Mona Lisa effect: the confusing global economy

Mona Lisa effect: the confusing global economy
Leonardo Da Vinci achieved the Mona Lisa's ambiguous smile effect with the use of sfumato. (Image: Getty)
The Economist
What is Mona Lisa doing? At first glance, the subject of the world’s most famous painting seems to be smiling. Look again and her smile fades. When it next reappears, it is a different sort of smile. Leonardo Da Vinci achieved this ambiguous effect with the use of sfumato, where he blurred the lines around Mona Lisa’s face. No matter how many times you look, you are unsure of what is happening.The post-pandemic economy is like the Mona Lisa. Each time you look, you see something different. Following chaos in the banki...

More World

US consumer confidence slumps to lowest in seven months
World

US consumer confidence slumps to lowest in seven months

Consumers were "less sanguine" about their current situations. 

AFP 26 Nov 2025
Cow cuddling gives farms boost amid dropping dairy prices
Primary Sector

Cow cuddling gives farms boost amid dropping dairy prices

Cow cuddling isn’t new: It grew popular during covid.

Why China is picking a fight with Japan
World

Why China is picking a fight with Japan

Beijing sees a frank comment on Taiwan as a chance to weaken the prime minister.

Europe’s brain drain is accelerating
World

Europe’s brain drain is accelerating

High-tax, big-state Europe is starting to suffer an accelerating brain drain.