INSIGHTS Fifty-one per cent of consumers in the US and UK prefer in-store shopping, with a higher preference among those aged above 55. The key priorities include customer service, inventory, and safety, with 81 per cent prioritising in-store safety. The study underscores the importance of friendly service, stocked shelves, and a secure environment to retain loyal shoppers. Fifty-one per cent of consumers in the United States and the United Kingdom choose in-store shopping, with a higher pref

INSIGHTS Economic growth in Europe and Central Asia is projected to moderate to 3.3 per cent in 2024, down from 3.5 per cent in 2023, and slow further to 2.6 per cent by 2025, as per a report by World Bank. Weaker growth compared to the early 2000s reflects ongoing challenges, including inflation, geopolitical tensions, and slower EU export demand. Regional growth in the Europe and Central Asia is expected to moderate to 3.3 per cent this year from 3.5 per cent in 2023, slowing further to 2.6

INSIGHTS The Conference Board expects the euro area's real GDP growth to be just below 1 per cent in 2024 and at 1.1 per cent in 2025. The US think tank's leading economic index for the area fell by 0.7 per cent in September this year to 95.2 following a decline of 0.8 per cent in August. Its coincident economic index for the area rose by 0.1 per cent in September to 108.6 following no change in August The Conference Board (TCB) expects the euro area’s real gross domestic product (GDP)

INSIGHTS China's total foreign trade grew by 5.3 per cent YoY in yuan terms in the first nine months this year. Its general administration of customs said the goods trade volume expanded to 32.33 trillion yuan ($4.57 trillion) between January and September. Exports rose by 6.2 per cent YoY to 18.62 trillion yuan, while imports rose by 4.1 per cent YoY to 13.71 trillion yuan in the period. China's total foreign trade grew by 5.3 per cent year on year (YoY) in yuan terms in the first nine month

INSIGHTS US retail sales saw a slight month over month decline in September, but year over year spending remained higher, with clothing and online sales leading the gains, as per CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor. Total retail sales, excluding autos and gasoline, fell 0.32 per cent month over month but rose 0.55 per cent year over year. Core retail sales decreased 0.28 per cent monthly but increased 0.94 per cent annually. Total retail sales witnessed 0.32 per cent month over month (MoM) drop in Septem

INSIGHTS World Bank, in its semi-annual economic outlook, has highlighted that East Asia and Pacific is experiencing stronger growth compared to other parts of the world. The report forecasts the region's growth rate at 4.8 per cent for 2024, though this is expected to slow in 2025. China is projected to grow at 4.8 per cent in 2024. Pacific Island nations are expected to see a more modest growth. East Asia and the Pacific is expected to grow at 4.8 per cent in 2024, slowing to 4.4 per cent i

INSIGHTS The Conference Board expects that despite weaker economic momentum, China will see an annual real GDP growth of 5 per cent this year. The US think tank's leading economic index for China fell by 0.2 per cent in August to 149.7, after remaining unchanged in July. Its coincident economic index for China improved by 0.8 per cent in August to 149.8, following an increase of 0.7 per cent in July. The Conference Board expects that despite weaker economic momentum, China will see an annual

INSIGHTS Gas crisis and political instability in Bangladesh, highlighted by Sheikh Hasina's resignation, have severely disrupted the country's RMG industry. The crisis may shift supply chains, favouring competitors like India, Vietnam and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh's future depends on political stability, energy infrastructure improvements, and diversification efforts. The gas crisis, along with the political turmoil in Bangladesh, including the stepping down of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has c

A significant reshaping of the global apparel industry has taken place as a result of retail disruptors such as Shein and Temu, which are exploiting IT to directly match the consumer demand for low-cost garments to rapid production by textile manufacturing clusters in China. These platforms are constantly and very closely monitoring what’s selling where through the latest AI techniques and testing the water with small, commissioned orders, before rapidly mobilising in response to significa

INSIGHTS Cotton market showed stability or slight increases over the past month. In the US, the NY/ICE futures contract stabilised between 67 and 71 cents per pound, while the A Index remained near 80 cents per pound. China's cotton prices held steady at 94 cents per pound, with a slightly stronger renminbi. India's spot prices increased to 90 cents per pound and Pakistan's to 81 cents per pound. The cotton market has shown stability or slight upward movement over the past month, with several