Despite higher interest rates, the economy is faring well. However, there's uncertainty about when the Federal Reserve will ease monetary policy, as inflation remains high. While some expect rate cuts, there's also a view that rates may remain higher for longer, due to concerns about excessive government spending and its potential impact on consumers.
Falling fertility rates will alter the world's population dramatically. By 2050, most countries will have fewer than 2.1 babies per woman, the birth rate needed to maintain the population. This decline will leave a few countries responsible for global population growth and impact the economy, with shrinking workforces in wealthy nations requiring political and technological solutions.
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour had a positive economic impact in the U.S., boosting retail sales and GDP slightly. The tour's effect was significant in cities where it performed, driving up lodging prices, occupancy rates, and hotel revenues. While the tour's macro impact on national-level data was minimal, local economic benefits were substantial. However, the tour's impact may be more significant in smaller economies like Sweden and Singapore.
