Finance ministers from the world’s most-industrialised nations were upbeat on Saturday about the state of the global economy, despite global jitters over rising interest rates and tumbling stock indices. While the final statement issued by the Group of Eight ministers focused firmly on the dangers of galloping oil prices, it made no mention of the recent declines on world markets.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sought to reassure skittish investors on Monday in his annual State of the Nation address that rampant tax probes, greedy bureaucrats and a shifting economic playing field will be made things of the past. However, opposition politicians and economic analysts reacted sceptically to Putin’s promises.