Economy

San José functions as the economic and institutional heart of Costa Rica and a springboard for service exports that reach global markets. A combination of human capital, institutional stability, digital infrastructure, targeted incentives, and industry clustering creates an environment where services — from software and business process outsourcing to professional and creative services — can be packaged, delivered, and scaled to many markets beyond Costa Rica’s borders.Primary strategic strengths that drive scalable growthConcentrated talent and education pipeline. San José is home to the nation’s top universities and technical institutes, which consistently turn out professionals in engineering, computer science, business administration,…

Mexico offers deep trade and investment linkages with global partners and a diversified domestic market. That makes long-term contracts — infrastructure concessions, multi-year supply agreements, project finance loans, and energy offtake deals — commercially attractive. At the same time, such contracts are exposed to two related macro risks:Currency risk: shifts in the Mexican peso (MXN) relative to major billing currencies, most often the US dollar, can alter the actual worth of both payments and returns.Inflation risk: sustained increases in overall price levels gradually diminish fixed-rate income streams while pushing up local expenses tied to labor, materials, utilities, and taxes.The Bank…

Investors reacted swiftly after news of a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, reigniting concerns over US financial stability. The announcement triggered modest sell-offs across stocks, bonds, and the dollar, highlighting fears over the independence of the Fed.US equity markets began the session in negative territory after reports surfaced that federal prosecutors were examining Powell. The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 159 points, or 0.32%, while the broader S&P 500 eased 0.14% and the tech-focused Nasdaq edged down 0.1%. The US dollar lost ground against major global currencies, with the dollar index slipping 0.35%, reflecting a cautious stance…

Overview: Why CSR plays a pivotal role in agriculture and youth employment in ZimbabweZimbabwe’s economy remains deeply connected to agriculture, a sector that underpins rural livelihoods, feeds domestic markets and drives agro‑processing. Most staple crops are grown by smallholder farmers, while commercial producers generate significant export revenue. At the same time, youth unemployment and underemployment persist as serious concerns: although figures differ by source and definition, high levels of joblessness and unstable informal work continue to affect many individuals aged 15–35. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that deliberately combine sustainable farming methods with youth employment can open pathways to strengthen…

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is essential to Canada’s economy, but Ottawa balances openness with protective screening. Investors must understand a two-track reality: Canada broadly welcomes capital, jobs and technology, while exercising targeted scrutiny where national interest, security or strategic sovereignty are at stake. This article explains the legal framework, strategic sectors that attract attention, practical navigation steps, timelines and illustrative cases to help foreign buyers plan transactions that involve Canadian assets.The legal and institutional structureInvestment Canada Act (ICA): The ICA governs federal screening of foreign acquisitions of control of Canadian businesses. It includes a traditional "net benefit" review for certain…

Costa Rica is one of the world’s most recognizable models for nature-based tourism. The country protects roughly a quarter of its land through national parks and reserves, and it hosts an outsized share of global biodiversity for its size. Those assets have built a high-value tourism brand focused on wildlife, forests, beaches, and outdoor adventure rather than mass sun-and-sand resorts. That brand makes Costa Rica a prime destination for impact capital: investors seeking measurable environmental and social outcomes alongside financial returns.Primary frameworks of sustainable tourism functioning in Costa RicaEcolodges and boutique properties: Compact lodging options located within or near protected…

New York City is a concentration point for capital—venture capital, private equity, hedge funds, family offices, and public market investors all operate at scale. Yet the same company, real estate asset, or industry cohort can carry materially different valuations depending on whether it is traded in private or public markets. Understanding why those gaps exist is essential for investors, advisers, and policy makers operating from Manhattan to Brooklyn.What exactly is meant when referring to a valuation gap?A valuation gap is the persistent difference in price levels or implied multiples between similar assets in private transactions and those available on public…

Throughout much of 2025, the White House highlighted lower gasoline prices as evidence of economic prosperity; however, current patterns reveal that costs are now nearly identical to those of a year prior, undermining that assertion.President Donald Trump and his economic advisors frequently pointed to reduced gasoline costs as proof of enhanced economic accessibility during his tenure. Throughout a significant portion of 2025, this assertion seemed valid, given that fuel prices were distinctly lower compared to the corresponding period under former President Joe Biden. Nevertheless, current statistics indicate that this disparity has largely disappeared, casting doubt on a prominent economic claim…

Effective financial management begins with understanding where your money comes from and where it goes. Tracking income and expenses is often viewed as a fundamental practice for individuals, families, and businesses alike. But beyond this foundational status, there are numerous specific benefits—ranging from psychological to practical—that make this habit essential for anyone aiming to achieve financial stability and growth.Improved Financial Insight and ManagementA key advantage of tracking income and expenses is gaining a clearer picture of one's financial health. By diligently recording all sources of income and every expenditure, people develop a comprehensive view of their money flow. This improved…