OECD.org

China’s economy continues to slow as it rebalances, with headwinds including trade frictions and the weakening global economy undermining exports and creating new uncertainties, according to the OECD Economic Survey of China. Despite the slowdown, the survey projects growth above 6%, and sees continuing convergence with more advanced economies.

Across the OECD area, except for a few countries, middle incomes are barely higher today than they were ten years ago. Little wonder the economic influence of the middle class has dropped sharply. A comprehensive action plan to relieve pressure is needed, according to a new report on the squeezed middle class.

The Japanese economy is undergoing the longest expansion in its post-war history, marked by strong job creation and business investment. Government policy must overcome the intertwined challenges posed by rapid population ageing and high government debt to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth for future generations, according to a new report.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for 50-60% of value added in OECD countries, are turning to non-bank financing sources, such as online peer-to-peer lending and equity crowdfunding, at a faster pace than in the past, a new report says.

Income tax and social security contributions declined slightly for the average worker across the OECD in 2018, driven by major reforms in just a handful of countries, according to a new OECD report. Some two-thirds of OECD countries saw slight increases in this so-called tax wedge.