China’s working population is shrinking, facing low birth rate

China’s working population is shrinking, facing low birth rate

Fertility rates across OECD countries have halved since 1960, according to a new OECD report. Leren Lu | Stone | Getty Images China’s population is shrinking, and the demographic shift will ultimately hurt its economy, shrink the labor force and put pressure on fiscal policy. “The working age population [in China] will fall so rapidly … Read more

Australia’s budget is expected to target housing affordability crisis

Australia’s budget is expected to target housing affordability crisis

An aerial photograph of houses and apartments on coastline in North Bondi, Sydney, Australia. Recent reports indicate that Australian home prices are set to continue their upward trend, driven by increasing migration rates and a shortage of housing supply. Andrew Merry | Moment | Getty Images Australia plans to address its climbing home prices in … Read more

Amtrak backs Texas Central bullet train

Amtrak backs Texas Central bullet train

The U.S., despite decades of research and studies, remains without authentic high-speed rail options. Since 1987, investors have attempted to introduce bullet train service to Texas. In 2014, a group organized under the name Texas Central launched the most recent attempt to connect Dallas to Houston with a bullet train that travels more than 200 … Read more

Why the Year of the Dragon doesn’t bode well for China’s declining population

Why the Year of the Dragon doesn’t bode well for China’s declining population

China is unlikely to experience a distinct boost in birth rates this year, largely due to the country’s high youth unemployment and economic turmoil, according to the EIU. D3sign | Moment | Getty Images The Chinese Year of the Dragon is widely perceived in Asia-Pacific to be an auspicious year to have a baby — … Read more