Economy

South Korea's Hwacheon and Taiwan's Yulin are defying national demographic trends through bold local subsidies. But are they solving the birth rate crisis—or just moving people around?

Japan has set a $254 billion domestic semiconductor sales target for 2040, aiming to rival the US and China. But ambition and execution are two very different things. Here's what's really at stake.

Prediction markets are quietly evolving from election novelties into professional risk-management infrastructure. Here's what that shift means for traders, institutions, and global markets.

Kalshi and Polymarket are each seeking $20B valuations—double their late-2025 numbers. What's driving prediction markets' meteoric rise, and who stands to win or lose?

Conflict risk around Iran is sending US pump prices surging past $3.80 a gallon. Here's who wins, who loses, and what it means for your wallet and the global economy.

Latin America's crypto transaction volume hit $730 billion in 2025, growing 3x faster than the US. The real story? Stablecoins replacing broken financial infrastructure.

Rising military tensions around Iran threaten prolonged disruption to global energy markets. Here's what it means for your wallet, your investments, and the global economy.

Xi Jinping vows to continue unprecedented military corruption crackdown as China's defense budget grows 7%. Analysis of power consolidation vs. military effectiveness.

Iran's complete internet shutdown enters its seventh day, leaving citizens isolated while officials retain access. The selective blackout exposes how information control has become a weapon of modern conflict.

Iran's contradictory messages within hours - threatening US bases then apologizing to Trump - reveal internal power struggles and strategic confusion in Tehran

China achieved over 90 orbital launches in 2025, setting national records while investments soared from $340M to $3.8B. Can the US maintain space dominance?

Funeral costs in the US hit $8,300 in 2023, up 5.8% in two years. Cremation rates soar to 63% as families seek alternatives to traditional burial amid rising expenses.