‘Countries are defying gravity at all income levels’: how long can global economy resist chaos?

Sky-high oil prices and geopolitical turmoil have made less of a dent than feared … just don’t bank on it to lastInside the vast, glass-walled Queen Sirikit conference centre in Bangkok, the air-conditioned atmosphere was calm as policymakers from more than 100 countries gathered this week for the International Monetary Fund’s annual meeting – and contemplated the surprising strength of the global economy.A small army of smiling, uniformed Thai staff were on hand to explain the baffling geography of the heavily guarded building, where lunch options were as cosmopolitan as the delegates – including, improbably, a Burger King. Continue reading…