reader Posted February 16, 2018 Posted February 16, 2018 From Bloomberg News Rising prices are more of a threat to the global economy this year than joblessness, according to Bloomberg’s Misery Index, which sums inflation and unemployment outlooks for 66 economies. Venezuela marks its fourth year as the world’s most miserable economy, with a score that’s more than three times what it was in 2017. Thailand again claimed “least miserable” status, though the nation’s unique way of calculating unemployment makes No. 2 Singapore worth noting. Elsewhere, Mexico looks to make big strides this year as inflation becomes more manageable, while Romania absorbs more misery for the opposite reason. The Bloomberg Misery Index relies on the age-old concept that low inflation and unemployment generally illustrate how good an economy’s residents should feel. Sometimes, of course, a low tally can be misleading in either category: Persistently low prices can be a sign of poor demand, and too-low joblessness shackles workers who want to switch to better jobs, for instance. The results largely signal a global economic outlook that remains bright overall: Economists are penciling in 3.7 percent year-on-year growth for the world in 2018, matching last year’s pace that was the best since 2011, according to the Bloomberg survey median. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-02-14/most-miserable-economies-of-2018-stay-haunted-by-inflation-beast -------------------------------- ....But not all is rosy From Aljazeera Bangkok is a mix of modern urban bustle and ancient tradition, but a new problem is casting a shadow over the entire city - some of the worst air pollution in its history. Thailand's capital and its ten million residents are enduring extreme levels of air pollution. There are accusations the government is not giving proper warnings about the health risks. Continues with video https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/bangkok-facing-weeks-extreme-air-pollution-180216114832979.html biguyby 1 Quote
santosh108 Posted February 16, 2018 Posted February 16, 2018 I love Kathmandu and Delhi and have visited many times, but now I cannot go since my lungs and immune system cannot handle the intense air pollution. Somehow I thought Thailand was too together to let that happen. I hope the government wakes up soon. It is such a beautiful, interesting and fun city. Of course, as long as Pattaya stays clean, I can just hop on the bus when I arrive and settle down in the Jomtien complex!! Quote
