What's Happening This Week in Economics?

©iStock/Galeanu Mihai

What’s happening this week in economics? Deloitte’s team of economists examines news and trends from around the world – from US tariffs to a Japan-US deal.  Find out more here.

Today in Global Small Business: Signs of Strength at Start of 2025

©iStock/Supatman

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• U.S. Chamber says there are signs of strength at start of 2025.
• In the UK, sustainable "green practices" is top on the small business list for 2025.
• Quote of the week: “Don't follow trends, start trends.  Successful artists don't follow trends; they create them." – Frank Capra
• A bank thinks "tailoring your approach" should be top on your list for 2025.
• Detroit Regional Chamber recommends "offering quality customer service" in 2025. 
• From tariffs to Taylor Swift, here are some wildcards for not just 2025, but for the next 5 years.

Today in Global Small Business: Merrilee Kick of BuzzBallz Shakes Up the World (podcast)

©2023 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Tune in to Merrilee Kick's How She Went Global® podcast, "Shaking Up the World with BuzzBallz."  Learn about global shipping, payment terms, branding and more.
• Hooray!  We are pushing past 110K readers (aka followers) this month to The Global Small Business Blog.  Founded in 2004, we have served you for 19 years!  YOU rock because of your readership and we rock because we publish content you like to read!
• Defending globalization by the Cato Institute.
• Quote of the week: “No generation has had the opportunity, as we now have, to build a global economy that leaves no-one behind. It is a wonderful opportunity, but also a profound responsibility.” – Former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
• Trends to watch in the global pet food market.
• The global consumer packaged goods market is expected to reach $5.48 trillion in 2030.

The Global Small Business World in 2010

iStock/Thinkstock

Our Global Small Business World 2010 trend piece is ready for viewing over at our favorite trend hub: Small Business Trends!

Read every word here:

10 Predictions, Forecasts
and Trends That Will Shape Our
Global Small Business
World in 2010

What Are Considered the Most Livable Countries?

iStock/Thinkstock

The most recent Human Development Index (HDI) -- Trends, published annually by the U.N., has much to offer in the way of measuring development by combining indicators of life expectancy, educational attainment and income into a composite index. It seems that the higher a listing, the easier to do business -- I would imagine.

Learn more but be ready to take time out of your busy schedule to explore. Fascinating information. And it's endless. Wikipedia definition here.