Global Debt Surges Past $100 Trillion Amid Rising Interest Rates

by News Editor

March 21, 2025

As of just a few moments ago, global debt has surpassed the alarming threshold of $100 trillion, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This significant milestone, driven by increasing interest rates, forces borrowers worldwide to make tougher financial decisions, urging a shift towards prioritizing productive investments. In 2023, global debt stood at $97 trillion.

Key Insights

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Debt growth is coupled with a significant rise in interest expenses, pushing borrowers to carefully consider their financial priorities.
From 2021 to 2024, the interest expenditure as a percentage of GDP climbed to its highest in two decades.
OECD member countries now allocate 3.3% of their GDP to interest payments, exceeding their defense budgets.
Despite central banks easing interest rates, borrowing costs remain significantly above pre-2022 levels, suggesting further upward pressure on interest expenses.
This scenario unfolds as countries, like Germany with ambitious infrastructure plans, face heightened fiscal demands. Moreover, challenges linked to the green transition and an aging population present further financial hurdles for major economies.

What to Watch

The OECD warns that the combination of elevated costs and growing debt could constrain future borrowing capabilities at a time when investment needs are more critical than ever. Managing debt sustainably to foster long-term growth and productivity is paramount.

Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties continue to impact international capital flows, adding complexity to the global financial environment. Ensuring stability and predictability through sound policy decisions remains crucial for attracting investments and maintaining economic resilience.

The growing global debt, along with higher interest costs, necessitates careful financial strategy management by governments and corporations to ensure productive investments and sustainable economic growth.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Strained Household Finances: Eurostat Data Reveals Persistent Payment Delays Across Europe and in Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 22, 2025

Improved Financial Resilience Amid Ongoing Strains

Over the past decade, Cypriot households have significantly increased their ability to manage debts—not only bank loans but also rent and utility bills. However, recent Eurostat data indicates that Cyprus continues to lag behind the European average when it comes to covering financial obligations on time.

Household Coping Strategies and the Limits of Payment Flexibility

While many families are managing their fixed expenses with relative ease, one in three Cypriots struggles to cover unexpected costs. This delicate balancing act highlights how routine payments such as mortgage installments, rent, and utility bills are met, but precariously so, with little room for unplanned financial shocks.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Breaking Down Payment Delays Across the European Union

Eurostat reports that nearly 9.2% of the EU population experienced delays with their housing loans, rent, utility bills, or installment payments in 2024. The situation is more acute among vulnerable groups: 17.2% of individuals in single-parent households with dependent children and 16.6% in households with two adults managing three or more dependents faced payment delays. In every EU nation, single-parent households exhibited higher delay rates compared to the overall population.

Cyprus in the Crosshairs: High Rates of Financial Delays

Although Cyprus recorded a notable 19.1 percentage point improvement from 2015 to 2024 in delays related to mortgages, rent, and utility bills, the island nation still ranks among the top five countries with the highest delay rates. As of 2024, 12.5% of the Cypriot population had outstanding housing loans or rent and overdue utility bills. In contrast, Greece tops the list with 42.8%, followed by Bulgaria (18.7%), Romania (15.3%), Spain (14.2%), and other EU members. Notably, 19 out of 27 EU countries reported delay rates below 10%, with Czech Republic (3.4%) and Netherlands (3.9%) leading the pack.

Selective Improvements and Emerging Concerns

Between 2015 and 2024, the overall EU population saw a 2.6 percentage point decline in payment delays. Despite this, certain countries experienced increases: Luxembourg (+3.3 percentage points), Spain (+2.5 percentage points), and Germany (+2.0 percentage points) saw a rise in payment delays, reflecting underlying economic pressures that continue to challenge financial stability.

Economic Insecurity and the Unprepared for Emergencies

Another critical indicator explored by Eurostat is the prevalence of economic insecurity—the proportion of the population unable to handle unexpected financial expenses. In 2024, 30% of the EU population reported being unable to cover unforeseen costs, a modest improvement of 1.2 percentage points from 2023 and a significant 7.4 percentage point drop compared to a decade ago. In Cyprus, while 34.8% still report difficulty handling emergencies, this marks a drastic improvement from 2015, when the figure stood at 60.5%.

A Broader EU Perspective

Importantly, no EU country in 2024 had more than half of its population facing economic insecurity—a notable improvement from 2015, when over 50% of the population in nine countries reported such challenges. These figures underscore both progress and persistent vulnerabilities within European households, urging policymakers to consider targeted measures for enhancing financial resilience.

For further insights and detailed analysis, refer to the original reports on Philenews and Housing Loans.

Breaking news