Can the UK afford more help with the cost of living?
Labour party aims to help households and sustain growth as inflation and debt costs limit its options.

Labour party aims to help households and sustain growth as inflation and debt costs limit its options.
A weekly look at the world’s top business and economics stories. Watch Counting the Cost every Friday 2230GMT
Rising energy prices are pushing inflation higher again, forcing major central banks to raise interest rates.

Rising bond yields are lifting borrowing costs for governments, businesses and households across the global economy.

The US and China race to produce the world’s leading artificial intelligence.

Canada and the US risk a full-scale trade war after a breakdown in talks.

Heatwaves are squeezing growth and productivity while the Iran war drives up Europe’s energy costs.

A widening deficit and Ukrainian strikes are testing Russia’s economy, even as war in the Middle East lifts oil revenue.

US curbs on foreign-made robots intensify its wider rivalry with China over AI, chips and industry.

Disruptions across Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandeb and the Black Sea threaten supplies and raise costs for consumers.

Billionaires are on the rise as the rest struggle with inequality, poverty and cost of living crisis.

Developed nations are cutting climate funding, but developing countries still need billions to adapt.
