We have previously reported on the sudden surge in electricity demand among the data centers where artificial intelligence (AI) requests are processed. The trend will have far-reaching impacts on U.S. economic development, energy use, climate considerations, and regulatory structures. We will continue to follow these developments.
Category: TRENDS ON THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC FRONT – July 16 2024
SPOTLIGHT: BIGS GETTING BIGGER
JPMorgan Chase’s investment banking fees rocketed up 50 percent in this year’s second quarter compared to the same period last year, the bank said.
TOP TREND 2023: SELF-SUFFICIENT ECONOMY
China’s car companies are squeezing out Western competitors faster than expected.
TOP TREND 2024: EV GO FU
An abrupt slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) sales cut battery giant LG Energy’s profit by 58 percent, year on year, in this year’s second quarter, the company reported last week.
RUSSIA’S CRUDE OIL EXPORTS FALL TO LOWEST SINCE UKRAINE INVASION
In the four weeks ending 7 July, Russia shipped 3.27 million barrels of crude oil, the least since it invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
GOING OUT OF BUSINESS TRENDS
The economic landscape has presented an array of challenges that have profoundly affected the business community. Some of the most significant challenges include soaring inflation rates, escalating interest rates, increased minimum wage, looming fears of a recession, and a tangible decrease in revenues for many sectors…
WHEN THE ECONOMY FALLS JOBS GO WITH IT
It’s global. The numbers are there for all to see. From developed to underdeveloped nations, economies are slowing down and/or contracting.
GERMAN CARMAKERS SEE SALES SLIDE
German auto companies BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen reported fewer sales in this year’s second quarter than during the same period last year. The drop was due significantly to decreased sales in China, which has become a key market for the companies in recent years.
IEA CUTS OIL DEMAND FORECAST, SEES LARGER GLUT NEXT YEAR
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has cut its forecast for growth in oil demand next year from 1 million barrels a day to 980,000, “reinforcing its expectations of a major glut this decade,” The Wall Street Journal reported.
EUROPE’S ELECTION WINNERS FACE DRASTIC CONFLICTS
The U.K. and France both elected new parliaments this month and the new governments already face seemingly impossible tasks: fulfilling their mandates for dramatic changes while struggling with massive public debt, which has metastasized far beyond pre-COVID levels.