PwC's Macroeconomics team presents Global Economy Watch, a short publication that looks at the trends and issues that are affecting the global economy and details our latest economic projections for the world's leading economies.

The Czech Republic isn’t exactly known for its customer service. Which is why a new ranking from Dutch start-up Booking.com may come as a bit of surprise to anyone who’s been given the evil eye from an icy receptionist or grouchy waiter, expats.cz writes.

In 2019, smart speakers will be the fastest-growing connected IoT device category. Their market will be worth USD 7 billion. Fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks will burst onto the scene in 2019, and by 2020, around 50 operators will offer this service. Among companies using artificial intelligence (AI), more than two thirds will obtain these capabilities through the cloud. These are some of the conclusions of Deloitte’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) Predictions 2019.

The result of external trade in November was a pleasant surprise, although for the entire year 2018 the trade balance will end up with a lower surplus than the year before. Labour market pressures did not let up at the end of the year. The higher share of unemployed in December was caused by seasonal effects, and the increasing number of vacancies shows that demand for labour remains strong.