The episode is part of a recent run of the show covering major economic fault lines. Past editions have asked whether the US or China will emerge as the AI superpower, how far the US-Canada trade war will go, and whether Europe can withstand the twin shocks of heatwaves and an energy crunch. Other recent programmes examined Russia's economy amid the Iran war windfall, the US effort to slow China's robotics and tech rise, and whether the world faces another energy shock.
Rising Borrowing Costs: Al Jazeera's Counting the Cost Explores Global Trend
Recent episodes also tackle US-China tech rivalry, trade wars and energy risks
Al Jazeera's business programme Counting the Cost has turned its attention to rising borrowing costs across the world, a trend affecting households, businesses and governments. The programme offers analysis of why interest rates and bond yields are climbing and what it means for the global economy.
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Analysis
Why This Matters
- Higher borrowing costs raise the price of mortgages and business loans, slow economic growth, and increase government debt burdens.
- They can also trigger stress in emerging markets and shape central bank policy choices.
Background
The global economy has experienced a period of monetary tightening in recent years, with central banks in major economies raising interest rates to control inflation. The programme appears to assess whether that era is continuing or turning.
Key Perspectives
Borrowers: Households and companies face higher financing costs. Central banks: Must balance inflation control against recession risk. Governments: Face higher costs for new debt, straining budgets. Critics/Skeptics: Some economists warn that sustained high rates could over-tighten economies and trigger downturns.
What to Watch
- Upcoming central bank decisions and inflation data.
- Movements in long-term bond yields.
- Signals on whether rate cuts are on the horizon.
Sources
- Why are borrowing costs rising across the world? · Al Jazeera