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With President Trump's aggressive tariff policies sending shockwaves through the global economy—plummeting growth forecasts, reigniting inflation, and destabilizing markets—it's time to weigh in. Are these measures a masterstroke of economic nationalism or a reckless gamble with worldwide repercussions?
Do you believe Trump's tariff strategies are:
A Necessary DefenseEconomic Self-SabotageA Political Power PlayUnsure / Need More Information
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Klaus Schwab, the founder and chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has officially resigned from his position at the organization he established more than half a century ago. The WEF, based in Geneva, confirmed the news on Monday.
The announcement followed earlier indications this month that the 87-year-old would be stepping down. In a statement released by the organization, Schwab said his departure would take effect immediately. 
“Following my recent announcement, and as I enter my 88th year, I have decided to step down from the position of Chair and as a member of the Board of Trustees, with immediate effect,” he remarked.
Schwab’s resignation was formally accepted during a board meeting held on April 20. Vice Chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe has been appointed interim chairman, but a search committee has been formed to identify a permanent replacement later in the year.
University lecturer turned global economic industry head
Born on March 30, 1938, in Ravensburg, Germany, Schwab built a distinguished academic record with studies at Swiss universities and Harvard in the United States. He holds doctorates in engineering and economics and more than a dozen honorary degrees. 
At the time he launched the WEF’s precursor, the European Management Forum, in 1971, Schwab was a relatively obscure professor at the University of Geneva.
Davos meetings, which began as a small business conference with fewer than 500 participants, grew into a major platform for global dialogue attended by economic leaders and presidents. 
Schwab expanded the annual event by inviting high-level politicians, executives, NGO leaders, trade unions, and figures from civil society. 
Over time, the WEF developed new regional summits and launched centers addressing global challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity, energy transition, and financial system resilience. 
The organization describes itself as an “impartial and not-for-profit platform” that facilitates collaboration and trust among stakeholders. For more than 50 years, Schwab led the forum through its stated mission of economically “improving the state of the world.”
Global finance leaders to convene in Washington
Schwab’s resignation comes at a time when global economic leaders are set to meet in Washington, DC, for the 2025 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. 
Finance ministers and central bankers from around the world are expected to attend the event, which is overshadowed by US President Donald Trump’s recent tariff actions.
Ahead of the meeting, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva lambasted Donald Trump’s policies, coining them as a threat to global trade stability.
Several developing countries, among them Jordan and Sri Lanka, have reportedly been hit hard by the tariffs, undoing the fixes they had made by participating in IMF-supported recovery programs. 
Syria is also expected to attend the Washington summit to gather international backing for the country’s reconstruction after years of civil conflict. President Ahmad Al Shara of Syria recently met with regional leaders in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq to discuss rebuilding strategies.
The economic backdrop to these meetings is marked by uncertainty and lowered expectations. The IMF had previously forecast global GDP growth at 3.3% for 2025, with US economic output estimated to rise by 2.7%. However, the monetary fund is more than likely going to revise the outlook this week.
Last Thursday, Kristalina Georgieva confirmed that the IMF will publish an updated World Economic Outlook on April 22. The outlook is expected to show downward revisions to global and regional growth forecasts. 
“Our new growth projections will include notable markdowns, but not recession,” she said in a pre-meeting speech.
Even so, some US-based economists are predicting a higher likelihood of recession due to the cumulative effects of restrictive trade measures and changing immigration policies. 
“This means that I think we have a very high chance of recession,” Posen propounded, estimating the probability of a US slowdown at 65%.
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Japan Warns U.S. Against Manipulating Currency Talks, Ishiba Stresses Fairness

Japan issued a firm warning to the United States on Sunday, making it clear that any manipulation during upcoming currency discussions will be exposed. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, speaking live on NHK, emphasized that Japan is committed to ensuring “fairness” in every aspect of the exchange rate negotiations. This comes as President Trump continues ramping up tariffs on key U.S. trade partners.

The warning followed Trump’s surprise appearance at the first round of U.S.-Japan trade talks, where he claimed “big progress” had been made. However, behind closed doors, Trump is reportedly pressing Tokyo to stop what he views as intentional devaluation of the yen to benefit Japanese exporters.

Ishiba clarified that currency negotiations will be handled by Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, not by the leaders themselves. Still, he didn’t shy away from the issue. Asked if Japan would support a stronger yen, Ishiba responded, “We’ll have to deal with this issue from the standpoint of fairness,” without outlining Japan’s exact approach.

Tariffs, Auto Rules, and Energy on the Agenda

Ishiba also touched on key trade friction points, including energy imports, auto regulations, and Japan’s significant holdings of U.S. debt.

The Trump administration has imposed 24% tariffs on Japanese goods entering the U.S., though those are temporarily paused until July. A 10% base tariff remains, alongside active 25% duties on automobiles—impacting a major pillar of Japan’s export economy.

While defending Japan’s vehicle safety standards, Ishiba hinted at possible reforms. “There are differences in U.S. and Japanese traffic and safety rules that must be taken into account,” he said, adding that Japan wants to ensure its regulations aren’t unfairly portrayed. This follows a Nikkei Asia report suggesting Japan might ease some auto safety requirements as part of the negotiations.

Energy and Economic Leverage

Ishiba also noted Japan might consider increasing imports of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG)—but only if Washington can guarantee consistent delivery. “Australia is our largest LNG supplier. The U.S. ranks fourth. We could increase imports, but only if the U.S. proves it can supply energy reliably,” he said.

As for Japan’s $1 trillion in U.S. Treasury holdings—the largest globally—Ishiba reiterated Tokyo’s position that it won’t use this as a bargaining chip. “Our holdings are based on mutual trust and contribute to global and bilateral economic stability,” he stated, echoing earlier comments from Finance Minister Kato.

Kato is set to travel to Washington this week for the G20 finance ministers’ meeting, which will coincide with the IMF spring summit. All eyes are on his upcoming meeting with Treasury Secretary Bessent, where they’re expected to tackle critical issues including currency policy, tariffs, LNG, and au
tomotive regulations.
#IMF #Japan #US

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Ishiba demands fairnessJapan told the United States on Sunday that any attempt to rig the upcoming currency discussions will be called out.Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said live on NHK that his country will push for “fairness” in every single part of the exchange rate talks, as President Trump continues his tariff campaign against America’s biggest trade partners. The warning came just days after Trump unexpectedly walked into the first round of US-Japan trade negotiations and said there was “big progress.” What he really wants is for Tokyo to stop what he claims is a deliberate weakening of the yen to help Japanese exporters.Ishiba made clear that currency policy is going to be handled directly by Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, not the leaders.But he was very direct when asked if Japan would help push the yen higher. “We’ll have to deal with this issue from the standpoint of fairness,” Scott said, though he didn’t say how exactly Japan would respond.Ishiba points to energy deals, auto rules, and debt as trade pressure buildsAs is well documented, the Trump White House has hit Japan with 24% tariffs on goods entering the US, but those have been put on hold until early July. A 10% baseline tariff still applies, and 25% duties on cars are active—hurting one of Japan’s most important exports.Even so, Ishiba said Tokyo might be open to changes on non-tariff barriers, including the long-running complaints about Japan’s auto safety standards. These rules, Washington says, make it nearly impossible for American-made cars to enter the Japanese market.Ishiba didn’t agree with the accusations, but he didn’t deny the possibility of change either. “There are differences in US and Japanese traffic and safety rules that must be taken into account,” he said. “But we also need to ensure we’re not told our (safety) rules are unfair.”His comment follows a report by Nikkei Asia that Japan is considering loosening some of these auto safety requirements as part of its negotiation strategy.Other negotiation pieces are on the tableThere’s also the question of US energy exports. Ishiba said Japan could increase imports of American liquefied natural gas, but only if Washington proves it can deliver it without issues.“As for liquefied natural gas, Australia is the biggest exporter to Japan. I believe the US is in fourth place. It’s possible we could have this increase. The question is whether the US can deliver (energy) stably,” he said.Then there’s Japan’s US Treasury holdings—over $1 trillion, the biggest in the world. Some economists think Japan could use that as a pressure point in the talks. But Katsunobu already ruled that out earlier this month, and Ishiba repeated the position.“This is something that’s based on trust between the two sides, global economic stability, as well the two countries’ economic stability,” he said when asked if Japan would use that leverage.Katsunobu is flying to Washington this week to join the G20 finance chiefs’ meeting, which will run alongside the IMF spring summit. Everyone expects him to sit down with Scott to go head-to-head on all the issues—currency, tariffs, energy, and auto rules.Cryptopolitan Academy: Tired of market swings? Learn how DeFi can help you build steady passive income. Register Now
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Despite pressure from the International Monetary Fund (#IMF ) to reduce the presence of Bitcoin in the economy, El Salvador has just announced the addition of 11 Bitcoins to its Strategic Reserve Fund.

11 New Bitcoins – A Bold Move

On January 20, the National Bitcoin Office #ElSalvador announced on Twitter the purchase of an additional 11 Bitcoins (worth over 1 million USD). This move came shortly after the government committed to the IMF to limit the adoption of Bitcoin in exchange for a 1.4 billion USD loan.