Decipher Index

Global Economy is in the spotlight this week as rising global debt, an increase in protectionism, and geopolitical tensions shift the global market. Global debt has hit a record $323 trillion USD raising alarm bells among financial analysts and experts who have urged financial insolvency as a global issue. The OECD, likewise, has warned of trade risks from protectionism particularly considering president-elect Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico. Further, political volatility in South Korea has resulted in a 1.4% drop in the Kospi index reflecting a challenging landscape for the Global Economy in the near future.

Surging fifteen spots, Political Spending and Support is influenced by a wide-range of factors which point to a wave of anti-incumbent sentiment and populist movements. In Romania, the Social Democrats lead the nation’s parliamentary elections with 26% of the vote, narrowly winning against the hard-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians, which took 19%, signaling a further drift towards nationalism in Europe. South Korea is facing a political crisis and a period of unrest following now-embattled President Yoon’s declaration and lifting of martial law spurring mass protests, a National Assembly vote, and calls for impeachment. Such events highlight the ongoing global dissatisfaction with the political establishment ensuring that Political Spending and Support will remain a highly visible theme.