A new study is the first to comprehensively map three decades of income inequality data within 151 nations around the world. Despite finding that income inequality is worsening for half the world’s people, the study also indicates that effective policy may be helping to bridge the gap in ‘bright spots’ –– in administrative areas that account for around a third of the global population.

This global study investigates the dynamic impact of Financial Technology (FinTech) on financial stability, introducing the novel dimension of green finance as a key moderating factor. Analysing panel data from 148 advanced and emerging economies (2005-2022) with advanced econometric models, the research finds that both FinTech and the overall composite of green finance significantly enhance financial stability. The study further deconstructs green finance into its core dimensions, revealing that while environmental, resource, and financial dimensions are positive drivers, the economic dimension presents a short-term challenge. Crucially, the synergy between FinTech and most green finance dimensions acts as a powerful positive force for stability. However, the COVID-19 pandemic exerted a consistent negative spillover effect. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers to design integrated FinTech and green finance frameworks, fostering resilient financial systems and a sustainable economic future.

This study examines the impact of corporate digital mergers and acquisitions (M&As) on the development of New Quality Productive Forces (NQPF). Using a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) methodology with data from Chinese listed firms (2011-2021), we demonstrate that digital M&As significantly enhance NQPF. We identify two key mechanisms driving this effect: enhanced firm innovation capability and accelerated data asset accumulation. Furthermore, our findings reveal that external factors including advanced industrial structure, higher urban human capital, and lower economic policy uncertainty positively moderate this relationship. This research introduces a novel NQPF measurement index and provides actionable insights for firms and policymakers seeking to leverage digital transformation for high-quality economic development.