GENERAL NEWS
IMF World Economic Outlook ( WEO ) update
At a press conference on 17 January 2025 , the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) announced an update to its ‘ World Economic Outlook ’ ( WEO ). Its full ‘ World Economic Outlook ’ will be published in April 2025 during its Spring Meetings . “ In our latest projections , global growth remains steady at 3.3 per cent this year and next . Broadly aligned with world potential growth , inflation is declining to 4.2 per cent this year and 3.5 per cent next year in a return to central bank targets . This means that the very large global disruptions that started with the Pandemic , the war in Ukraine and triggered the largest inflation surge in 40 years are behind us . This is the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new one ,” commented Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas , Economic Counsellor and Director , Research Department , IMF , during the press conference .
“ While the global outlook is broadly unchanged from October 2024 , divergences are widening . Among advanced economies , the United States is stronger than previously projected , expected to grow at 2.7 per cent this year . In contrast , growth in the euro area is revised downwards and will increase only modestly to one per cent in 2025 , reflecting low consumer confidence and the persistence of high energy prices , especially relative to the United States . Elevated trade policy uncertainty will contribute to anaemic demand in many countries , including China ( where we project 4.6 per cent growth this year ),” he continued .
“ Some of the divergence is structural . For instance , the U . S . experienced persistently stronger productivity growth than Europe , especially in the technology sector , linked to a favourable business environment and deeper capital markets . Among emerging economies , potential growth has decreased for China in line with secular and demographic trends , but it has increased in other emerging markets and the two are now comparable ,” he added .
Economic policy uncertainty is elevated with likely policy shifts from many newly elected governments in 2024 . In the near term , he said , risks could exacerbate divergences between countries .
For the U . S ., he explained , many of the uncertainties originate with potential policy shifts under the new U . S . administration . n
www
. imf . org / en
Vaski Group Oy buys Ursviken Technology
Vaski Group , a manufacturer of flat bar processing and sheet metal handling , punching and bending machinery , has announced its acquisition of Ursviken Technology , a well-known Swedish manufacturer specialising in advanced press brake and shear solutions . The acquisition follows Vaski Group ’ s 2024 purchase of Pivatic Oy , a manufacturer of automatic sheet metal fabrication systems . The companies will share a combined revenue of nearly € 50 million and a workforce of over 200 professionals .
“ This year marks a significant milestone for Vaski Group , as the businesses celebrate a combined 200 years of excellence . Ursviken Technology proudly commemorates 140 years of innovation , Pivatic marks 50 years of delivering advanced sheet metal punching and bending solutions and Vaski celebrates a decade of pushing the boundaries of industrial technology ,” Vaski Group told ISMR .
Vaski Group is known for its heavy
Above : Michael Mansour , CEO of Vaski Group ( centre ), and Nicklas Jakobsson , CEO of Ursviken Technology AB ( on the right ).
investment in research and development to create innovative solutions . The group ’ s presence in Seinäjoki and Hyvinkää ( Finland ) and Ursviken Technology AB ’ s operations in Skellefteå ( Sweden ) is designed to form a robust network leveraging the strengths of the Nordic industrial base .
“ We are delighted to welcome Ursviken into the Vaski Group family ,” said Michael Mansour , CEO of Vaski Group . “ This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our mission to drive industrial innovation and support sustainable growth across the Nordic region and beyond . Together , we will unlock new opportunities and deliver even greater value to our customers .”
Nicklas Jakobsson , CEO of Ursviken Technology AB , added : “ Becoming part of Vaski Group marks an important milestone for Ursviken . Our shared values and complementary strengths will enable us to reach new goals and continue to deliver exceptional solutions to our customers worldwide .” n
https :// vaski . com /
www . ursviken . com
https :// pivatic . com / en /
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