Trade rows cloud global economy

Kganyago: While we expect to see a pickup (in growth) next year, trade tensions, geopolitical risks, political instability are among the challenges. — Bloomberg

WASHINGTON: Trade disputes and tighter financial conditions are among the top threats to a slowing world economy, global finance officials said, urging countries to take steps to shore up growth.

The global expansion, now seen at its most sluggish pace in three years, is likely to firm up next year, but central banks and fiscal authorities have limited policy options to drive a rebound, officials said in the joint communique of the International Monetary Fund’s steering committee.