Special Reports

In 2024, securing a spot among the top 1% of income earners in South Africa demands a substantial annual salary. Recent financial analyses reveal that an annual income of approximately $140,000 places an individual within this exclusive group. Previous data from Knight Frank highlighted that to be part of South...

A recent survey by EcoOnline reveals that over 80% of U.S. companies are proactively developing net-zero programs ahead of any enforced climate legislation. This proactive approach signifies a shift from merely reacting to regulations to actively committing to sustainability. Leadership in Sustainability The survey highlights that 40% of companies have...

The United States has long been recognized as a global leader in innovation, producing groundbreaking technologies that have transformed industries and improved lives. Many middle-income countries aspiring to achieve high-income status often look to the American innovation model for inspiration. The latest World Development Report identifies three key lessons from...

A recent study by the Tax Justice Network reveals that governments could generate an additional $2.1 trillion annually by implementing a wealth tax similar to Spain's, which targets the wealthiest 0.5% of households. This amount is twice what is needed each year to fund climate finance for developing nations, a...

Nearly two years after the release of ChatGPT by OpenAI, which played a significant role in launching the generative AI revolution, public sentiment toward this technology has begun to crystallize. The initial excitement that saw consumers flocking to use ChatGPT has given way to a more measured perspective as the...

This year has seen a dramatic rise in CEO departures, with 622 chief executives stepping down in the first quarter of 2024, according to data from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. This marks a staggering 50% increase over the same period in 2023, which had already set records for...

A recent survey by Hong Leong Islamic Bank (HLISB) has found that a significant majority of Malaysian Muslims—about 65%—prefer to use banking and investment products that comply with Shariah law. The survey, which included 690 Muslims ranging from 18 to 77 years old, revealed a strong inclination towards financial products...

Seven Arab countries are currently grappling with persistent power outages, causing significant strain on both their populations and economies. While the underlying causes of these electricity shortages differ from nation to nation, the consequences are universally severe, particularly during the sweltering summer months when access to air conditioning is often...

British retailers experienced a lift in sales last month, spurred by the excitement of Euro 2024 and summer discount events, signaling further momentum in the economy. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), retail sales in July saw a 0.5% increase, bouncing back from a 0.9% decline in June....

A report from Multiverse, released on August 5, highlights that businesses are experiencing significant productivity losses due to widespread data skills gaps. On average, these gaps result in the equivalent of approximately 25 lost working days per employee each year, specifically related to data-related tasks. The report found that while...