Keep Covid rescue programmes or risk triggering stock market crash, warns IMF

International Monetary Fund says there are concerns about share price bubble

IMF downgrades forecast for UK economic recovery

Financial body says UK growth in 2021 will be lower than earlier forecasts, while global recovery will be stronger

‘It’s a big deal’: why former protester turned Davos mayor wants WEF back

Philipp Wilhelm knows local people rely on forum’s revenue – but still thinks world must change

As Covid cases spike, Dubai works to keep its economy open

For an emirate dependent on trade, transport and tourism, vaccination, not lockdown, is key to keeping its economy going

Janet Yellen says US must ‘act big’ to revive flagging economy

Incoming Treasury secretary’s speech boosts markets with call on Republicans to back Joe Biden’s $1.9tn stimulus plan

Energy agency forecasts lower demand for oil as Covid cases surge

Influential IEA cuts forecasts for rebound in market as new lockdowns bite

Is ‘hysterical’ market speculation pushing us towards another crash?

Despite Covid, global stocks started 2021 on a high. But some analysts warn of an ‘epic’ bubble, amid fears that the flow of stimulus has created a monster

Why global markets appear impervious to bad news

Vaccine optimism, central bank action and Bidenomics keep prices above pre-Covid peak

Brexit and Covid blamed as Asia-UK shipping rates increase fourfold

Port congestion and skeleton staffing cause shortage of freight containers while consumer demand rebounds

FTSE 100 surges as City guru warns of stock market bubble risk

Index climbs close to pre-Covid level despite concerns over ‘hysterical’ investor behaviour

World Bank calls for rapid action to prevent Covid debt crisis

Institution says pandemic has led to sharpest rise in government debt in more than 30 years

The world in 2021 – how global politics will change this year

Donald Trump’s departure will alter the face of geopolitics. The climate crisis and Covid response will affect all nations – while others face very particular challenges. Observer correspondents examine the 12 months ahead