Popcorn for economic growth.

"The British economy flatlined in the third quarter of the year," as "the Office for National Statistics said the British economy showed no growth against the previous estimate of 0.1%." Treasury Chief Rachel Reeves "raised taxes on businesses to help shore up public finances and ailing services," and "many businesses are responding to the tax rise by either raising prices or reducing employees or wages." BS. In the US, "Total debt outstanding has surged to $36 trillion from $19.5 trillion in 2016, or approximately 120% of gross domestic product (GDP) from 105%." But, even as the federal government debt has ballooned, state and local governments, households, companies and financial institutions have reduced their debt loads. Still, high public debt pushes interest rates higher which discourages companies and households from borrowing. This could hurt growth. Bloomberg. According to Business Insider, Chinese economist Gao Shanwen "stated that the actual GDP growth of China could be averaging somewhere around 2% over the past two or three years, in spite of the official figures reporting close to nearly 5%. He also speculated that future growth will be at 3%-4%, "while the government will likely continue to report around 5%." ET. In the EU, annual Real GDP growth rate for 2024 was 1.1% and GDP at current prices, or nominal GDP, is $19.4 trillion. IMF. Total population is 450.7 million and the average fertility rate is 1.5%. World Economics. To add to its problems, "Europe's struggling industries are bracing for a new gas price shock over the coming winter months, as colder weather depletes stocks, competition with Asia for liquefied natural gas intensifies and the prospect of reduced natural gas supplies looms." Reuters.  "The world's debt stock surged by over $12 trillion in the first three quarters of 2024 to a fresh record of nearly $323 trillion," But "Economic growth enabled debt to GDP to slip to roughly 326%." "Debt in emerging markets is approaching a record $105 trillion - a whopping 245% of GDP." Reuters. "The Syrian government fell...in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family after a sudden rebel offensive sprinted across government-held territory and entered the capital in 10 days." ET. "Iran's embassy in Damascus was stormed after the rebels seized the Syrian capital, Iranian state- run Press TV said." Eurasian Times. Older Iranians will remember "On November 4, 1979, Iranian students seized the (US) embassy and detained more than 50 Americans, ranging from Charge d'Affairs to the most junior members of the staff as hostages. The Iranians held the Americans hostage for 444 days." history. state.gov. In India, "The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, chaired by the Finance Minister and including state representatives, announced on 21 December that non-branded popcorn mixed with salt and spices would attract a 5% GST, pre-packaged and branded popcorn 12% and caramel popcorn, categorized as a sugar confectionery, 18%." ET. No matter what happens in the world, good or bad, the Indian government will find sly, deceitful ways to extract the last rupee from citizens, including children. Merry Christmas. If you can afford it.