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Political Woes Could Sink Thai Economy Deeper Into Malaise

Political Woes Could Sink Thai Economy Deeper Into Malaise

Bloomberg6 hours ago

By Suttinee Yuvejwattana and
Updated on
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Thailand's sudden descent into a new political crisis threatens an economy that's already on the brink of a technical recession and bracing for the impact of the global trade war.
Even if Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra manages to survive a widening rift in the ruling coalition, analysts said the fallout could stall key legislation, undermine US tariff talks and shake investor confidence in already-underperforming Thai assets.

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3 Reasons Why Kroger Stock Is a Buy Now
3 Reasons Why Kroger Stock Is a Buy Now

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3 Reasons Why Kroger Stock Is a Buy Now

Kroger's first-quarter earnings report shows why it's a safe, defensive play right now. The stock is attractively priced and provides a consistent dividend. 10 stocks we like better than Kroger › These are challenging times. There's conflict here in the U.S., war breaking out in the Mideast, trade wars, and tariffs, as well as rising prices and recession fears. As gold prices soar and investors seek safe havens, how does one stay in the stock market and hedge against uncertainty? Defensive, recession-resistant stocks are the way to go, and in that category, Kroger (NYSE: KR) stock deserves a closer look. Kroger is a grocery giant that walks under the radar. Sure, it's not a flashy artificial intelligence stock, but it's one of the nation's largest grocery store chains and offers reliable earnings, rewards its shareholders, and plays an indispensable role in the communities in which it operates. Kroger reported first-quarter earnings before the opening bell today. 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Putin boasts about Russia's economy despite recession fears
Putin boasts about Russia's economy despite recession fears

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Putin boasts about Russia's economy despite recession fears

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — President Vladimir Putin on Friday hailed Russia's economic outlook, saying it has managed to curb inflation and ease its reliance on energy exports. His optimistic account in a speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum contrasted with somber statements by some members of his government who warned at the same conference that Russia could face a recession. Economic Minister Maxim Reshetnikov had said Thursday that the country is 'on the brink of going into a recession.'

Putin boasts about Russia's economy despite recession fears
Putin boasts about Russia's economy despite recession fears

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  • Associated Press

Putin boasts about Russia's economy despite recession fears

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — President Vladimir Putin on Friday hailed Russia's economic outlook, saying it has managed to curb inflation and ease its reliance on energy exports. His optimistic account in a speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum contrasted with somber statements by some members of his government who warned at the same conference that Russia could face a recession. Economic Minister Maxim Reshetnikov had said Thursday that the country is 'on the brink of going into a recession.' Putin mentioned the recession warnings, but emphasized that 'it mustn't be allowed.' He pointed out that manufacturing industries have posted steady growth, allowing the country to reduce its reliance on oil and gas exports. 'The perception of Russian economy as based on raw materials and dependent on hydrocarbons exports have clearly become outdated,' Putin said, adding that the economy grew by 1.5% in the first four months of 2025 and inflation has dropped from double digits to 9.6%. Putin has used the annual forum to highlight Russia's economic prowess and encourage foreign investment, but Western executives have shunned it after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022, leaving it to business leaders from Asia, Africa and Latin America. The economy, hit with a slew of Western sanctions, has so far outperformed predictions. High defense spending has propelled growth and kept unemployment low despite fueling inflation. Large recruiting bonuses for military enlistees and death benefits for those killed in Ukraine also have put more income into the country's poorer regions. But over the long term, inflation and a lack of foreign investments pose threats to the economy. Economists have warned of mounting pressure on the economy and the likelihood it would stagnate due to lack of investment in sectors other than the military.

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