The slowdown and the shocks

Autumn has been quite a turbulent time for the global economy. One major worry has been the US’s trade war with China, which has been preying on share investors’ minds resulting in declines on the Chinese stock exchanges. But this has been added to by other concerns. Italy’s budgetary problems not only raise the question of how much its economy is tied to the European and global financial and economic system, but it has also been fuelling discussions about the future of the eurozone. The conflict between the eurosceptic government in Rome and the European Commission has been having a strong negative impact on the stock exchanges, and this was especially the case in October. There have also been key developments in the saga of Britain’s exit from the EU. Theresa May’s cabinet has been rocked by a number of resignations, but this does not mean that the UK will not be leaving the community after all – and it again raises questions about how the EU will