Global economy: latest events

Story so far

1. 24 Oct 2026 ▲ 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.

2. 23 Oct 2026 ▲ Escalating

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

   On Thursday, reports highlighted a growing debt squeeze, with global debt put at $365 trillion and France now paying more to borrow than Italy and Greece. Protests in Europe have drawn attention to the issue. On Wednesday, UK figures showed inflation rising and a larger than expected September deficit, and Elon Musk confirmed that SpaceX and Tesla are exploring a merger.

3. 22 Oct 2026 ▲ 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, with France now paying more to borrow than Italy and Greece after protests in Europe highlighted the debt squeeze. On Wednesday, UK data showed inflation rising to 3.5% in September and borrowing of £24.5bn, with debt interest at a record for the month. Australia's central bank deputy governor warned on Tuesday that the inflation outlook looks materially worse.

   Global debt reaches $365 trillion as interest bill climbs, France…

4. 21 Oct 2026 ■ Steady

   UK inflation rises to 3.5% and September borrowing hits £24.5bn ahead of Budget

   UK inflation accelerated to 3.5% in the year to September from 3.1%, driven by surging fuel prices, the Office for National Statistics said on Wednesday. Government borrowing was a higher than expected £24.5bn, with debt interest of £10.9bn the highest September figure on record. This adds pressure on John Healey before his first budget next Wednesday. Elsewhere, Elon Musk confirmed SpaceX and Tesla are exploring a merger, and an Australian central bank deputy warned the inflation outlook is materially worse.

   UK borrowing hits £24.5bn in September as debt interest reaches… · UK inflation rises to 3.5% in September on surging fuel prices · Musk confirms SpaceX and Tesla exploring merger

Written by Claude from the reports on this page and on the map. Check the linked sources for full details.