Jamaica’s Economy Shrinks for Third Straight Quarter as Recession Pressure Builds
Jamaica’s economy contracted by an estimated 2.9% between April and June 2026 compared with the same period last year, marking a third consecutive quarterly decline. The economy had already fallen 7.1% in Q4 2025 and 4.1% in Q1 2026, as the country continues to deal with the economic fallout from Hurricane Melissa, weaker consumer spending […]
Trump Pauses 50% Tariffs on Canada — For Now
Canada just got a temporary break from another major trade shock. U.S. President Donald Trump has paused planned 50% tariffs on more than $28 billion worth of Canadian goods for three days while trade negotiations continue. The tariffs would hit products including plywood, cement and other manufactured goods. For everyday Canadians, the biggest concern is […]
Jamaica’s Foreign Investment Falls 21%
Jamaica has spent several years strengthening its investment profile. Lower public debt, improved macroeconomic stability, a more flexible exchange rate, and a generally more business-friendly environment have all contributed to a narrative that the country is increasingly open to foreign capital. However, the latest foreign direct investment (FDI) figures show that strong fundamentals do not […]
Bank Of Jamaica Cuts Rates. Why Aren’t Customers Feeling It?
The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) can cut its policy rate, but it cannot force commercial banks to immediately make loans cheaper. That gap is now getting attention after outgoing BOJ Governor Richard Byles suggested the central bank may need to play a more active role in ensuring monetary-policy changes reach borrowers and savers. During 2025, […]
Jamaica’s Credit Card Balances Hit Record J$94 Billion—More Than Double Since 2017
Jamaica’s credit-card balances reached a record J$94 billion in April 2026, more than double the J$40.2 billion recorded in 2017. With 435,883 credit cards in circulation at the end of 2025, credit has become a much bigger part of household finances. The real concern is the cost. Credit-card interest rates can reach roughly 35% to […]
Wall Street Hits Record Highs as AI Profits Surge and Oil Prices Fall
Wall Street is back at record highs. The S&P 500 jumped 1.8% to close at a record 7,737 points, while the Dow surged more than 900 points and closed above 54,000 for the first time. The Nasdaq also climbed 2.6% as technology and AI stocks bounced back. One major reason is stronger-than-expected corporate profits. About […]
46 Properties Head to Auction as Past-Due Loans Surge 79%
A property auction is more than a real estate story—it’s often the final chapter of a debt story. On August 26, 46 mortgaged properties across eight parishes will go to auction, including homes, apartments, commercial buildings and resort properties. This follows another auction in June featuring about J$2 billion in repossessed real estate. This does […]
Carib Cement’s Profit Jumps as Jamaica’s Rebuilding Demand Grows
Caribbean Cement Company delivered a record second quarter, earning $2.7 billion in profit—nearly five times the amount earned during the same period last year. The company produced and sold more cement following the expansion of its kiln and stronger demand from rebuilding projects after Hurricane Melissa. For the first six months of 2026, Carib Cement’s […]
Microsoft’s $450 Billion Market Surge
Microsoft made stock market history after adding nearly US$450 billion to its value in a single trading day. The company’s shares jumped more than 15% after it reported stronger-than-expected earnings, rapid cloud growth and an optimistic outlook for its artificial intelligence business. The surge pushed Microsoft’s market value to approximately US$3.35 trillion. Microsoft generated US$90 […]
Saudi Arabia Joins Fight Against Iran-Backed Groups
Saudi Arabia has joined the United States in launching airstrikes against Iran-linked militia groups in Iraq after the fighters allegedly attacked Saudi oil and gas facilities. The operation marks Saudi Arabia’s first publicly confirmed involvement in the wider conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Although Saudi officials said the strikes were defensive and […]