the Bath Robes industry. This constraint is complex, affecting both the supply and demand sides of the industry. Economic fluctuations can substantially impact discontinuous income and consumer expenditure. In times of economic contraction or unpredictability, individuals might exercise greater fiscal restraint, thereby diminishing their propensity to invest in discretionary goods such as bathrobes. Bathrobes are frequently regarded as discretionary or non-essential items, rendering them especially susceptible to fluctuations in consumer expenditure trends. As households and individuals prioritize essentials over extravagances, there is a possibility that the demand for bathrobes will decrease. Global supply chains may be disrupted by economic uncertainty, which may have an impact on the accessibility of essential materials and components required to produce bathrobes.

Trend Factor for the Bath Robes Market

The bath robe industry is booming in 2025, driven by increased consumer desire for health, well-being, and home-based luxury. The rising popularity of self-care and at-home spas is encouraging consumers to spend money on luxurious, high-quality robes made of premium or environmentally friendly materials ...

China's domestic labor market has limited demand for tertiary graduates due to an unbalanced industrial structure, with a weak contribution to economic performance over the past decade. This study estimates the asymmetric effects of higher education progress (highly educated employed workforce), higher education utilization (highly educated unemployed workforce), and the separate effects of higher education utilization interactions with high-tech industries on economic growth in China from 1980 to 2020. Using a Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model, this study finds that the expansion of higher education progress (the employed workforce with higher education) promotes economic growth, while contraction of higher education progress (employed workforce with higher education) reduces economic growth. Likewise, an increase in higher education utilization (the unemployed labor force with higher education) suppresses economic growth, while a decline in the higher education utilization (the unemployed labor force with higher education) promotes economic growth. The study also found that the expansion of high-tech industries and government spending on education significantly stimulate economic growth. The moderating role of higher education utilization (unemployed labor force with higher education) in the impact of high-tech industries on economic growth is significantly positive. This study strategically proposes that China's higher-educated unemployed labor force can be adjusted to high-tech industries, which need to be developed equally in all regions. Moreover, the country is required to invest more in higher education and the development of high technological industries across all regions, thus may lead to higher economic growth.

View economic output, reported as the nominal value of all new goods and services produced by labor and property located in the U.S.

Oil prices saw a modest rise after declines due to Saudi production signals, amidst U.S. economic contraction and trade policy impacts.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Russia expanded 1.40 percent in the first quarter of 2025 over the same quarter of the previous year. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Russia GDP Annual Growth Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Indonesia Monetary Operation: Weighted Interest Rate: Contraction: 12 Months data was reported at 7.040 % in 14 Nov 2024. This stayed constant from the previous number of 7.040 % for 13 Nov 2024. Indonesia Monetary Operation: Weighted Interest Rate: Contraction: 12 Months data is updated daily, averaging 6.480 % from Dec 2021 (Median) to 14 Nov 2024, with 719 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7.540 % in 14 May 2024 and a record low of 3.260 % in 28 Jul 2022. Indonesia Monetary Operation: Weighted Interest Rate: Contraction: 12 Months data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bank Indonesia. The data is categorized under Indonesia Premium Database’s Monetary – Table ID.KAB018: Monetary Operations: Open Market Operation: Weighted Interest Rate (Discontinued).

We develop an infinite horizon macroeconomic model of banking that allows for liquidity mismatch and bank runs. Whether a bank run equilibrium exists depends on bank balance sheets and an endogenous liquidation price for bank assets. While in normal times a bank run equilibrium may not exist, the possibility can arise in recessions. A run leads to a significant contraction in intermediation and aggregate economic activity. Anticipations of a run have harmful effects on the economy even if the run does not occur. We illustrate how the model can shed light on some key aspects of the recent financial crisis. (JEL E23, E32, E44, G01, G21, G33)

ALF3 (Aluminium Fluoride) Market size was valued at USD 1656.5 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1815.2 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 1.4% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

Global ALF3 (Aluminium Fluoride) Market Drivers

The market drivers for the ALF3 (Aluminium Fluoride) Market can be influenced by various factors. These may include: Production of Aluminum: The main application for ALF3 is as an essential part of the smelting process for aluminum. The demand for ALF3 can be directly impacted by shifts in the production or demand for aluminum. Growth in the Aluminum Industry: The demand for ALF3 is influenced by the global aluminum industry's general growth and expansion. This growth may be fueled by infrastructure improvements, economic expansion, and rising aluminum product demand. Technological Developments: Improvements in production methods and technology within the aluminum sector may boost output and efficiency, which may have an impact on the market for ALF3. Regulatory Environment: Modifications to laws governing emissions, waste management, or other environmental aspects may have an effect on the market dynamics and, consequently, the production and use of ALF3. End-User sectors: ALF3 is utilized in the glass and ceramics sectors in addition to the manufacturing of aluminum. The demand for ALF3 may also be impacted by the expansion or contraction of certain industries. Global Economic Trends: The demand for aluminum and, by extension, ALF3 is mostly determined by economic factors such as GDP growth, industrialization, and construction activity. Supply Chain Dynamics: The cost and availability of ALF3 can be impacted by transportation, logistics, and raw material availability. Disruptions to the supply chain may reverberate throughout the market. Geopolitical Factors: The global commerce of aluminum and its raw materials may be impacted by political instability, trade conflicts, and geopolitical events, which could have an effect on the ALF3 market. Research and Development: Continual efforts to enhance the manufacturing procedure, lower expenses, or find new uses for ALF3 might lead to the expansion of the market.