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China's economic growth picks up as AI boom boosts exports

· ≈ Beijing, China · confirmed by 2 outlets

China's growth accelerated as exports, driven by the AI boom, offset weak domestic spending. Trade tensions and AI doubts weigh on the outlook.

Location
≈ Beijing, China · China live map
Coordinates
≈ 39.90°N 116.41°E
Reported
19 Oct 2026, 02:03 UTC
Category
Economy
Impact
1 of 5 · Watch
Situation
Global economy
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▲ Escalating

Global debt put at $365 trillion as France now pays more than Italy to borrow

On Thursday, reports put global debt at $365 trillion as interest costs climb, with France now paying more than Italy and Greece to borrow. Protests in Europe have highlighted the debt squeeze. On Wednesday, UK figures showed inflation rising to 3.5% in September and a higher than expected monthly deficit, ahead of the UK Budget next Wednesday.

  • France now pays more to borrow than Italy and Greece, and global debt is put at $365 trillion.
  • UK borrowing was £24.5bn in September, with debt interest of £10.9bn, the highest September figure on record.
  • UK inflation rose to 3.5% in the year to September from 3.1%, according to the Office for National Statistics, on surging fuel prices.
  • John Healey faces pressure ahead of his first budget next Wednesday.
Updated 24 Oct 2026, 01:19 UTC · Written by Claude from the reports on this page and on the map. Check the linked sources for full details.

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