Global Economic Shifts: UK Growth, Trade Tensions, and Energy Transitions

Explore the unexpected 0.1% growth in the UK economy, defying predictions amidst economic challenges. Delve into the global trade policy uncertainties impacting the US, Europe, China, and beyond. Discover how South Africa's shift towards renewable energy could drive sustainable growth, and examine Greece's economic potential threatened by labor shortages. This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the intricate dynamics shaping the global economic landscape.

Sources:
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/13/uk-gdp-q4-2024-.html
https://www.thailand-business-news.com/economics/192994-trade-policy-uncertainty-increases-economic-pressure-in-the-us-europe-china-and-globally
https://theconversation.com/sustainable-economic-growth-in-south-africa-will-come-from-renewables-not-coal-what-our-model-shows-239339
https://www.tovima.com/finance/study-greeces-economic-growth-threatened-by-labor-shortages/

Outline:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:00:46) UK economy ekes out 0.1% growth in the fourth quarter, beating expectations
(00:03:49) Trade Policy Uncertainty Increases Economic Pressure in the US, Europe, China, and Globally
(00:07:16) Sustainable economic growth in South Africa will come from renewables, not coal: what our model shows
(00:10:41) Study: Greece’s Economic Growth Threatened by Labor Shortages