Edition: October 18th 2025
The coming debt emergency
Has Britain gone soft on China?
A spying fiasco and a new London embassy feed accusations that Sir Keir is a red softy
Next-gen narcos
Tactics from the war on terror brought to America’s backyard
The Arctic’s real vulnerability
America’s weakest flank isn’t near Greenland, but around Alaska
Parable of Chateau d’Yquem
Plutocrats are giving up on luxury assets
Business, finance and economics
Featured story
From its beginnings in 1843, when The Economist newspaper was founded by a Scottish hat manufacturer to further the cause of free trade, The Economist Group has evolved into a staunchly independent global media and information-services company with intelligent brands for an international audience.
Over time, the newspaper has helped readers grasp the great drivers of change, from technology to geopolitics, finance and economics. It added a dedicated section on the United States in 1942 and a China section in 2012. It expanded successfully into North America, which became its largest market. To serve decision-makers in businesses and beyond, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) became a leader in country analysis and forecasting. Live events around the world brought global thought-leaders together to discuss critical topics at roundtables and summits.
In recent years, the great change has been digital. The EIU started to deliver a timely stream of business intelligence and data. The Economist expanded its journalism online, onto its app and into podcasts, films, interactive infographics and social media. Economist Education began online executive courses, and Economist Impact grew, combining the reach and rigour of a think-tank with the creativity of a media brand to engage influential stakeholders and find new ways to pursue progress.
Our editorial offices in London (Photo: Alamy)
First issue published in 1843
Our editorial philosophy
Founded in 1843 to support the cause of free trade, The Economist continues to produce journalism of sometimes radical opinion with a reverence for facts.
Independence
Editorial independence lies at the heart of The Economist.
The constitution of the company does not permit any individual or
organisation to gain a majority shareholding. The editor is appointed by
trustees, who are independent of commercial, political and
proprietorial influences.
Objectivity
The Economist
has no by-lines. It is written anonymously because its collective voice
and personality matter more than the identities of individual
journalists. This ensures a continuity of tradition and consistency of
view.
Topicality
The Economist constantly covers and curates the news. It publishes weekly in a magazine format and daily on its digital platforms.
