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Germany’s economy grew by 0.2 percent in the first quarter of the year, according to preliminary data released Wednesday by the federal statistics office. The slight expansion, fueled by consumer spending and investment, is consistent with market expectations and has helped the economy avoid a technical recession following a 0.2 percent contraction in the previous quarter, Reuters reported.

Despite this positive uptick, Germany is the only G7 country that has not experienced yearly economic growth in the last two years. Analysts warn that President Donald Trump's newly announced US tariffs might have a substantial influence on Germany's export-driven economy, potentially paving the way for a third consecutive year of stagnation – an unprecedented scenario in the country's postwar history.

Preparations have been completed for the Investment Summit to be hosted by the Koshi Province government.

This information was shared at a press conference organized by the Province Investment Authority today.

The Summit will be held at Birendra Auditorium in Biratnagar.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to inaugurate the Summit on Thursday and it will conclude the next day.

The organizers hope that this conference would be historic and fruitful for the prosperity and development of Koshi Province, which has immense potential in terms of investment.

Executive Director of the Authority, Dr Saroj Koirala, informed that 71 projects will be showcased in the Summit and the total estimated cost of these projects is Rs 173.49 billion. These showcased projects are from the tourism, agriculture, industry, energy, infrastructure, IT and service sectors. Investors from Nepal, India, China, Russia, the US, South Korea and other Western countries will participate in the event.

Executive Director Dr Koirala shared that the summit will discuss six different topics of agriculture, tourism, industrial production, marketing, infrastructure development, energy and health services and medical education.

Similarly, Minister for Internal Affairs and Law Rewati Raman Bhandari opined that the Investment Summit would help increase employment and boost domestic capital in the province. He also expressed commitment to amend the laws that hinder the investment.

Likewise, Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning Ram Bahadur Magar opined that the investment summit would help in making the province economically strong, creating employment and developing potential sectors to attract tourists and increase production.

President Donald Trump's second term marked the worst 100-day performance in US markets since the 1970s. According to MarketWatch, the S&P 500 has fallen 7.3 percent, the Dow 6.8 percent, and the Nasdaq 11 percent since his January 20 inauguration, Firstpost reported.

Trump's unpredictable economic policies, such as increased tariffs, massive public-sector layoffs, and federal program shutdowns, have rattled markets and heightened recession fears. JPMorgan expects a 60 percent chance of a recession, while Goldman Sachs predicts 45 percent.

Historically, markets have risen during a president's first 100 days. Since 1929, the S&P 500 has increased by an average of 3.8 percent. The only worse drop occurred in 1973, under Nixon. The dip also contrasts starkly with the 3.7 percent post-election rise, which was driven by the expectation of market-friendly policies, as stated by the Firstpost.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 700 per tola in the domestic market on Wednesday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 188, 100 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 188, 800 per tola on Tuesday.

Similarly, the price of silver has dropped by Rs 5 and is being traded at Rs 1,965 per tola today.