External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned that global politics increasingly outweighs economics, urging India to diversify its supply chains to ensure resilience and national security. He highlighted shifts in the global order, with the US pursuing individualized engagement and China operating independently, increasing uncertainties for countries worldwide.

Sri Lanka’s interest rates have risen in October as banks increased deposit collection amid strong loan demand, despite earlier rate cuts and controversial liquidity injections by the central bank. Analysts warn that recent monetary practices risk repeating past currency crises, especially as the rupee weakened again in 2025. The post-Cyclone Ditwah recovery adds uncertainty, with the government planning major spending and expecting IMF and World Bank support.

Greece's finance minister, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, has been appointed president of the Eurogroup, reflecting the country’s strong economic recovery since its debt crisis. Greece now enjoys steady growth, high investment rates, budget surpluses, and declining public debt despite remaining the highest in Europe. As Eurogroup President, Pierrakakis will represent the euro area at G7 meetings, shape agendas, and foster consensus among member states.

Sri Lanka’s economy grew 5.4% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025, marking a continued recovery from its recent financial crisis, led mainly by strong industrial expansion. Growth was broad-based, with industry, agriculture, and services all contributing, despite disruptions caused by severe flooding and cyclone damage in late November. Authorities remain cautiously optimistic, supported by an IMF bailout programme and emergency funding, though risks to growth persist i

The OECD forecasts the global economy to grow 3.2% this year, showing resilience despite U.S. trade tensions. U.S. growth is upgraded to 2%, supported partly by strong AI-related investments, even as new tariffs pose future risks. China is expected to grow 5%, while India remains the fastest-growing major economy at 6.7%.

Sri Lanka’s stock market fell 3.04% as Cyclone Ditwah triggered heavy selling, though construction stocks rose on expectations of rebuilding demand. Analysts say investors are cautious and the downward trend is likely to continue. Across Asia, markets moved mixed, with Japan declining, Pakistan rising, and India slipping due to cyclone impacts and trade uncertainties.

Sri Lanka’s CEB is selling power below its generation cost to about 70% of consumers, shifting the burden to higher-use households. Middle-income families using more than 180 units are charged up to 317% of the cost, effectively paying a hidden cross-subsidy. Critics say this amounts to an unrecorded tax and disproportionately penalizes households that cannot afford solar power.

The UK government continues to borrow to cover the gap between spending and tax revenue, with October 2025 borrowing reaching £17.4 billion. National debt now stands at around £2.6 trillion, roughly equal to the country’s annual GDP, and rising interest payments—£8.4 billion in October—limit spending on public services. While borrowing supports investment and economic growth, policymakers aim to reduce debt relative to GDP over the next five years.

Sri Lanka’s cabinet has approved moving forward with the process to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), beginning with completing a formal questionnaire from the trade bloc. Membership would require the country to gradually eliminate tariffs on 85–90% of goods, unlocking access to larger export markets and global supply chains. The questionnaire, issued in October 2024, must be completed before January 1, 2026, to continue Sri Lanka’s accession proces

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