Global finance leaders meet in Washington this week to address global growth, debt, and green energy amid uncertainties from conflicts, a slowing Chinese economy, and the potential impact of the U.S. election on trade and climate policies.
Global finance leaders will convene in Washington this week amid significant uncertainty driven by conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, a weakening Chinese economy, and concerns that the upcoming U.S. presidential election could spark new trade disputes and undermine international cooperation.
The annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank are set to bring together over 10,000 participants from finance ministries, central banks, and civil society groups to address challenges such as uneven global growth, managing debt crises, and financing the transition to green energy.
The key issue looming over the discussions is the potential impact of a U.S. presidential win by Republican candidate Donald Trump, which could disrupt the global economic landscape through significant new tariffs, increased U.S. borrowing, and reduced climate cooperation.
"The U.S. election, arguably the most critical issue for the global economy, is not officially on the agenda, but it's on everyone's mind," noted Josh Lipsky, a former IMF official now with the Atlantic Council's GeoEconomics Center.
Democratic candidate and current U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to continue the Biden administration’s focus on multilateral cooperation in areas like climate, taxes, and debt relief if she wins.
The meetings, which begin on Monday and gain momentum later in the week, are likely to be U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's last, as she has indicated she will retire from public service at the end of President Joe Biden’s term in January.
Meanwhile, rising anti-China trade sentiment and industrial strategies from wealthy nations, highlighted by the Biden administration’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, semiconductors, and solar products, are anticipated to be major discussion points during the sessions.
IMF and World Bank meetings in Washington left global finance leaders with more questions than answers on the economic impact of U.S. tariffs. Discussions on trade and debt concerns highlighted growing uncertainty, as markets worry about the broader economic fallout.
The IMF has lowered global and U.S. economic growth forecasts, citing Trump-era tariffs and rising uncertainty. Global growth is expected at 2.8% this year, while U.S. growth may slow to 1.8%, with heightened recession and inflation risks.
International financial leaders will discuss ways to restore aid to Syria during next week’s IMF and World Bank meetings.
rgentina sealed a $20 billion, 48-month Extended Fund Facility deal with the International Monetary Fund on Friday and, in a major policy move ahead of the deal, dismantled key parts of its years-long currency controls and loosened its grip on the peso.
Since joining in 1956, Argentina has become the IMF’s biggest debtor. On Friday, it secured a new $20B deal—its 23rd program. The first dates back to 1958 with a $75M loan. In total, Argentina has received $177B from the IMF to fight inflation and repeated economic crises.
Azerbaijan showcased its green transition plan at the Copenhagen Ministerial, targeting 30% renewable energy by 2030. The country also secured a $300 billion climate finance pledge and helped finalize a key carbon market agreement, highlighting its growing role in global climate action.
European foreign ministers signed the Lviv Statement supporting a special tribunal and a U.S.-backed ceasefire, during a visit to Ukraine that included a memorial tribute to fallen soldiers.
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Friday that early signs ahead of this weekend’s U.S.-China trade talks in Switzerland appear positive, with both sides showing mutual respect and a constructive tone.
A new U.S.-supported initiative to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza is expected to start operating shortly, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Friday, though specific details are yet to be made public.
U.S. President Donald Trump signaled support for steep tariffs on Chinese imports, calling 80% levies “right” ahead of high-level trade talks in Geneva aimed at easing escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
In a notable shift from traditional Republican policy, President Donald Trump has proposed raising taxes on high-income earners to help finance broader tax cuts for middle- and working-class Americans.
Ukraine is exploring whether to replace the U.S. dollar with the euro as its reference currency, as Kyiv aligns more closely with the EU and global trade fractures deepen.
The U.S. Federal Reserve kept its benchmark federal funds rate unchanged on Wednesday, maintaining the target range at 4.25% to 4.50%, in a widely expected move as the central bank navigates a complex economic environment marked by slowing inflation, global trade tensions, and political pressure.
Ford is raising prices on three of its Mexico-made models starting May 2, becoming one of the first major automakers to react to U.S. President Donald Trump's steep auto tariffs, which are reshaping industry costs and consumer prices.
As European NATO countries rush to strengthen their armed forces, large pension bills threaten to divert funds from urgently needed military hardware.
Azerbaijan showcased its green transition plan at the Copenhagen Ministerial, targeting 30% renewable energy by 2030. The country also secured a $300 billion climate finance pledge and helped finalize a key carbon market agreement, highlighting its growing role in global climate action.
European foreign ministers signed the Lviv Statement supporting a special tribunal and a U.S.-backed ceasefire, during a visit to Ukraine that included a memorial tribute to fallen soldiers.
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Friday that early signs ahead of this weekend’s U.S.-China trade talks in Switzerland appear positive, with both sides showing mutual respect and a constructive tone.
A new U.S.-supported initiative to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza is expected to start operating shortly, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Friday, though specific details are yet to be made public.
U.S. President Donald Trump signaled support for steep tariffs on Chinese imports, calling 80% levies “right” ahead of high-level trade talks in Geneva aimed at easing escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.
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