Macroeconomics

China’s official business activity index (PMI) for the manufacturing sector remained below the 50 mark for the second consecutive month, indicating a continued contraction in output amid weak domestic demand and low investment.

In the final report on the country following the expert mission, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) confirmed the NBM’s commitment to the principles of credibility and institutional transparency. The experts recognized the methods used as being in line with the modern international practice, allowing the domestic central bank to conduct an efficient monetary policy and contribute to the stability of the country’s financial system.

Bitcoin pulled back to $66,700 as traditional markets opened with the first opportunity to react to the weekend’s military escalation, with oil soaring to $77 and Asian stocks falling 1.4 percent.

In issuing warnings about the “disappearance of Western civilization,” U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance often invoke the United Kingdom, and especially London, to substantiate their views.

After new military strikes by the U.S. and Israel on the territory of Iran, the U.S. dollar will receive short-term support. This was stated by analysts of major banks, reports Logos Press.

According to the forecast of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the increase in food prices in Moldova in 2026 will amount to 4.9%, which puts our country on the 43rd place in the world on this indicator among 160 states.

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled the Islamic Republic for more than three decades, died Feb. 28 in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran. He was 86 years old. Iranian media confirmed his death at work and declared a 40-day mourning period.

At least 20 people were killed when a military plane carrying banknotes crashed in the Bolivian city of El Alto on Friday.

The military campaign of Israel and the United States against Iran, which began on February 28, increases the risks of supply disruptions and contributes to the growth of oil prices. In this regard, OPEC+ will consider tomorrow, March 1, a larger increase in supply from as early as the second quarter of 2026, Bloomberg reported citing a delegate.

Interaction with the IMF will be a key condition for the country’s support in the EU accession process. The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) made such an appeal to the Moldovan authorities at a meeting on February 27.

The analytical company Bernstein has published a new review of the world’s largest hotel chains and named the stocks that have the highest growth potential. Estimates are based on forecasts to 2027 and financial indicators of the companies.

Employers from all regions of the country – from Gagauzia to Falesti, including companies created by people from Ukraine, were included in the top of the best employers in 2025, according to the National Employment Agency.

When US President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating a strategic bitcoin reserve in 2025, private companies, investment banks and experts immediately began urging the world’s key central banks to consider a similar move. Kevin Warsh, Trump’s nominee for chairman of the US Federal Reserve, last year supported the idea in an interview, calling bitcoin “the new gold”.

Crude oil on the world markets traded in multidirectional quotes all week, but maintaining rather high prices and reacting nervously to geopolitical challenges. Before the weekend, the price of the main brand Brent consolidated above $71 per barrel and indicated clear intentions for further growth.

Countries in Central and South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa will take the brunt of food inflation this year, according to Logos Press.

The explosive rise in gold prices is not based on fundamental factors, says Ruchir Sharma. The chairman of the Rockefeller Foundation’s board of directors said that, in his opinion, investors are making up stories about the reasons for such a significant increase in the value of shares. He recommends investors to diversify their portfolios by investing in other commodity assets, Logos Press reports.

The European Central Bank (ECB) expects food inflation, crucial to consumers’ perception of price stability, to stabilize just above its 2% target by the end of this year, according to Logos Press.

Romania’s government has adopted two emergency decrees that include layoffs in the public administration and spending cuts, as well as a package of fiscal and support measures aimed at boosting economic recovery, Logos Press reported.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze emphasized that the country’s sovereignty is solely an internal affair of Georgia and no one should promote their interests in its political system, Logos Press reports.

S&P Global Ratings has upgraded Armenia’s rating outlook from “stable” to “positive”, expecting GDP growth of 5.3% in 2026 and 4.8% in 2027, amid further normalization of relations with Azerbaijan, Logos Press reports.