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Normal view

Global uncertainty is the new normal. Here's why institutional legitimacy and resilience are crucial

15 June 2026 at 22:40
The world has never had more data, more models or more economists. It has rarely felt more out of control. Uncertainty, not risk, has become the defining condition of our era. Central bankers invoke it. Political leaders use it to defer decisions and justify extraordinary ones. Academics are struggling to adapt their theories to a brave new world of unexpected outcomes and erratic policy choices. The IMF's World Uncertainty Indexβ€”which tracks how often the word appears in economic and political reporting across 143 countriesβ€”has been running at historically elevated levels for the better part of a decade, with fresh spikes after every major shock.

Onboarding support helps merchants adopt digital payment methods

15 June 2026 at 21:20
Change can be hardβ€”especially when you're used to receiving change. Switching from cash-based to digital payment methods can be a difficult sell, particularly in developing economies, poorer neighborhoods and among older people who have gotten used to cash. But digital payments have certain advantages for both businesses and consumers, and a Cornell-led research team explored ways to spur adoption of modern payment technology.

Unintended consequences: When AI backfires in the workplace for employees

15 June 2026 at 17:20
While most businesses have introduced AI in the workplace to enhance employee productivity, an Auburn University information systems researcher cautions that under certain circumstances, AI deployment can inadvertently zap the motivation of its highest-performing workers, which could diminish the company's overall profit.

Higher tax burden, less corruption: Researchers examine civic engagement

15 June 2026 at 14:40
When citizens feel a bigger tax pinch, political corruption goes down and voter turnout rises. That's a key finding from new research led by Washington State University, which found that a higher tax burden is associated with increased civic engagement and citizen monitoring of public officials.

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