Flat Track

• Premier League clubs have achieved a perfect record in the Europa League and Conference League over the last two seasons, winning all 21 knockout ties. • This dominance is attributed to the league's immense financial resources, which may have made success in these secondary competitions inevitable. • The trend raises questions about whether English clubs have become "flat-track bullies" who can defeat lower-budget teams but struggle to replicate that success in the Champions League.

• Premier League clubs have achieved a perfect record in the Europa League and Conference League over the last two seasons, winning all 21 knockout ties. • This dominance is attributed to the league's superior financial resources, which may make their success in these specific competitions inevitable. • The trend raises questions about whether English clubs are "flat-track bullies" who can defeat lower-budget teams but struggle to replicate that success in the Champions League.

• The International Monetary Fund's Executive Board concluded its 2026 Article IV Consultation on April 2, stating there is "little room to cut interest rates in 2026" despite moderating inflation expectations. • The IMF projects U.S. GDP growth will reach 2.4% in 2026, up from 2.0% in 2025, while the federal funds rate is forecast to decline only from 3.6% to 3.4% — representing barely a single rate cut for the entire year. • Inflation is on track to hit the 2% target by early 2027, but the IMF warns that growth will peak this year and slowly decay toward 1.8%, while U.S. debt continues climbing annually.